🎯 Beginner’s Guide to Betting on Darts: Tips, Markets, and Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re new to darts betting, this beginner’s guide will walk you through the fundamentals of the sport, key betting markets, smart strategies, and the most common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're interested in backing underdogs, betting on 180s, or getting an edge through stats - this post is your all-in-one resource.
📌 Understanding Darts: The Basics You Need to Know
Before you place your first bet, it’s essential to understand how professional darts works.
🏹 Match Format
- Legs and Sets: A leg is a single game where both players start with 501 points and take turns to bring the score down to zero, finishing on a double.
- Sets: A set is made up of a number of legs - usually 3 legs to win a set in major tournaments.
🏆 PDC World Darts Championship Format
This is the most prestigious tournament and follows this structure:
- First & Second Rounds: Best-of-5 sets
- Third & Fourth Rounds: Best-of-7 sets
- Quarter-Finals: Best-of-9 sets
- Semi-Finals: Best-of-11 sets
- Final: Best-of-13 sets
Note: From Round 2 onwards, the deciding set must be won by two clear legs.
💡 How to Bet on Darts: Key Markets Explained
Darts offers diverse betting markets - some simple, some advanced. Here's what beginners need to know:
Match Winner
The most straightforward bet. You pick the player you believe will win the match.
Tip: Always consider form, head-to-head records, and venue advantage.
Handicap Betting
Used when a player is a clear favorite. Bookies give the underdog a "head start" in legs or sets.
- Example: In a match ending 8–3, a -3.5 handicap on the winner still results in a “win” for your bet.
Most 180s
- A 180 is the highest score (three treble 20s) in one visit.
- Bet on the player who’ll score the most, or in tournament markets, who’ll land the most 180s across the event.
Correct Score
Predict the exact score in sets (or occasionally legs). This is a riskier bet but with higher returns.
Highest Checkout
- A checkout is the final score a player hits to win a leg.
- The maximum is 170 (T20, T20, Bull).
- Bet on who will hit the highest or what that score might be.
Nine-Dart Finish
- This perfect leg is rare and exciting.
- You can bet on whether one will happen in a match or which player might do it.
🔍 Where to Find the Best Darts Betting Stats
Success in darts betting often comes down to data:
- 🎯 Darts Database: Historical match results, player averages, and more.
- 📊 OLBG Darts Blogs: Tournament previews, betting tips, and player insights.
- 🏆 Head-to-Head: Compare matchups between players.
- 🎯 3-Dart Averages: Top players often average 95+—a good benchmark for form.
✅ Darts Betting Strategy: Tips for Smarter Bets
🔸 Focus on Form
Players on a hot streak are usually worth backing. Form guides and recent averages help a lot.
🔸 Know the Venue
Some players thrive under pressure and in specific arenas (e.g., Ally Pally for the World Champs).
🔸 Watch for Underdogs
If the odds underestimate a player who’s been quietly improving—there may be real value.
🔸 Don’t Ignore Averages
The player with the higher 3-dart average tends to win, but finishing doubles and mental toughness also matter.
❌ Biggest Mistakes to Avoid in Darts Betting
🚫 Blindly Backing Big Names
Even legends lose. Look at matchups and current form, not just reputation.
🚫 Ignoring the Underdog
The biggest wins often come from correctly betting against the favorites.
🚫 Failing to Research
No player wins every week. Check their stats, mindset, and performance trends.
🚫 Ignoring Head-to-Head Records
Some players consistently outperform certain opponents—this matters.
🚫 Overlooking Venue Influence
Crowd support (or hostility) can affect performance, especially for less experienced players.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Bet Smarter
Darts betting can be fun, fast-paced, and profitable if approached strategically. Whether you’re placing your first wager or looking to sharpen your edge, remember to:
- Always compare odds.
- Use stats like 3-dart averages and checkout percentages.
- Respect underdogs and form trends.
- Never chase losses—only bet what you can afford.
And most importantly - enjoy the thrill of the oche!
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