Scoring can be stressful. And it always feels (way) too fast. But here’s the good news: there’s a lot you can do to make life easier.
The secret? Work with your brain, not against it.
In this post, you’ll get five practical tips to think less, make fewer mistakes, and write faster. Not by working harder — but by thinking smarter.
#1 Be consistent: always calculate the same way
Make yourself a simple rule: work with familiar patterns. For example:
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Numbers ending in 3 to 9? → Round up to the next ten and subtract.
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Numbers ending in 1 or 2? → Round down to the previous ten and add.
Like this:
324 – 57 → Think: 324 – 60 = 264, then +3 = 267
296 – 41 → Think: 296 – 40 = 256, then –1 = 255
Using this trick every time saves brain power. It becomes automatic — and that’s the real win. I’ve noticed it myself: I only mess up when I suddenly try “a different way.” Don’t do that. Trust your method.
➡️ Tip: Check out the book Darts Scoring Made Easy for a solid system.
#2 Write from left to right — also for Player 2
Seems small, but it’s key. We read and think from left to right. So place Player 1 on the left and Player 2 on the right — always.
If you write Player 2 backwards (right to left), you force your brain to “reverse think” each time. That takes extra milliseconds and leads to more errors and confusion.
➡️. Bonus tip: Players also read left to right, and it’s easier for them if their score is on the outside column.
#3 Write full names, not just initials
“A vs B” on the scoreboard. Seems clear, right? Nope. Your brain works harder to connect letters with people.
Names like “Andre” and “Bert” are easier to recognize under pressure. Less thinking = more calm.
➡️ Optional: Use flight colors or shirt colors to help, too!
#4 Write clearly — for yourself and the players
Ever write an 84, only to realize later it looks like a 64? Or maybe it was 86?
Messy numbers mean you’ll have to decipher your own handwriting mid-leg. That’s frustrating and risky. Write clearly and with rhythm. It saves time and brainpower.
➡️. Bonus: players will follow their score more easily, reducing disputes or confusion.
#5 Prepare early: write the names before the bull-off
Many scorers wait until after the bull to write names. But then you’re scribbling right before the first dart. Not ideal.
➡️ Better: Write both names beforehand. After the bull-off, just add an arrow for the starting player. Done!
Final thought: your brain is your ally, not your enemy
Scoring isn’t just about math. It’s about patterns, trust, and avoiding mistakes through structure. By scoring smart, you free your brain to focus on what really matters: following the game, staying calm, and enjoying the moment.
Find more tips at https://www.dartschool.be/en/tips-en/
