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Oche

The oche, also referred to as the throw line or toe line, is the marked line in the game of darts behind which a player must stand when throwing darts.^[1] In standard steel-tip darts, it is positioned 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) from the front face of the dartboard, measured horizontally, or equivalently 9 feet 7½ inches (2.93 meters) from the center of the bullseye diagonally downward to the back of the oche.^[2] This distance ensures consistent play and was standardized internationally in 1977 by the World Darts Federation (WDF) for major tournaments.^[3] The oche is typically constructed as a raised wooden or rubber lip, often 1-2 inches high, to provide a clear boundary that prevents players from stepping over it during a throw; violation of this rule results in a foul.^[4] In professional settings, such as those governed by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the oche must be at least 2 feet (610 mm) wide to accommodate the player's stance, and it is raised to allow for precise measurement and visibility.^[5] For electronic or soft-tip darts, the distance may vary slightly by league, but the 2.37-meter standard remains the benchmark for most competitive formats.^[6] The term "oche" likely originates from the Old French verb ocher, meaning "to cut a deep notch," reflecting its function as a notched or marked boundary, with the word entering English usage in the early 20th century.^[7] Prior to formal standardization, oche distances varied regionally—such as 7 feet 6 inches in some American setups—but the 1977 adoption unified global play, influencing equipment design and tournament regulations ever since.^[3]

Definition and Purpose

Etymology

The origin of the term "oche" in darts is uncertain.^[8] One theory traces it to the Old French word oche ("notch") or the verb ocher or ochier (to cut a deep notch), which may have entered English usage through medieval influences and later described a boundary line in games.^[9]^[10] Another explanation links it to "hockey," a term used in 1920s darts competitions organized by the News of the World, possibly derived from the S. Hockey & Sons brewery associated with early pub darts.^[11] In the context of British pub culture, where darts developed as a popular pastime, the word was adapted to refer specifically to the throwing line behind which players stand.^[11] The earliest recorded use of "oche" in a darts context dates to 1934, appearing in the National Darts Association Official Handbook, marking its formal entry into the sport's lexicon during early standardization efforts in British taverns.^[8] Prior to this, terms like "hockey" were used in 1920s darts competitions, such as those organized by the News of the World, reflecting an evolving nomenclature in pub-based play.^[11] Pronounced /ˈɒki/ (rhyming with "hockey" without the initial "h"), the word's phonetics align with possible Old French origins while incorporating English intonations.^[9] Its adoption was likely shaped by regional dialects in England, particularly northern variants where darts flourished.^[11]

Role in Darts Gameplay

The oche serves as the marked throwing line in darts, behind which players must position themselves to deliver their darts, thereby enforcing a uniform distance from the board and eliminating potential advantages gained by standing closer. This setup is fundamental to the sport's rules, as outlined by governing bodies, ensuring that every throw adheres to the same spatial constraints regardless of the player's physical attributes or preferences. By standardizing the throwing position, the oche upholds the core principles of equitable competition, allowing outcomes to depend solely on skill, precision, and strategy rather than locational variances.^[12]^[13] The primary purpose of the oche is to preserve game integrity through this enforced consistency, which minimizes discrepancies in accuracy that could arise from inconsistent distances and promotes a level playing field for all participants. In professional and organized play, officials verify the oche's placement prior to matches to confirm compliance, reinforcing its role in reducing external variables and enhancing the reliability of scoring. This standardization not only fosters fair play but also contributes to the sport's accessibility, as players can develop techniques calibrated to the fixed parameters without adaptation to varying setups.^[12]^[13] In terms of player stance, the oche dictates that both feet remain fully behind the line during the release of each dart, with any contact or crossing resulting in the throw being disallowed and the score nullified. This requirement demands precise footwork and body control, compelling players to maintain balance and avoid forward momentum that could inadvertently breach the boundary, thus integrating discipline into the physical execution of throws. Violations are immediately addressed by the referee, underscoring the oche's enforcement of proper form to prevent disruptions in gameplay flow.^[12]^[13] Beyond its mechanical function, the oche establishes a distinct throwing zone that influences players' psychological preparation, acting as a mental boundary where routines for focus and concentration are honed to manage pressure and sustain performance consistency. Stepping up to the oche often triggers pre-throw rituals—such as deep breathing or visualization—that help compartmentalize distractions and center attention on the target, transforming the line into a psychological anchor for competitive mindset. This aspect highlights how the oche contributes to the mental discipline required in high-stakes matches, where maintaining composure within the defined space can determine victory.^[14]

Historical Development

Origins in Early Darts

The oche, as the conceptual throwing line in darts, emerged in 19th-century England alongside the game's development from archery practices into informal pub amusements. According to legend, early versions derived from medieval soldiers' training with shortened arrows thrown at targets during inclement weather, but verified origins trace to 19th-century fairgrounds and pubs. Early pub versions adapted these activities indoors, where players marked rudimentary boundaries to denote throwing positions, reflecting the game's casual evolution in working-class taverns.^[15]^[16] By the late 19th century, regional standards for throwing distances had been adopted in English pubs, though variations persisted based on local customs or available space. This lack of national uniformity stemmed from darts' roots as an unstructured diversion, where the focus was on skill rather than regulation, and throwing lines were ad hoc to prevent disputes over proximity to the board. Such practices underscored the game's organic growth in English public houses, where fairness was maintained through mutual agreement rather than enforced rules.^[17]^[15]^[16] The game gained traction through military and tavern traditions during World War I, as British soldiers popularized darts in frontline rest areas and overseas pubs for morale-boosting recreation. This era's emphasis on consistent play helped solidify the throwing line's role, bridging informal origins toward greater consistency as soldiers returned home and spread the game.^[15]^[17] Early documentation of the oche appears in 1920s British pub rules, where it was referred to as the "hockey line"—a term borrowed from similar throwing boundaries in games like Aunt Sally. Organized by outlets such as the News of the World in their inaugural darts championships, these rules specified a line at approximately nine feet, marked simply on pub floors, to govern competitive play and reduce variability. This nomenclature and practice marked the transition from haphazard marks to named, rule-bound features in emerging tournaments.^[11]^[18]

Standardization in Modern Darts

The National Darts Association (NDA), formed in 1925, played a pivotal role in establishing formal rules of play, including early specifications for the throwing line, addressing the need for standardization amid growing league competitions in British pubs. Distances at this time were typically around 9 feet. This establishment marked the transition from informal pub variations to organized governance.^[19] Post-World War II developments accelerated uniformity. Pre-WWII distances were often 9 feet, shifting to variations like 8 feet in some competitions afterward. The National Darts Association of Great Britain (NDAGB), formed in 1954, set the oche at 7 feet 6 inches. The British Darts Organisation (BDO), founded in 1973, adopted the NDAGB's specifications. The World Darts Federation (WDF), established in 1976 by representatives from 14 nations, further refined these standards; in 1977, it set the international oche distance at 7 feet 9¼ inches as a compromise between discrepancies such as the 7 feet 6 inches NDAGB measurement and the 8-foot News of the World standard, promoting global alignment in competitive darts.^[3]^[19]^[18] The 1970s also saw key milestones in oche implementation, including the formal adoption of the term "oche" by the BDO (replacing earlier designations like "hockey") and requirements for raised or taped markers in tournaments to enhance visibility for players and spectators, particularly in emerging televised formats.^[19]^[11] The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), launched in 1992 amid a split from the BDO, has since upheld and propagated these WDF standards through its high-profile events, fostering worldwide consistency by enforcing precise oche setups in professional circuits. As of 2025, PDC events feature total annual prize funds exceeding £25 million.^[19]^[20]

Physical Specifications

Distance and Height Requirements

In standard steel-tip darts, the oche is positioned at a horizontal distance of 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard to the back edge of the throwing line.^[21] This measurement ensures consistent throwing conditions across professional and recreational play, with the distance verified either horizontally or via the diagonal from the bullseye center to the rear of the oche at floor level, which totals 9 feet 7.5 inches (2.93 meters). The specification originated from efforts to standardize distances in the 1970s, adopting a length previously used in major British tournaments to promote fairness and balanced throw angles relative to key board segments like the double-20.^[3] The oche itself is raised to a minimum of 40 mm (1.57 inches) in height above the floor level, with a minimum depth of 20 mm and width of 500 mm (19.7 inches), typically centered on the thrower's position.^[12] This elevation prevents floor scuffing from repeated foot contact and provides a clear boundary, requiring players to keep both feet behind the raised edge during throws. In official setups governed by organizations like the World Darts Federation (WDF) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), measurements must be precise, with adjustments permitted only before or between legs of a match upon request and verification by an official. For stage events, the oche width may extend up to 5 feet (1.52 meters) to accommodate player stance and camera angles.^[22]

Marking and Construction Methods

The oche, the designated throwing line in darts, can be marked using a variety of common materials suited to different environments, including self-adhesive tape for simple floor applications, rubber mats for floor protection, laser projections for precise non-physical lines, and raised ridges made from metal or plastic for tactile feedback. Self-adhesive oche lines, such as those produced by Winmau, feature precisely printed toe markers that stick securely to smooth hard surfaces like wood or tile, ensuring consistent placement without permanent alteration. Rubber mats, often constructed from heavy-duty synthetic rubber with non-slip backing, provide both marking and cushioning to prevent dart damage upon bounce-outs. Laser oches, like the Target Laser Oche, project a visible green line onto the floor via wall-mounted units powered by USB, adaptable to various floor types including carpet and laminate. Raised ridges, typically aluminum or plastic bars, offer a physical barrier at the toe line, with models like the Darts Master Raised Oche Pro Bar designed for easy installation via drilling or clipping.^[23]^[24]^[25] In home setups, DIY options predominate for affordability and flexibility, such as applying adhesive tape directly to the floor or using portable oche boards that roll out or fold for storage, in contrast to professional venues where fixed raised installations are standard to meet regulatory standards (as of 2024). These home methods allow players to achieve the required 2.37-meter distance for steel-tip darts using measurement guides printed on mats or tapes. Professional setups in tournaments governed by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) mandate raised oches with minimum dimensions of 40 mm height, 20 mm depth, and 500 mm width, often integrated into stage flooring for stability and alignment.^[26]^[12]^[24] Durability is a key consideration in oche construction, with materials selected for resistance to wear from repeated foot traffic and dart impacts, including non-slip rubber surfaces on mats to maintain position during play and reinforced edges on raised ridges to withstand professional use. For visibility, especially in televised events, oche designs incorporate high-contrast colors, such as vibrant yellow metal ridges or laser lines that remain clear under bright lighting without glare, ensuring accurate foot placement for players and clear shots for cameras. Accessories like branded oche mats from manufacturers such as Winmau or Bull's often include integrated measurement guides and logos, facilitating easy setup for amateur players while adding aesthetic appeal.^[24]^[27]^[25]

Rules and Variations

Enforcement in Professional Play

In professional darts governed by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), referees and the Tournament Director play a central role in enforcing oche rules to uphold fairness and consistency. Prior to the commencement of matches or tournaments, the oche's placement is meticulously measured and verified by the Tournament Director in conjunction with a representative from the Professional Dart Players Association, ensuring it adheres to the standard distance of 2.37 meters from the dartboard's face; any necessary adjustments are exclusively handled by these appointed officials.^[12] During gameplay, players are required to keep both feet entirely behind the front edge of the raised oche while delivering each dart, with the referee positioned to monitor compliance and adjudicate any potential violations on the spot. The referee's judgment is final regarding whether a foot has crossed the line, and players throwing from the sides of the oche must similarly maintain their feet behind an imaginary straight line extending from the oche's edges.^[12] Violations carry specific penalties to deter infractions and preserve competitive integrity. For a foot fault where a dart is thrown with any part of the foot over the oche, the affected dart's score is declared void, and the player must continue their turn by throwing any remaining darts (or re-throw the faulted dart if no others remain). Repeated foot faults may be treated as gamesmanship or unsporting behavior, potentially leading to verbal warnings, deduction of a leg, or match forfeiture under the misconduct provisions of the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) rule book (as of 2019), which emphasizes progressive discipline for ongoing issues.^[12]

Differences Across Dart Formats

In steel-tip darts, the oche adheres to a strict distance of 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard, measured horizontally at floor level, with a raised oche typically 38 mm high to demarcate the throwing line and prevent foot faults during play.^[13] This raised design, common in professional setups, also helps mitigate floor damage from dropped steel-tipped darts by providing a durable barrier.^[28] Soft-tip or electronic darts, by contrast, employ a longer oche distance of 8 feet (2.44 meters), reflecting adaptations for larger electronic boards, lighter plastic tips, and indoor environments that prioritize consistency across casual and league play.^[2] This measurement, often adjustable in home or recreational setups, accounts for the reduced penetration force of soft tips compared to steel ones.^[29] The World Darts Federation (WDF) enforces the uniform 2.37-meter oche for international steel-tip tournaments to ensure global standardization.^[13] In contrast, many Asian soft-tip leagues, where electronic darts are prevalent, maintain the 2.44-meter distance to align with regional equipment norms and player familiarity.^[30] For accessibility in inclusive formats, oche adaptations include lower-height or removable raised bars, allowing wheelchair users to position their chairs with front wheels over the line while rear wheels remain behind, combined with adjustable board heights for equitable throwing.^[31] The WDF permits such modifications for disability events to promote participation.^[13]

References

[1]
OCHE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
noun. ˈä-kē plural oches. : the line in the game of darts behind which a player must stand when throwing.
[2]
Dartboard Set-up / Standard / Wheelchair - Darts501
Throwing / Toe line or Oche. 7' 9 ¼” (2.37m) from the board to the throw line or 9' 7 ½" (2.93m) when measured ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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THE LENGTH OF THE OCHE - Dr Patrick Chaplin
Apr 25, 2020 · Months after the WDF meeting in 1977 the 7 feet 9 ¼ inches throw-line was adopted as world standard for all major darts tournaments and this ...
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https://www.shotdarts.com/blog/darts-distance-rules-what-you-need-to-know
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https://www.dimensions.com/element/darts-throwing-distance
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What distance is the oche in darts?
The front edge of a darts board should be placed 7ft 9 1/4in (2.37 m) from the oche. This can also be measured as a distance from the center of the bullseye ...
[7]
oche noun - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes
the line which players must stand behind in the game of darts. Word Origin1930s: perhaps related to Old French ocher 'cut a deep notch in'.
[8]
Notch - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Originating from 1570s French "oche" (notch), notch means a V-shaped nick or indentation. As a verb (1590s), it means to cut or fit into such a notch.
[9]
Oche - WorldWideWords.org
Feb 14, 2004 · Attempts are sometimes made to derive it from an obsolete word meaning to chop off, from Old French ochen to cut a deep notch in something, ...
[10]
The Oche - Dr Patrick Chaplin
Aug 13, 2019 · The actual word is believed to be derived from Old Flemish meaning a 'notch' or 'nick'. However, when the game of darts was first standardised ...
[11]
oche, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary
OED's earliest evidence for oche is from 1934, in Nat. Darts Assoc. Official Handbook. It is also recorded as a verb from the Middle English period (1150—1500).<|control11|><|separator|>
[12]
[PDF] darts regulation authority rule book - PDC
Jan 11, 2019 · 1 A raised Oche, a minimum of 40mm high, 20mm deep and 500mm wide, must be placed in position at the minimum throwing distance and shall measure ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[13]
[PDF] WDF - Playing and Tournament Rules 20th revised edition
Feb 28, 2018 · 6.05 A player throwing a dart from a position on either side of the raised Oche shall keep his or her feet behind an imaginary straight line ...
[14]
The Mental Side of Darts: Focus, Confidence, and Mindset Tips
Oct 6, 2025 · Develop a pre-throw routine that helps clear your mind. · Limit outside distractions, whether at home or in a noisy pub. · Practice “resetting” ...Why The Mental Game Matters... · Building Confidence Through... · Routines And Mental...
[15]
Darts in England | History - Britain Express
The origins of the game of darts in England can never be firmly established, but it dates back to at least the Middle Ages.
[16]
History and information on Dartboards and darts
So it is likely that the initial idea for segmentation of the board appeared when Fairground darts appeared - mid 19th century. However, the really ...
[17]
The Game - DartGuide.Com
World War I brought British soldiers from all areas of the country together, making darts a major past time for their recreation.Missing: line | Show results with:line
[18]
Fact and Myth - Darts-Oche
It was first broadcast in 1981, and repeats are still being broadcast on Challenge TV. The Bronze Bully harder to win than any other competition? Jocky Wilson ...
[19]
History / Split - PDPA
The original darts thrown at English dartboards came from France and thus were popularly known as 'French darts. Originally imported for use in fairgrounds, ...
[20]
Rules of Darts, Darts Regulation Authority - PDC
Standard height from the floor to the bullseye on the dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches, while the oche (distance between the front of the board and the toeline) ...
[21]
Winmau Man Cave Oche Line
£7.00 Free delivery over $50 30-day returnsOriginal Winmau Line Dart Oche (throw line). Self-adhesive on all smooth surfaces. Precisely applied print (red care) for the toe of the shoes.
[22]
Dart Mats & Oches | Accessories by Unicorn, Winmau & Bull's
### Summary of Oche Mats, Lines, Raised Oches, Materials, Installation, Durability, and Visibility
[23]
Laser Oche
### Target Laser Oche Summary
[24]
The Ultimate Guide To A Darts Set Up At Home | Darts Corner
### Oche Marking for Home Setups
[25]
PDC Oche Line - Winmau
Free delivery over $50 30-day returnsFeaturing a patented laser-cut steel number ring, this sleek upgrade eliminates glare and enhances visibility under any lighting. Get set up in minutes with the ...
[26]
Adrian Lewis and Kevin Painter in oche bust-up at the Ally Pally
Dec 28, 2012 · Defending champ Adrian Lewis and Kevin Painter fought out a bad-tempered round of 16 match at the Ally Pally as "Jackpot" battled through to ...
[27]
How To Choose A Darts Mat
Aug 9, 2023 · More commonly known as an 'oche' in darts terms, the throw line has been precisely measured out on our darts mats to make sure you are throwing ...Missing: wear | Show results with:wear
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Soft-tip Dartboards - Darts-Oche
Dartboard Setup ; A: Height to Centre Bull, B: Centre Bull to Oche, C: Throw Distance ; 5ft 8ins / 1.73m, 9' 9 ¾" / 2.99m, 8ft 0ins / 2.44m ...
[29]
What are the other lines on a darts oche for?
The 8ft line is often used when playing on a soft tip board as used frequently in North America and Asia. ... What distance is the oche in darts? Darts ...<|separator|>
[30]
Disability Darts: Accessibility & Inclusivity in the World of Darts
Aug 26, 2024 · Answer: The throw line, or oche, is modified to allow wheelchair users to position their front wheels over the line while keeping their rear ...