Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, you may have heard of the term ‘handicap’ in darts and wondered what it entails.
In this post, we’ll explore what a handicap in darts is and how it levels the playing field, making the game more competitive and engaging for players of all skill levels.
In darts, a handicap is employed to even the odds between players of different skill levels. It acts as a mechanism that adjusts the scores, allowing competitors with varying abilities to compete on a level playing field.
How Do You Calculate Your Handicap In Darts?
Calculating a handicap in darts involves a straightforward formula that takes into account the skill level or average score of each player.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the handicap in a 301 game.
Step 1: Determine The Skill Level Of Each Player
To determine the skill level of either player, you’ll need to calculate their PPD (Points Per Dart) score, you can do this by throwing any number of darts, calculating the score, then dividing by the total number of darts thrown.
Example: 90 darts thrown ÷ total score = points per dart
Step 2: Calculate the Difference In Average Scores
Subtract the lower average score from the higher average score. For example, if player 1 has an average score of 18 and player 2 has an average of 14. The calculation would be 18 – 14 = 4 points.
Step 3: Calculate The Handicap
Now we know the average point difference, we need to multiple the average difference by 20. Therefore, 4 x 20= 80 points.
Therefore, the handicap for this player would be 80 points. These points are then subtracted from 301, meaning that the handicapped player would start the game on 221 instead of 301.
Conclusion
That’s it! With the calculated handicap, both players now have adjusted starting scores, creating a fairer and more competitive game.
Remember, the handicap calculation may vary depending on the specific rules or league guidelines you are playing under. It’s always recommended to consult the rules or guidelines of your specific darts league or organization to ensure accuracy and consistency when calculating handicaps.
