Automatic scoring system for target arrows hits the mark

I never loved I play darts, but I did a complete 180 with this auto-scoring system. This gadget has ignited my new love for an old pub favorite. It’s a light ring containing four high-resolution cameras that is placed on your board. Connect to the DartCounter app over Wi-Fi and you’ll get easy automatic recording with an announcer calling your score and telling you what you need to check.

I’ve been testing the Target Darts Omni’s auto-scoring system over the past few weeks, playing locally on my own and with family, and playing the singles match online. It’s an expensive system, but for darts enthusiasts and players looking to improve their game, it may be worth the investment. As a casual fan, I found a game of mini darts to be a great way to unwind at the end of your day.

Climb to Oche

The Target Darts Omni automatic scoring system pairs with the DartCounter app (Android or iOS). It’s quick and easy to assemble, as it attaches to the board via magnetic legs, but you’ll need to plug the power cable into an outlet. Connect to Wi-Fi, do a short calibration, and it’s time to play. I tested with the Star Wars Millennium Falcon Surround and Dartboard from Target ($200 or £150) and a set of Darth Vader Darts ($340 or £250) – both great Star Wars gifts for the fan in your life – but it should work with most boards and any dart game.

The LED ring lights up the dartboard beautifully. Four high-resolution cameras accurately record the score of every arrow thrown. DartCounter collects comprehensive statistics on your play. You can configure all the matching parameters in the app for a tailored session, and there are also multiple practice and game modes, such as Clock, where you have to hit each number in sequence and then the bull’s eye, and Bob 27, where you start with 27 points and have to hit the doubles shown.

Online multiplayer is probably the biggest selling point, and you can find matches or create your own lobby in the DartCounter app. I had no trouble finding a match, and there were over 100 live matches going every time I checked. You get three free online matches every week. To unlock all the features, including tournaments, unlimited online games, more detailed stats, and a lead caller using your name, you must subscribe for $6 per month or $40 per year (£6.40 in the UK). You get a free three-month trial with the system. Local play is free, with the exception of two games (121 Checkout and Half It), so no needs To subscribe.

I’ve played a lot of games over the past few weeks, but I had the most fun playing the tournament with my brother. We had a dart board in the garage when I was a teenager and spent hours throwing darts, but neither of us had played in years. After a lot of fun about how incompetent we were and a lot of reminiscing, we both laid eyes on us, and things got competitive. I won a best of five classic 501, but then my brother beat me in a clock round (I got stuck in the bullseye).