How to Play Darts Online: The Complete Guide

What is online darts?

Online darts lets you play real darts against real people from your home. Instead of meeting at a pub or league venue, you set up your dartboard at home, point a webcam at it, and connect with opponents through a platform like Moneydarts. Both players throw on their own board while watching each other live on video.

The concept has grown rapidly in recent years, with platforms offering everything from casual friendly matches to organized tournaments with brackets and prize pools. The key difference from dart scoring apps is the live webcam verification — you can see your opponent throw every dart, making online darts feel almost like playing in person.

What you need to get started

The equipment list is simpler than you might think:

• A dartboard — Any standard bristle dartboard mounted at regulation height (173cm to the bullseye center). Steel tip or soft tip both work depending on the platform.
• Darts — Your preferred set. Most online platforms use standard scoring regardless of dart type.
• A webcam or smartphone — 720p minimum resolution. A smartphone on a tripod works perfectly. Position it to show both the board and your throwing area.
• Stable internet — At least 3-5 Mbps upload and download. Wired ethernet is more reliable than WiFi for video calls.
• A browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge on any device. No app downloads required on most platforms.

For a detailed equipment guide, check our webcam setup guide or read our post on what you need to play darts online.

Step 1: Create your account

Sign up on a platform like Moneydarts with your email address. Most platforms offer free play credits so you can start immediately without any payment. Verify your email to unlock competitive features like tournaments and ranked matches.

Step 2: Set up your camera

Position your webcam or smartphone so it has a clear view of your dartboard. The ideal angle is from the side, about 1.5-2 meters away, at board height. Good lighting on the board face is essential — a dartboard surround light or even a desk lamp pointing at the board makes a huge difference.

The platform will run a device check before your first match to verify your camera and microphone are working properly. For detailed positioning advice, see our best webcam setup guide.

Step 3: Join a match

You have several options to find a game:

• Open challenges — Browse the lobby for matches other players have created. Filter by format, stake, and region. Click "Join" to enter instantly.
• Create your own match — Set up a match with your preferred format (501, 301), stake amount, and whether you want instant join or host approval. Share the link or wait for someone to join from the lobby.
• Invite a friend — Create a private match and send the direct link to a friend. They can join from any device with a browser.
• Tournaments — Register for organized bracket tournaments. Play through rounds until a champion is crowned. Entry fees go into a prize pool.

Step 4: Play your match

Once both players are in the match room, the video call starts automatically. You will see your opponent on screen while you both throw. The game follows standard X01 rules:

• Both players start at the same score (typically 501 or 301)
• Take turns throwing 3 darts each
• After each turn, enter your total visit score (0-180) using the on-screen keypad
• Your score is subtracted from your remaining total
• The first player to reach exactly zero wins the leg
• In double-out mode, you must finish on a double (the last dart must land in a double segment)

The live scoreboard shows both players remaining scores, legs won, sets won, 3-dart averages, and whose turn it is. Everything updates in real time for both players.

Fair play and disputes

One of the biggest concerns with online darts is fair play. How do you know your opponent is entering scores honestly? This is where webcam verification makes all the difference.

On platforms like Moneydarts, every competitive match requires a live webcam. Both players can see each other throw and verify where darts land. If there is a disagreement, either player can open a dispute after the match. Human moderators review the video evidence and make a fair ruling.

This system means that cheating is extremely difficult — your opponent is literally watching you throw on camera. It creates the same accountability as playing in person.

Tips for beginners

• Practice your setup first — Throw a few practice games solo to make sure your camera angle and lighting are good before joining a competitive match.
• Start with casual matches — Play a few low-stake or free matches to get comfortable with the platform before entering tournaments.
• Good lighting matters — Your opponent needs to see where your darts land. A well-lit board builds trust and avoids disputes.
• Use a stable internet connection — A dropped connection during a match can result in a forfeit. Wired ethernet is always better than WiFi.
• Be respectful — Online darts has a strong community. Good sportsmanship goes a long way.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to play your first online darts match?

Create your free account and start competing against real players in minutes.