If you’ve ever watched a game of darts or played a few rounds yourself, you’ve probably heard the term “double” more than once. But what exactly does it mean? And why is it so important in darts?
As a darts manufacturer and supplier, we get asked about this lots of times, especially for the player who are new to the game. So we write this article.
What is a Double In Darts?
In darts, a “double” refers to the outer thin ring on the dartboard. When you hit this area, the number you land on is doubled in value.
For example:
- Hit a double 20, and you score 40 points.
- Hit a double 16, you get 32 points.
It’s a small ring, but it plays a big role, especially when it comes to finishing a game.
Where is the Double Ring Located?
The double ring is the outermost thin ring on the dartboard, just inside the outer edge. It’s right outside the large single scoring area. Every numbered segment on the board has a corresponding double section in this ring. You could check the article of How Does Dart Scoring Work to learn dartboard structure.
Why is The Double Important in Darts?
The double isn’t just for high scores, it’s often what decides the game.
In the popular games like 301 and 501, players must finish on a double. This is known as a “double out”.
For example, if you have 40 points left, the only way to win is to hit double 20. If you miss and score more or less, your turn ends and your score stays the same.
That’s why practicing doubles is so important. It doesn’t matter how many triple 20s you hit if you can’t finish on a double.
Different Types of Double
Here’s where it gets interesting. “Double” can mean a few different things depending on the game or situation. Let’s go through some of the most common ones:
Traditional Double (Scoring Ring)
This is the one every player knows.
- It’s the thin outer ring on the dartboard.
- Hitting it gives you double the value of that number.
- So double 20 = 40 points, double 5 = 10 points, and so on.
It’s used in every standard darts game, and mastering it is key for both scoring and finishing.
Double Out
In games like 301 or 501, you must finish the game by hitting a double.
- If your score is 32, you can only win by hitting double 16.
- If you hit a single 16 or go over the score, it doesn’t count.
- Many pro tournaments, like PDC events, use this rule.
This rule puts pressure on your accuracy — and separates good players from great ones.
Double In
Less common but fun: in some game variants, you can’t even start scoring until you hit a double.
- This is called “Double In, Double Out”.
- You need a double to start and another to finish.
It adds a layer of challenge and is great for sharpening your aim early in the game.
Double Bust
This happens when you’re trying to finish with a double, but you go over the points or hit the wrong number.
- Let’s say you have 20 left and go for double 10 — that’s perfect.
- But if you hit double 11 (22), you’ve gone over. That’s a bust.
- Your score resets to what it was before the turn. Brutal — but fair.
Learning to avoid a double bust is part of the endgame strategy. Get more information about bust, check article of “What Does Bust Mean in Darts“
Double Trouble / Double-Double
This one’s more slang than official, but players say it when they:
- Hit two doubles in a row, either in one turn or across turns.
- Or when they’re struggling to hit any double at all, as in “I’ve got double trouble today!”
There are also fun practice games or challenges where you must hit two different doubles to win — great for practicing consistency.
Queen’s Double / King’s Double
These terms come from casual or pub darts — they’re not official, but they add some fun flavor to the game.
- Double Queen means double 12, which scores 24 points.
- Double King means double 13, which scores 26 points.
Some players use these names for training routines, or even as nicknames for high-pressure finishing shots. If someone says, “I took it out on the Queen,” they likely hit double 12 to win the leg.
Final Thoughts
Doubles might be small in size, but they’re very important in your dart games. Whether you’re gunning for a perfect finish or just trying to hit your first double 16, understanding all these variations can make the game a lot more fun and give you a real edge.
And hey, if you’re looking for high quality dart board for your game, contact us, we are not only the dart lovers and help you to learn more about dart sports, we are also can help you to update your dart equipments and bring you more fun from this game.
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