Posted on: 10 July 2017
As you can see, the 501 game requires a number of skills to complete. Heavy scoring (as well as being able to switch to another high number if you block the bed), your set up and your finish. So you need to know your way around the whole board, and a little bit of maths as well.
Working on your stance, grip and throwing will help achieve consistency, which is what you need for ‘bunching’ up for those high scores.
How often should I practice?
As often as possible. Even with just ten or twenty minutes a day, you’ll notice improvements straight away. In the end though, it boils down to the better you want to become, the more you will have to practice.
Consider playing different types of games and challenges to improve your skill around the board and at the doubles as well. These are fun, on your own and with someone else, and can help make sure your routine doesn’t get boring.
Here are a few for you to try:
- Clocks – a nice easy warm up this one. Each player takes it in turn to throw three darts and the aim is to hit 1 first and work your way through to 20, finishing on the bull. Once you hit 1, you move on to 2, so it’s possible to move up three each turn, and even finish in 7 rounds if you’re really good. When you’re more confident, make it more difficult by going for trebles and doubles.
- Cricket – this game is played using 15 through 20 and the inner and outer bull. Player take turns with three darts and the objective is to ‘open’ segments and score on them, and at the same time closing your opponents open segments. Opening (and closing) requires you to hit them for three ‘marks’ (double and trebles count two and three marks). Once opened, each additional hit by the owner/opener scores points equal to its number (can also be doubled and trebled), until the opponent closes it. For the bullseyes, the outer counts as one mark, and the inner as two. The winner is the player who reaches a certain innings score, agreed in advance by the players. There are many different versions of this game, so be sure to try them all out.
- Killer – this game really comes into its own when you have a crowd of people wanting to use the board at the same time. But beware, it is a game that can test friendships! As with most games, there are several variations, but the aims are universal, remove all your opponents and be the last person standing. Firstly each player is given a number to aim for, either by drawing lots or by throwing a dart with your ‘other’ hand. This is then marked next to your name on the scoreboard. The object is for each thrower to first hit their own number five times (maximum) to gain status of KILLER. Once they have achieved this they then can throw for their opponent’s number. If you hit your opponent’s number as a KILLER, then you reduce the number of lives they’ve accrued. If your score drops below zero you have been killed and are out. Doubles and trebles count for both acquiring and taking lives. Ramp up the challenge by scoring only with doubles / trebles.
Did you know?
Winmau comes from the first three letters of original founder Harry Kick’s wife, Winifred Maud.
