Electronic Scoring in Darts: Are We Forgetting How to Count?

 

I was at a darts tournament recently where something happened that got me thinking.

Nothing particularly unusual about the tournament itself, except that the scoring was being done the old-fashioned way. No tablets, no electronic scoring systems. Just a whiteboard, a pen and somebody having to do the arithmetic.

And it was interesting.

A few players seemed a little uncomfortable with it. Some appeared to have lost confidence in their counting, and I have to admit, I wasn't anywhere near as quick as I used to be either.

That got me wondering whether, with all the advances we've made in darts scoring, we're slowly losing one of the skills that used to be such an important part of the game.

I'm Not Against Electronic Scoring

Far from it.

I think electronic scoring has been a fantastic development for darts, particularly at grassroots level.

You can turn up at a tournament, have your scores recorded automatically, see your average, look back at your matches and, in many cases, follow what's happening in the rest of the competition.

From an organiser's point of view, there are obvious advantages too. Results can be collected quickly, tournament progress is easier to monitor, and players don't have to rely on somebody transferring scores from sheets of paper.

And, of course, I'm hardly in a position to complain about technology in darts. I've spent a considerable amount of time developing Q4QS, which relies on precisely the sort of information that electronic scoring makes possible.

Without it, much of what I'm doing simply wouldn't exist.

So this certainly isn't an argument for throwing away the tablets and returning to chalkboards.

But I do wonder whether we're losing something along the way.

When Counting Was Part of Playing Darts

For years, if you played darts regularly, you generally had to learn to count.

Not necessarily because you were particularly good at mathematics, but because it was part of the game.

You'd finish your match, pick up the chalk or pen and mark the next one.

You needed to know your trebles, subtract scores fairly quickly and work out what somebody had left.

And you learned through doing it.

I can remember counting being almost automatic after a while. You didn't necessarily think about the calculation. You just knew what the score was.

Of course, everybody made mistakes occasionally. I certainly did.

But the more matches you marked, the quicker you became.

Now, in some competitions, it's perfectly possible to play darts regularly without ever having to subtract a score yourself.

The machine does it for you.

And that raises a question. If we stop practising a skill, should we be surprised when we get a bit rusty?

The Whiteboard Experience

What struck me about the tournament I attended wasn't that anybody was incapable of counting.

It was more that some people seemed uncertain.

And I include myself in that.

I've marked and scored an awful lot of darts over the years, but standing there with a pen in my hand again, I realised I wasn't quite as sharp as I remembered.

It wasn't a disaster. The scores still got calculated.

But I found myself having to think about things that once seemed automatic.

I suspect I'm not alone.

And I wonder whether somebody who has only ever played with electronic scoring would feel comfortable suddenly being asked to mark a match manually.

Some undoubtedly would. Others might find it a bit daunting.

That doesn't mean they're bad darts players. It just means they haven't necessarily had the same experience.

But Electronic Scoring Has Solved Plenty of Problems

We shouldn't forget the disadvantages of the old system either.

Not everybody enjoys marking, and not everybody is confident doing mental arithmetic in front of other players.

There's a certain pressure involved when two people are waiting for you to work out what somebody has scored, particularly if the match is moving quickly.

We've all probably witnessed a scorer getting flustered, making a mistake and then having somebody offer a not particularly helpful correction from behind them.

Electronic scoring removes a lot of that.

It can make tournaments more accessible to people who might otherwise be reluctant to enter, and it allows organisers to run competitions more efficiently.

There's also the question of accuracy. A tablet isn't guaranteed to prevent mistakes, because somebody still has to enter the correct score, but calculating the remaining total automatically removes one opportunity for human error.

And for players who enjoy statistics, being able to look back at their performances is a huge bonus.

I certainly wouldn't want to lose that.

There's a Difference Between Scoring and Knowing Your Own Finishes

This is perhaps the part I find most interesting.

Even if you never mark another match in your life, surely knowing your way around a dartboard is still an important part of being a good player?

If you're left with 126, you should have some idea of how you want to approach it.

If you have 62 remaining and your first dart lands in the single 10, you should know what options you've got without needing somebody to tell you.

That's not quite the same as adding up three darts and subtracting the total from 501.

But the two skills are related.

Players who have spent years counting tend to become very familiar with the numbers on a dartboard.

Does electronic scoring affect that familiarity, or do players still develop it naturally through playing?

I'm not sure.

You can have an electronic scoreboard doing all the arithmetic and still be an excellent player who knows every finish and combination.

Equally, I wonder whether some newer players are becoming increasingly dependent on being shown what they have left, rather than working it out themselves.

And if they are, does it actually matter?

Are We Simply Moving With the Times?

Perhaps this is just what happens when technology improves.

We don't generally insist that somebody should be able to navigate with a paper map before they're allowed to use satellite navigation.

And plenty of us rely on calculators for sums we could once do in our heads.

Technology makes things easier, saves time and allows us to concentrate on other things.

Why should darts be any different?

Maybe counting simply isn't as important as it once was.

After all, the object of darts is to win legs and matches, not to demonstrate how quickly you can subtract 137 from 501.

But I can't help feeling there's something quite satisfying about being able to look at three darts, know instantly what they've scored and what the player has left.

It's a skill, even if it's one we don't necessarily need as often.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

I certainly don't think we should abandon electronic scoring. The advantages are far too great, and the information it provides has opened up all sorts of possibilities for grassroots darts.

But perhaps there's still a place for encouraging players to learn the traditional skills.

Maybe it's something that could be taught more often when youngsters first start playing.

Perhaps clubs could occasionally use manual scoring during practice sessions.

Or maybe it really doesn't matter, and I'm simply remembering an era when everybody had to do things differently.

I don't know the answer.

What I do know is that my recent experience with a whiteboard made me realise how quickly a skill can become rusty when you stop using it.

And if it happened to me, I wonder how many others have experienced the same thing.

I'd be interested to hear what other players think.

Do you prefer electronic scoring or the traditional whiteboard?

Have you found your counting has got slower since tablets became commonplace?

And, perhaps most importantly, do you think being able to count quickly is still an essential part of being a darts player, or is it a skill that technology has made less important?

Under-Average Darts Competitions – Good for the Game?

 

Few topics in grassroots darts create as much debate as under-average competitions.

Speak to ten players and you'll probably get ten different opinions.

Over the last few years, the rise of the ADC has transformed opportunities for players across the UK. More people than ever are playing competitive darts, and crucially, many of those players are not county stars, former professionals or players averaging 80-plus. They are simply people who enjoy the game and want regular competition against opponents of a similar standard.

For many years, local tournaments often saw the same handful of top players dominating week after week. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, it could sometimes discourage newer or developing players from entering regularly. Nobody particularly enjoys paying an entry fee every week only to be knocked out immediately by a county player averaging 85.

The answer, it seems, has been the growth of under-average competitions.

The Route for Ambitious Players

For players with aspirations of reaching the highest levels of the game, the ADC Vault system has created a genuine pathway.

Players compete over a series of events within their region, earning points throughout the season. The strongest performers qualify for a Finals Day, where the winner can earn an invitation to compete on television in the Modus Super Series, subject to meeting the required average criteria (typically around 77+).

A strong run on the Modus stage can be life-changing. Television exposure brings opportunities for sponsorship, endorsements, prize money and increased recognition, all without necessarily having to navigate the challenges of PDC Q School or qualify for major WDF events.

For ambitious players, the Vault system offers a clear and realistic route to bigger opportunities.

Darts for Everyone

Not every player wants to become a professional.

Many players simply want competitive, enjoyable darts against opponents of a similar standard.

This is where under-average tournaments have become incredibly important.

Across the UK you'll find Under 70, Under 65 and Under 55 competitions, each designed to cater for different ability levels. In some areas there are even Under 45 events aimed at complete beginners and newer players.

The average limit itself is usually determined by the organiser, allowing flexibility depending on the local player base.

An Under 70 event might suit players who are progressing from pub darts or lower-level leagues and want stronger competition. Under 65 tournaments often sit comfortably between recreational and county-level standards. Under 55 events are ideal for newer players who are still developing consistency and confidence.

The beauty of the system is that players can choose the level that suits them best.

A player averaging 45 can still enter an Under 70 competition if they wish. They'll simply face tougher opposition and perhaps gain valuable experience. Equally, a player averaging 68 may choose to test themselves at open events or Vault competitions.

Another positive development is that the ADC pathway doesn't stop at the Vault Finals. Alongside the main Vault structure, competitions such as Core, Emerging and Rise Up provide additional opportunities for players to progress and earn recognition. Importantly, these events are not restricted by carrying average in the same way as many under-average tournaments, meaning players can continue to challenge themselves as they improve. It creates a ladder of progression where virtually every player entering a local ADC event has something to aim for, regardless of their current standard.

My Personal View

Personally, I've always believed that the goal should be to become too good for your current level.

If you're winning regularly at Under 55 level, perhaps it's time to move into Under 65 events. If you're consistently performing well there, maybe Under 70 or open competitions become the next challenge.

Progression is one of the most satisfying parts of darts.

The under-average system doesn't stop players improving. In fact, it often encourages development by giving players achievable stepping stones rather than expecting them to jump straight into events filled with county stars and former professionals.

The Argument Against

Of course, there are criticisms.

The most common argument is that stronger players now have fewer tournaments available to them. Historically, many local events were open to everyone, allowing the best players to compete wherever they wished.

There is certainly some truth in that.

Top players naturally want regular high-quality competition, and some feel that the increasing number of restricted events reduces their opportunities.

However, it's worth asking an important question.

If the same small group of elite players dominated every local tournament, would we see the participation numbers that exist today?

Many players who now compete weekly may never have entered the sport at all without under-average competitions. The confidence gained from competitive matches against players of similar ability often leads to greater participation, league involvement and long-term commitment to the game.

Finding the Balance

The reality is that grassroots darts needs both.

It needs Vault competitions and open events for ambitious players chasing higher honours.

It also needs Under 70, Under 65, Under 55 and beginner-level events to encourage participation and provide enjoyable competition for the vast majority of players.

The ADC is still relatively young, and not every town or city currently offers the same breadth of opportunities. Some areas have a thriving calendar of events at every level, while others are still developing.

But the direction of travel is clear.

Vaults continue to expand. Under-average events continue to attract strong entries. More players are entering competitive darts than ever before.

As long as organisers continue to provide opportunities for players of all abilities, darts remains a game for everyone.

And that's surely a good thing for the future of the sport.

Q4QS virtual player cards

 Q4QS virtual player cards are now being tested as part of the Quest for Q School grassroots darts database project.

Each card includes a player’s current Q4QS ranking, win percentage, averages, tournament wins and “Nemesis” record, all designed in a clean mobile-friendly format for sharing on social media and viewing on phones.

Current card tiers:
🥇 Gold: Top 100
🥈 Silver: 101–500
🥉 Bronze: 501–1000
🔵 Blue: 1000+

The aim is to create a fun and shareable way for grassroots players to track progress, compare stats and follow rankings throughout the season.(Note rankings are taken from any PDF/WDF/ADC/JDC comps and growing all the time)

The Pros and Cons of Playing on the WDF Darts Circuit

While watching the WDF World Championships, I felt that maybe the WDF would be another avenue into darts, when I get good enough! For many aspiring darts players, the WDF (World Darts Federation) circuit is the first real taste of competitive darts on a global stage. It offers an alternative pathway to the PDC and has become increasingly important since the return of the WDF World Championships at Lakeside. But what is life actually like on the WDF circuit? Here’s a balanced look at the advantages and the challenges that players face.

The Pros

One of the biggest benefits of the WDF system is accessibility. Events are spread across dozens of countries, and many of them are open entry, meaning players can sign up without needing a tour card. For players who are developing, or who can’t commit to the financial demands of the PDC’s Q-School and tour system, this creates a genuine route into high-level darts.

Another positive is affordability. While travel can add up, the entry fees themselves tend to be lower than PDC qualifiers or Challenge Tour events. Many tournaments offer solid prize money relative to the level, and for those living in Europe, it’s possible to build a competitive calendar without breaking the bank.

Importantly, the WDF circuit can act as a stepping stone. Plenty of players have used strong WDF seasons to launch themselves into PDC careers. It’s a place to build confidence, gain ranking points, and get used to tour-level pressure before making the jump.

The Cons

For all the positives, there are real challenges too. The financial strain is the biggest hurdle. The WDF calendar stretches across the world, and unless you have sponsorship, travel and accommodation can become a significant expense. Prize money is improving, but it still lags far behind the PDC. A deep run might cover your weekend, but very few players can rely on the WDF alone as a full-time income.

Another issue is inconsistency. Not all events are equal in organisation, venue quality, or professionalism. Some tournaments are run brilliantly, others can feel chaotic or outdated. For players coming from highly professional setups, the variation can be noticeable.

The ranking system, while more open, can be unforgiving for players outside Europe. Those based in the UK might have to travel frequently to keep pace with continental events. Those in smaller nations can find it even harder to climb the rankings without long-haul trips.

Exposure is another downside. Unlike the PDC, the WDF doesn’t have mainstream TV coverage for most events. Even Lakeside last year struggled for broadcast stability. This makes it difficult for players to gain sponsorship or build a following unless they already have a strong online presence.

Finally, the pathway can be slow. While the WDF is a great platform, progression isn’t guaranteed. A player might dominate locally but still struggle to break through because the step up to elite competitions requires consistent high-level performances under pressure.

Conclusion

Playing on the WDF darts circuit can be a rewarding and memorable experience. It offers open access, a strong community feel, and the chance to compete internationally without needing a PDC tour card. But it also demands commitment, money, and patience, and the limited exposure can make it harder to turn strong performances into sponsorship or a professional breakthrough.

For many players, the WDF serves exactly the purpose it was designed for - a proving ground. A place to test yourself, grow your game, and chase the dream of stepping onto a major stage. But like any pathway in sport, it comes with ups and downs. The key is knowing what you want from your darts career and choosing the route that fits your goals, lifestyle, and finances.