Dartboard Games, Tennis
Anyone for tennis? The rules of tennis made for the dartboard.
I thank Richard Cotterill and Keith Block for designing this game and sending it to me for inclusion on my dart websites.
Rules for Tennis
Two players play tennis (although four could be involved as pairs).
The following describes a game that should take about 25 minutes “(A)”. The longer game “(B)” can take 55 minutes or more.
The object of the game
(A) To win a “Set” - the best of 6 service games. If the service game score reaches 3 - 3, the ‘Set Tiebreak’ is played.
(B) To win a “Set” - the first to 6 service games, provided the winning margin is at least two service games (i.e. 6 - 4 or 7 - 5). The' Set Tiebreak' is played if the service game score reaches 6 - 6.
The Play
Each player throws a dart at the bullseye. The closest throws first and is the “server” for the first game (as well as the ‘Set Tiebreak’ if there is one).
On a chalkboard/whiteboard, write the players’ names as headings and leave a space underneath for “Score”, “Games” and “Tiebreak.” (if you put a mark by the name of who is currently “serving” it helps the memory!). On an electric scoreboard, use it as you would for a standard straight-in-double-out game with a tally of (A) 91, which is 15+30+40+1+2+3 (B) 114, which is 15+30+40+1+2+3+4+5+6+7.
Each service game starts with the “play area” on the left-hand side of the dartboard (i.e. 5 to 19 inclusive) and changes to the right-hand side (i.e. 1 to 17 inclusive) for the next point. The “play area” alternates between the two during a service game.
The “server” has to hit a number in the “play area” with one of their first two darts. If they don’t then the point goes to their opponent. The number that is first hit by the “server” is the “target number”.
If the “server’s” first dart hits a double, then an “ace” has been thrown, and the point is won. (Optional: add the 20 and 3 to the “play area” for the “ace” shot only.)
The “Rally”
If an “ace” or “double-fault” has not been thrown, then the “server” tries to hit as many of the “target number” as possible: a treble scores three, a double scores two and the remainder of the segment scores one. The “server” counts up their score and declares it (the “target score”) and the “target number” to their opponent (the “receiver”).
The “receiver” then throws at the “target number” to try and beat the “target score”.
If the “server’s” score is highest, the “server” wins the point.
If the “receiver’s” score is highest, the “receiver” wins the point.
If the players score the same, then the “server” throws again, setting a new “target score”.
This continues until someone wins the point.
Once the point has been won the “play area” changes and the “server” starts again.
Once the service game has been won, the players change roles from “server” to “receiver” and vice versa.
Scoring
To win a service game, a player must score 15, 30, 40 and “game” points. If the score reaches deuce (40 - 40) then the ‘Deuce Tiebreak’ is played. The points are won by:
(A) The “server” hitting a double with their very first dart (of each point) - an “ace”.
or
(B) A player hitting more of the “target number” than their opponent.
Deuce Tiebreak
This is played on the inner and outer bullseye. The aim is to hit as many as possible.
The “server” always throws first. If they hit a bullseye with their first dart, then an “ace” has been thrown, and the point is won.
The “server” counts up their score (a bullseye counts as two) and declares it (the “target score”) to their opponent (the “receiver”). The “receiver” now aims to beat the “target score”.
The player with the highest count wins the point.
If the players’ scores are the same, then the “server” throws again, setting a new “target score”.
This continues until someone wins the point.
The winner of the service game is the first to score three points.
Set Tiebreak
This is also played on the inner and outer bullseye. The aim is to hit as many as possible. The “server” of the very first service game throws first.
Except for the first point, each player serves for two consecutive points. Everything else is the same as in ‘Deuce Tiebreak’ above except that the winner of the “set” is the first to score.
(A) Three points.
(B) Seven points, provided the player is two points clear. Otherwise, play continues until a player is two points clear (it may be worthwhile considering a limit here . . . !)
© Darts-Oche TM
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If you are not a 501 or cricket darts enthusiast, then you may like to know dartboards come in a number of designs to play one or two specific games. Popular boards are casino oriented along with games based on other sports, Golf, Snooker to name just two.
If you write articles or dart information websites and like the games, please link to this page.
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