The Throw Line: Where Cheating Starts
Toes over the line again. Nobody caught it — except the friend you just beat, and now the win has an asterisk on it.
What the Throw Line Is
The throw line — better known as the oche, pronounced "ockey" — is the line you throw your darts from. Every player throws from behind it, which is what keeps the game honest.
In a standard steel tip game, the oche sits exactly 7 feet 9.25 inches (237 cm) from the face of the dartboard. Same line, same distance, for everyone who steps up.
Getting the Distance Right
Measure from the face of the board, not the wall behind it. A mounted board stands out from the wall, and measuring from the wall quietly shortens the throw.
The oche works together with board height, so set both at once. Our dartboard height and distance guide has every number you need.
Leave yourself room behind the line as well — a throw needs a full stance and a step of space. Check the dartboard space requirements before you commit to a spot.
What a Throw Line Can Look Like
The oche takes a few physical forms, all equally legal at home:
- A marked line: painted or otherwise fixed on the floor.
- Tape: the quickest option, easy to place and replace.
- A raised bar: a strip of wood or metal you stand behind.
Professional darts uses the raised version for a reason. A bar you can feel underfoot stops players from accidentally creeping over mid-throw.
The One Rule at the Line
You don't step over the oche while you throw. Cross it and the throw can be ruled a fault, or the points simply won't count, depending on the game's rules.
The rule is about your feet, not your body. Leaning past the line while your feet stay planted behind it is a normal part of every player's game.
Staying behind the line is a balance skill as much as a rules issue. A solid darts stance keeps you planted at full lean with your feet where they belong.
Why a Proper Oche Is Worth It
Fairness
Everyone competes from the exact same distance, so a win means what it should.
Consistency
Practicing from one fixed distance means every session builds on the last one. No re-measuring, no arguing over where the line goes — just reps that actually count.
Atmosphere
A real throw line mirrors the setup of professional competition and signals you take the game seriously. Even casual matches with friends get sharper and more fun when there's a proper line to toe.
Setting Up Your Own
Tape gets you playing tonight: measure 7 feet 9.25 inches out from the board's face and lay the line square to the board. Keep it parallel to the board and centered on the bull so the middle of your stance lines up with the middle of the target.
- Projects a crisp laser throw line onto the floor, replacing worn tape and chalk
- Adjustable beam sets exact regulation distance for steel tip or soft tip play
- Bright line stays visible in daylight or dim game rooms and settles foot faults
If you want something permanent, upgrade to a raised wood or metal bar you can feel underfoot. It looks the part and it ends the toe-creep arguments for good.
Mark the line once, mark it right, and every leg after that starts fair.