Why gear matters more over webcam
In a pub your opponent stands next to the board. Over webcam they only see what your camera sees. That changes what good gear means: the board has to be easy to read on video, the light has to remove shadows, and the camera has to stay still for a whole match.
The good news: you don't need everything at once. This guide goes through each piece in order of impact, and ends with a setup for three budgets.
1. The dartboard
Any bristle (sisal) board works for webcam darts. What makes a difference is the wiring: thin, sharp wires mean fewer bounce-outs and clearer segments on camera.
- Winmau Blade 6 — the board you see on the PDC stage and our standard pick.
- Winmau Blade 6 Triple Core — the same board with bristle in three densities, so darts hold better. Worth it if you practise a lot.
Rotate the number ring now and then so the treble 20 doesn't wear out first.
2. A surround
A surround catches the misses, protects your wall and stops darts bouncing onto the floor. On camera it frames the board, which makes it easier for your opponent to follow the action. The Winmau PDS Diamond surround set is a solid choice; check it fits your board before ordering.
3. Lighting: the biggest upgrade
If you buy one thing after your board, make it a light. Ceiling lights create shadows: darts in the board cast them over each other, and your opponent can't tell a treble from a single. A ring light around the board lights every segment evenly.
The Winmau Plasma 360 is the best-known option. You'll need a power socket near the board.
4. Camera and mount
A 1080p webcam or a recent phone is enough. What matters more is that it doesn't move: mount it at board height, about 1.5 to 2 metres away, slightly to the side so you don't block it when you throw.
- Webcam — plug and play, and it stays where you put it. Good if your PC or laptop is near the board.
- Phone on a tripod — free if you already have a phone. Use a tripod with a phone clamp so the view doesn't sag mid-match.
Our camera setup guide shows the best angles, and the article on the best webcam setup goes deeper on lighting and audio.
5. Auto-scoring (optional)
Autodarts uses cameras around the board to recognise every dart, so nobody has to type in scores. It's a luxury, not a requirement: on MoneyDarts you enter your visits on the keypad and your opponent checks them on camera. If you want it, the Autodarts kit for the Winmau Plasma mounts on the light ring; check the listing for exactly what's included.
6. Darts and spare parts
Your darts matter more for your game than for the camera. If you're choosing a new set, start between 21 and 24 grams; our article on the best darts for online play explains weight, barrel material and shape.
Keep spare flights and shafts within reach: a bent flight mid-match costs you more than a few euros of spares.
A setup for every budget
- Starter — any bristle board, your phone on a tripod, and a bright lamp aimed at the board from the front. Enough to play your first matches.
- Serious — a Winmau Blade 6 with a surround, a ring light such as the Winmau Plasma 360, and a fixed 1080p webcam. This is where webcam darts starts to feel like the real thing.
- Pro at home — the Blade 6 Triple Core, Plasma 360 and an Autodarts kit, plus a few signature darts to try. Everything a serious player needs.
Not sure where to start? Begin with the light. It's the upgrade your opponents will notice first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need expensive gear to play webcam darts?
No. A bristle board, your phone and decent light are enough to start. Upgrade the light first, then the board.
Is a ring light really necessary?
Not required, but it's the single biggest improvement for webcam play: without shadows your opponent can read every dart.
Does MoneyDarts work with Autodarts?
You enter scores on the keypad in the matchroom; your opponent checks them on camera. Autodarts is optional and works on its own.
Where can I buy this gear?
Everything in this guide is on our gear page, sold and delivered by bol.com in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Set up? Throw your first webcam match
Play 501 over webcam against real opponents, free with play credits.
