Below is a basic guide for beginners to the sport of darts. There are a number of different versions of the sport and also a number of different dartboards which are used around the world. Here you can find details of the most commonly played version - 501 - used in all DPA-DPNZ events on a standard dartboard.

Dart Board Measurements:
Standard height from the floor to the bullseye on the dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches, while the oche (distance between the front of the board and the toeline) should measure 7 feet 9.25inches.

Basic Rules:
In a game of 501 the object is for one player or a team to be the first to reach zero from starting total of 501. In simple terms, after three darts are thrown, the throwing player subtracts the total scored from his current total until he reaches zero.

In order to reach zero each player must finish by throwing a double i.e. if player one has 36 remaining he must hit double 18 to win, while if player two has 45 remaining he must hit single 5, double 20 to win - or a another combination of scores provided the final dart scores on a double.

Some versions of the game require a 'double start' whereby players must begin the game with a double as well as 'checking out' on a double. The Sky Poker World Grand Prix uses the 'double in, double out' rule.

Games can be played to a 'Best of' format whereby a player or team winning three legs in a 'Best of Five Leg' competition wins the match. Other tournaments will be played in 'Set' format, whereby players must win a set by winning the Best of Five legs, before claiming the match in the Best of Five Sets.

Australian Grand Prix 2010
The DPA Australian Grand Prix is open to all players, National and International. However only Australian and New Zealand resident players can accumulate AGP Points and MUST hold a valid DPA Tour Card.

Australian and New Zealand players participating in the Australian Grand Prix must be eligible and available to participate in the PDC World Dart Championship and other PDC associated events.

They must also be eligible to hold an Australian/New Zealand Passport or a valid passport with either an Australian or New Zealand visa of residence and able to hold an entry Visa to the UK, NZ, USA, Thailand, Singapore and other countries associated with DPA-DPNZ/PDC events.

It is up to each individual to be aware of their visa status to those countries.

Format of play Australian Grand Prix

Group Stage best of 5 Legs (first to 3)
Knockout stages all games including finals best 11 (First to 6)

Bullseye rule all DPA events
25 is 25 bull is bull
Pull the dart after the throw unless asked by player to leave

Example of rule
Both players hit 25 throw again second player to throw first (alternate)
Both players throw outside 25 throw again second player to throw first (alternate)
Player hits bull second player hits bull throw again second player to throw first (alternate)
Player hits bull second player hits 25 or outside player that hits bull throws first in the 1st, 3rd, 5th 7th 9th 11th leg
Player hits 25 second player hits outside, player that hit 25 throws first in the 1st, 3rd, 5th 7th 9th 11th leg

DPA Dress Code:
There will be strict dress restrictions for all players and any player who does not conform to what is required at any stage of any of these events will first be asked to change and then eliminated should they refuse to do so.
No player will be allowed to play in the qualifying heats should they not be wearing long trousers (no denims or shorts whatsoever allowed). Collared shirts and their attire must not bear any offensive caricatures or words. No training type shoes (gym shoes, tennis shoes, etc.) are allowed and all players must wear regular shoes. No head gear whatsoever will be allowed. Exceptions will be made for religious reasons. All decisions taken by the Tournament Director will be absolutely final.

The DRA are responsible for the development of the rules and also for the Anti-Doping Programme in conjunction with UK Sport.

Click here to see the new DRA Rule Book, which came into force in January 2009.
 
 The DRA Anti-Doping Policy can be viewed by clicking this link (updated May 2009).
 
 The DRA has its own website, where details of rules, charges and disciplinary hearings can be found.
 
 Click here to visit the DRA Website