10 Ways to Show Proper Darts Etiquette at Your Next Match

For players and teams that aren't yet acquainted with each other, take a moment to greet them and introduce yourself.

This darts etiquette tip obviously only applies if you don't already know your opponent or teammates, but it's a great way to show respect and friendly manners before the game even starts.

Another way to show respect to your opponent is by wishing your opponent good luck before the match begins. In casual local leagues, many players prefer to fist bump or verbally pass along good wishes like "good darts" or "shoot well".

While handshaking is one physical way to show proper darts etiquette and respect for your opponent, it's mostly reserved for the pros and top-tier matches at traveling tournaments. Not shaking your opponent's hand is considered poor darts etiquette and could even harm your reputation.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's extremely important darts etiquette to not disturb or distract your opponent. While your opponent is taking their turn, you should respect their game by not talking, making noise, or taunting your opponent.

Any sort of distraction can throw off your opponent's performance, which doesn't make the game fair for either party. This includes playing with your darts in a way that would make the metal clang and rattle, tapping your fingers or your shoes, or even talking to your team too loudly. You should also never practice darts on the boards adjacent to your match board in between your throws — this is an illegal move in some tournaments and leagues, and it is highly distracting for everyone.

While your opponent is taking their turn, you should take extra care not to get in their way. Don't stand too close to your opponent during their turn and stay outside their line of sight. Otherwise, it can be distracting — just like the previous darts etiquette tip.

It is also a courteous gesture to leave enough room for your opponent to walk away from the oche without obstructing the pathway or area. If you stand in the way of the oche, it can throw off their groove or rhythm in between their turns. Professional and livestreamed tournaments have a designated exit pathway on the right to avoid walking in front of the dartboard camera on the left.

One of the most important darts etiquette tips of steel tip play is to remove your darts only after your score is calculated. In official tournaments, the scorers need a moment to announce the points before players can retrieve their darts from the board and potentially dispute any disagreements in the scoring. In casual play, you're free to remove your darts either before or after recording your score, but it is still highly recommended to retrieve them after.

Soft tip players have to remove their darts as fast as possible due to soft tip machines auto-changing player turns — you might accidentally mark a segment on your opponent's turn. Plus, you'll be eating up their shot clock if you linger too long.

Being respectful of everyone's time is crucial to darts etiquette as you don't want to delay the match any longer than necessary. Taking up extra time to chit chat with those around you or even taking a break will take up precious time that should be spent on the game.

Furthermore, taking up too much time too frequently can throw off both your game and your opponent's focus. There's no need to rush your turn as that can hurt your performance as well, but simply being mindful of everyone's time will make the match go smoothly. You should also aim to show up to the board as soon as your match is called. Plan your smoke breaks and bathroom breaks accordingly to avoid being late. In some events, being late can even get you disqualified!

No one likes a backseat driver! A backseat darter is the same thing. Unless you're discussing strategy or your next move with your teammates, don't coach your opponent on what to hit on their next turn. This can come off as rude and condescending to the other person, and some may even consider it a potential act of sabotage. Focus on yourself and your team — let your opponent do their thing.

If you're playing on a team or with a partner, sometimes your team may request your help while they're at the oche. This could be for a strategy move or their next throw. Don't give advice while they're throwing, unless you have discussed it prior. You should never speak during someone's throw unless you've gotten explicit consent to do so.

Everyone gets upset when we lose — it's just in our human nature. But taking it out on those around you is an unhealthy way to cope with the feelings of losing a game. Emotional outbursts can quickly turn any darts game sour, and it's typically considered poor darts etiquette to not keep your emotions in check.

Sometimes players damage the dartboard by assaulting it after a bad throw. Try not to be a sore loser and instead turn your loss into a learning opportunity. What could you have done better? How can you develop a better game strategy?

Practicing open communication is the most important darts etiquette tip of all. It's the best way to avoid any sort of misunderstanding or miscommunication between your team, your opponent, or even your coach. If you can't make it to a match, let your teammates or league organizer know ahead of time so that someone else can quickly fill in your place. Failing to communicate will reflect poorly on your responsibility as a player.

With your team, discuss what your team's expectations are and what will be asked of you. Make sure you share the same goals as it will help you work together stronger and, ultimately, perform better in the end.

The best darts etiquette tip you want to follow at every darts match is to show gratitude to those around you. Whether you've won or lost your match, take time to thank your team, your opponent, and especially your league/tournament organizers for an amazing game.

Without a community supporting the game, darts wouldn't be what it is today. It's a simple gesture that will go a long way. Don't forget that handshake, fist bump or verbal recognition at the end of your game!