At the heart of the electric atmosphere in Alexandra Palace during the PDC World Darts Championship, the raised stage and the iconic oche draw millions of eyes worldwide. Players step up, poised under blazing lights, hurling darts with precision toward the board 7 feet 9¼ inches away. But amid the roars of the fancy-dress crowd and the tension of high-stakes matches, keen-eyed fans have long noticed a subtle detail on the oche: two metal circles embedded in the platform. These aren’t just decorative—they serve a clever, practical purpose that enhances the game’s fairness and flow.
A PDC referee has shed light on this intriguing feature, explaining its role in modern professional darts. “I know [what they’re for]. Those circle things, they’ve got lights in. So they help to cut out the shadow of the darts,” the official revealed. These built-in lights are strategically angled inward, approximately 17 degrees from perpendicular, to illuminate the dartboard from below. This clever design eliminates shadows cast by the darts themselves, ensuring crystal-clear visibility for everyone involved in scoring the action.
In high-level tournaments like the World Championship, accurate and rapid scoring is crucial. The lights make it far easier for match scorers—positioned off-stage—to precisely identify where each dart lands, distinguishing between singles, doubles, trebles, or even bounce-outs. This clarity also aids the on-stage referee in quickly calling out scores at the end of each player’s three-dart visit, keeping the pace brisk and preventing disputes over close calls. Without this innovation, overhead lighting alone could create distracting shadows, especially under the intense spotlights that make the Ally Pally stage so dramatic.
Introduced in recent years to the championship setup, these circles highlight how the sport has evolved technically while preserving its raw excitement. The raised oche itself, a staple of PDC events, provides a level playing field and elevates players for better crowd visibility, but these embedded lights address a niche challenge unique to televised and professionally officiated matches. They ensure that even in the heat of a nine-darter attempt or a crucial checkout, nothing is left to guesswork.
This small but smart addition underscores the PDC’s commitment to precision in a sport where millimeters matter. As players like defending champions and rising stars battle through sets, the oche’s hidden lights work silently in the background, supporting flawless officiating. Fans might overlook them amid the walk-ons, 180s, and celebrations, but they play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and spectacle that make the World Darts Championship the pinnacle of the sport.
Next time you watch a match, glance down at the oche during a player’s approach—you might just spot those unassuming circles quietly doing their job, casting light where shadows once lingered. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes touches that keeps the arrows flying true and the scores ticking over seamlessly, contributing to the unforgettable drama that unfolds each December and January.
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