I love this dart counter for local and online matches

I never loved playing darts, but I did a complete 180 with this automatic scoring system. This gadget ignited my newfound love for the old pub favorite. It’s a light ring with four high-definition cameras that fit onto your card. Connect to the DartCounter app via Wi-Fi and get effortless automatic scoring with an announcer calling out your points and telling you what you need to check.

I’ve been testing the Target Darts Omni automatic scoring system over the past few weeks, playing locally alone and with family, and playing a few matches online. It’s an expensive system, but for darts fans and players looking to improve their game, the investment might be worth it. As a casual fan, I’ve found that a quick game of darts is a great way to unwind at the end of the day.

At the height of the Oche

The Target Darts Omni automatic scoring system pairs with the DartCounter app (Android Or iOS). It’s quick and easy to assemble, attaching to your board via magnetic feet, but you’ll need to route the power cable to an outlet. Connect to Wi-Fi, do a short calibration and it’s time to play. I tested with Target Star Wars Millennium Falcon Surround and Darts ($200) Or £150) and a set of Darth Vader Darts ($340) Or £250)—both incredible Star Wars Gifts for the fan in your life, but it should work with most boards and all darts.

The LED ring illuminates the target beautifully. The four HD cameras accurately record the score of every dart thrown. The DartCounter app compiles comprehensive statistics about your game. You can configure all match settings in the app for a tailor-made session, and there are also several practice and game modes, like Around the Clock, where you must hit each number in sequence and then the target, and Bob’s 27, where you start with 27 points and must hit the displayed doubles.

Online multiplayer is perhaps the biggest selling point, and you can find matches or create your own lobby in the DartCounter app. I never had trouble finding a match and there were well over 100 live matches going on every time I checked. You get three free online matches every week. To unlock all features, including tournaments, unlimited online games, more detailed statistics and the Master Caller using your name, you need to subscribe for $6 per month or $40 per year (£6 and £40 in the UK). You get a three-month free trial with the system. Local play is free, except for a few games (121 Checkout and Halve It), so you don’t have to. need to subscribe.

I’ve played a lot of matches in recent weeks, but I had the most fun playing a tournament with my brother. We had a dartboard in the garage when I was a teenager and we would spend hours throwing darts, but neither of us had played in years. After much hilarity over our incompetence and lots of reminiscing, we both took a look and things got competitive. I won the best of five 501 classic match, but then my brother beat me at Around the Clock (I got stuck in the bullseye).

Online mode means you can get a match whenever you want, even if there is no one at home with you. It’s also potentially great for playing with far-flung friends and family, as you can add friends in the app and, provided you both have the system, play matches together. Target even offers an additional front camera called Virt ($350 Or £250), if you want to see yourself, although I haven’t tried it.

The Target Darts Omni automatic scoring system is very accurate and fast, and it’s nice not to have to do any mental math while you play. It can also save you from those arguments over disputed counts when people score themselves. The Master Caller also really enhances the experience and makes you feel like a real darts player.

Missing the target

As good as it is, the Target Darts Omni automatic scoring system is not perfect. It’s expensive and gets even more expensive if you want the extras and the subscription. Connectivity may be unstable. I had a problem with a firmware update that required a reset. Since then, everything has been fine, but a look at the reviews online shows that some people have had recurring issues. You need Fast Wi-Fi to ensure smooth performance (Target suggests a minimum of 30 Mbps). If you are playing a match online, both players need a strong internet connection.

I also had occasional miscounts or ghost darts. If you take too long retrieving the darts or waving your hand in front of the board, you can sometimes record a score by mistake, but that’s pretty easy to avoid once you understand how the cameras work. Counting errors have been fortunately rare for me, but they seem pretty random. He doesn’t always catch rebounds. These are pretty minor complaints for me, but I play for fun. Serious gamers might be more upset by this strange glitch.

This isn’t the only dart game in town for dart enthusiasts. Autodart Vantage is cheaper, and there is also the Scolia rangebut I haven’t tested either one. You can also use an app like Dartsmind (Android Or iOS), which uses AI and your phone’s camera to record your score ($15 per year or £13 in the UK). But the convenience and speed of the Omni system are hard to beat.

You can add the Target Darts Omni Automatic Scoring Ring to your existing board, or you can opt for a complete set, which also gives you a dartboard, an outline, and a few dartboards with various extras. Either way, you get a three-month trial of the DartCounter Ultimate subscription. Overall, it’s enough to justify the price if you like darts.

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