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How to Set Up a Dart Board

The dart board is a longstanding and popular game, even considered a sport in some countries. As with any playing area, the dart board must be set up very specifically to make sure that play is equal for all participants. There are particular measurements and distances, and each player is ensured of a level chance of success if the board is set up correctly. For leagues and competitions especially, regulations require each dart board to be set up to the exact same standards. At home, many amateur dart players are sticklers for keeping this same standard.

Things You'll Need

Dart board
Darts
Measuring tape
Clear area to place board where there is no foot traffic
Cabinet or wall protection, such as cork board, to surround the dart board
Screwdriver
Chalkboard and chalk

Instructions

- 1
  Select your playing area based on space and safety. A clear area where there's not much traffic is important, as darts can bounce several feet and hit nearby people. If using an electronic board, be sure an electrical outlet is available in the area as a power source.
- 2
  Measure your wall area to allow for the proper height of the dart board. If you are placing a dart board in a cabinet, be sure the center point of the cabinet is 68 inches from the floor. If you are using cork board, attach the cork to the wall in at least a 4-foot-square area with the center point at 68 inches from the floor.
- 3
  Screw the dart board hanger in place so that when hung, the bulls eye of the dart board is at the exact 68-inch point from the floor. If using a board that hangs from the top, you will need to measure both from the floor for your center point, then measure the distance from the center of your bullseye and add that to the length to place your hanger. If you are using a center-mount dart board that takes steel-tip darts, which is usually a cabinet or regulation type, the hanger will be pre-mounted in the center of the back of the dart board, and only one measurement is necessary. Check to be sure the dart board is at the correct height once placed. Plug your electronic board in once it is set.
- 4
  Measure out from the dart board to create your 'standing line' on the floor. Depending on your flooring, you will want to choose carefully how to mark your line. If you have an area where you can paint the line on the floor, this is optimal. Tape is an option for carpeted areas, but may leave a residue on your carpet and can be worn down with time. Regardless of how you mark the floor, this is key and a necessity for your set up. Everyone must throw from the same point. For steel-tip darts, the measurement is exactly 7 feet, 9.25 inches from the board. For electronic darts, it is 8 feet.
- 5
  Hang the chalkboard nearby, but not within 4 feet of the board as keeping score will disrupt play. Tables and a comfortable area for players to relax between turns is a good idea and will lend to hours of enjoyment with your new dart board.

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