Learning how to throw darts really comes down to three things: stance, grip and release timing. Get those right and accuracy follows on its own. This isn't about scoring rules, just the basic throwing motion, so you can step up to a Phoenix board at AI DARTS and give it a proper go.
Stance: lead foot forward, same side as your throwing hand
Start by standing steady, not by swinging your arm. If you throw right handed, your right foot goes forward, close to the oche, toes roughly pointed at the bull. Your left foot sits back and turned out a little for balance, no need to overthink it. Keep your shoulders square to the board so you're not twisting your body to compensate for your arm.
Grip: three fingers or four, don't squeeze
The most common beginner grip is three fingers: thumb underneath the barrel, index and middle finger on top. Ring finger and pinky stay relaxed and off the dart. If three fingers feels unstable, add your ring finger for a four finger grip, one more contact point, less wobble. Either way the point is the same: stay loose. A dart is thrown with the motion, not muscled out with a death grip. Squeeze too hard and your wrist locks up right when you need it most.
Release: a steady elbow, the wrist fires last
Break the throw into three parts. Bring the dart back to eye or cheek height, keep your elbow steady like a hinge and drive it forward, then let your wrist snap at the very last moment before the dart leaves your hand, angled slightly upward. Timing matters more than power here: release too early and the dart drops short, too late and it flies high.
Common form mistakes
- Turning your whole body sideways: shoulders aren't square to the bull, so the dart drifts
- Elbow flying out: your release path changes every throw
- Stance too wide or too narrow: you lose balance and sway
- Switching grip fingers mid session: no consistent motion to build accuracy on
First time at AI DARTS? You're not expected to hit anything
Everyone's darts go everywhere the first time, that's completely normal. AI DARTS runs full Phoenix electronic dartboards, so the machine scores everything for you: no mental math, no one judging a wild throw, the board has seen it all. If you're not sure how to stand or hold the dart, just ask staff. Bad form is easy to spot and they'll help you fix it on the spot. Start with Count-Up mode to build feel first, accuracy comes with reps. For game modes and lingo, see our darts glossary and how to play Cricket and 501.
Sore arm and hungry? AI DARTS also has Hotdogray hot dogs on site, grab one and get back to it. Curious what Hotdogray is about, check the official site. Boards run 24 hours, so there's no rush, see how self-service works here, and join the membership to start tracking your scores.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to learn the rules before I practise throwing?
A: No. Stance, grip and release are the fundamentals; rules can come later, and the machine's menu explains each game anyway.
Q: Is the grip different for left handed players?
A: Same mechanics, mirrored: throw with your left hand, left foot forward, shoulders still square to the bull.
Q: Why do my darts keep dropping short?
A: Usually you're releasing too early or throwing too flat. Aim the release slightly upward and let your wrist add the last bit of power.
Q: I don't own darts, can I still practise at AI DARTS?
A: Yes, the boards are ready to use on site, and staff can walk you through it if it's your first time. Once you're hooked and want your own set, the beginner section of our online darts shop is a good place to start (the shop is in Chinese).