The physical set-up is pretty simple. Each player requires the following equipment:
Darts & dartboard
Smartphone
For video chat
Tripod w/ smartphone mount
For the video chat; camera pointed at the board
Tablet, laptop, or additional smartphone
For scorekeeping
Software:
Discord is free; DartConnect is $2/month for a premium membership.
The league is split into five divisions, each with 9-12 individuals. Each player plays a round robin regular season schedule with each match consisting of the following format:
Each leg win is worth 2 points in the standings. Players can also earn bonus points for the following top performances each week in their division:
During the season, each player plays one match per week that typically lasts one hour. Scheduling is flexible. Opponents simply reach out to each other via email or Slack and work out a time to play. If a caster is available, the match may be broadcast live on Twitch.
Just like the PDC, FODL employs an order of merit system based on finishing positions in regular seasons and major tournaments. At the beginning of each season, divisions are determined by this ranking, which is calculated on points earned over a one-year period. Any given one-year period will include the three most recent major tournaments and the three most recent regular seasons.
Exact division numbers vary season to season based on the total number of league members.
As of the Spring 2024 season, we are a group of 49 individuals loosely based on the East Coast of the United States, though we currently have league members in five different time zones.
We started as six friends trying to find a way to play darts remotely, and through word of mouth, the internet, and friends of friends, we have expanded into the current five-division format we have today. Most players average in the 40's and 50's, though the A division regularly averages in the 60's and 70's and can creep into the 80s on good days. You can view all FODL match history on DartConnect.
Maybe! Right now, to balance growth and smooth gameplay, we do not have an open registration process. Each season, we evaluate the interest of prospective new members and make a decision on total membership numbers. Up to this point, we've added about 2-3 players each season.
The next potential availability would be for the Summer 2024 season, slated to start in May. Final rosters will be determined by mid-March. If you're interested in joining, we encourage you to become an active member of our online community by following us on Twitter and participating in the chat on our Twitch channel broadcasts. Feel free to email us at info@fodartleague.com to introduce yourself if interested!