Dart Rules
The Canadian Dart League operated under the rules laid down by the Darts Regulation Authority for all league and tournament play, Details of the DRA Rules can be found Here; downloadable as a PDF (rules updated in January 2023).
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 CDL 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.
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.
Legs & Sets:
Games being played in the Legs format can be played to a 'Best of' format whereby a player or team winning six legs in a 'Best of 11 Leg' game wins the match.
Most CDL events are played in a Legs format.
Other tournaments will be played in Sets format, whereby players must win a Set by winning the Best of Five legs, before claiming the match in the Best of 3/5/7/9/11/13 Sets.
Some CDL events are played using the Set format, with differing lengths of games at each tournament.
Double Start Format:
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.