What Constitutes a Good Darts Average Score?

Darts is a versatile and popular game where the average score can significantly vary depending on the level of play. Whether you're a casual player, a league participant, or a professional, your average score encapsulates your proficiency in the sport. In this article, we will explore the meaning of a good average score in different contexts and provide insights based on extensive experience and data from professional players.

Understanding Average Scores in Darts

The average score in darts is a measure of a player's consistency over three throws per turn. This metric is crucial for determining a player's skill level and is often used to differentiate between casual players, league participants, and professional athletes.

Casual Players

Casual players can generally aim for an average score of around 30 to 40 points per three darts. This range might seem modest, but it's a reasonable goal for beginners and players who play for fun rather than competition. Over time, with consistent practice and improvement, players can increase their average score.

League Players

In the context of leagues, averages typically range from 50 to 70 points per three darts. League players often face more frequent and structured competition, making this range a common benchmark for performance. These players have a solid understanding of the game and can make consistent shots over multiple turns.

Professional Players

Professional players, especially top-tier competitors, often achieve much higher averages. It is not uncommon for these players to maintain an average score of 90 to 110 points per three darts during matches. Averages surpassing 100 points are considered exceptional and require exceptional skill and consistency. These players are the elite of the sport and can maintain these high averages consistently.

Personal Insights from Darts Experience

Having played darts for about 10 years in league competitions, my experience echoes these average ranges. While my personal average was only around 60-70 points per three darts, the vast majority of my league counterparts were at similar levels. What truly sets apart the exceptional players are those with averages above 90 points. These players demonstrate a level of skill and precision that is awe-inspiring to competitors and spectators alike.

According to my observations, an average score above 90 is now considered excellent in the current competitive landscape. To win a tournament, players should aim for the upper 90s. Scoring consistently above 100 is a hallmark of the best players in the game, as evidenced by Michael van Gerwen's record-breaking average of 123.4 in one game.

Contextual Considerations for Amateur Play

For hobbyists and those who play casually, there's no need to focus excessively on average scores, especially when just starting out. I, for instance, have been playing for 3 years, but my average remains around the 40 mark. This is somewhat below the typical average for players in a similar timeframe, but the enjoyment of the game is far more important than adhering to strict averages.

Competitive Play and Goals

Should you aspire to compete in larger tournaments or regional/national competitions, a higher average score becomes more critical. A starting point might be an average around 80 points. To secure a PDC Tour Card, maintaining an average of 85 is necessary, and having a 90 average is required to perform consistently on the tour. Reaching an average of 93-95 will provide a strong foundation for qualifying for and performing well in TV tournaments.

It's important to note that these averages are just general guidelines. The professional game is incredibly competitive, and consistency is as crucial as high averages. Prize funds are often top-heavy, meaning a few exceptional days can outweigh consistent but lower averages. For instance, it's possible to win a PDC title with an average below 95, while players with a consistent average of 100 might struggle with early upsets due to poor draws.

In conclusion, a good average score in darts is relative to the player's context. For casual enthusiasts, the focus should be on enjoyment; for more serious competitors, achieving higher averages is essential for success. Regardless of your level, continuous practice and improved technique are the keys to enhancing your average score.