KNOW THE RULES.
ENJOY THE GAME.
An easy-to-read guide based on the rulebook amended April 23, 2026 and October 2026 management responses. The separate Matchplay Overview still conflicts with certain published match rules.
HOW A LEAGUE SET WORKS.
‘01 games
501 and other ‘01 formats start straight in and finish double out. In 301, players must double in and double out. Busts return the score to the start of that visit.
Cricket
Close 15 through 20 and bull with three marks each. You must close every number and finish with at least as many points as your opponent.
Houston format
Leg one is 501, leg two Cricket. If a third leg is needed, the cork winner chooses the game OR chooses to start first—not both.
BE READY AT THE OCHE.
Bring a scoring tablet
Each team needs a connected device and at least one DartConnect account holder. A free DartConnect account is acceptable for ordinary team league scoring.
Prepare the lineup
Captains build lineups without seeing the opposing lineup, then exchange them. The pre-match lineup tool is in My DartConnect, separate from the scoring view.
Cork each leg
The opening order is decided by throwing at the bull. The option to throw the cork first follows Visitor, loser of leg one, then Home for a best-of-three set.
Teams traditionally play home and away fixtures. The official schedule, league format and agreed starting time come from the current season's organizer instructions, not this summary.
GOOD DARTS NEED GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP.
Arrive in good time
Give your captain prompt notice if you're delayed. Keep breaks between games and give other throwers a clear space.
Respect the scorekeeper
Wait for a confirmed score before removing darts. A scorer may state a score or remainder but may not suggest checkout combinations.
Reschedule correctly
Contact the opposing captain at least two hours ahead when a postponement is needed. The League Director must be notified within 48 hours of the originally scheduled night.
Escalate through captains
Captains resolve disputes privately first. If unresolved, a match can continue under protest, with a written protest sent to the League Director within 48 hours.