Mugs away

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"Mugs away" is one of darts' great traditions — a simple, sportsmanlike rule that gives the loser of the previous leg the right to throw first in the next one. The "mug" is the loser (a friendly British slang term), and they get to go "away" first. It's a built-in comeback mechanism that keeps games competitive and fun. The logic behind mugs away is fairness. Since throwing first is an advantage (you get to the checkout before your opponent), giving that advantage to the previous leg's loser helps balance things out. It prevents one player from dominating simply by winning the bull throw and then holding throw for the entire match. Mugs away is primarily a social/pub darts convention. In professional and official competitive darts, the throw order alternates automatically — the player who threw second in the previous leg throws first in the next one, regardless of who won. This creates a "serve" pattern similar to tennis, where holding your throw (winning the leg you start) and breaking serve (winning the leg your opponent starts) become distinct tactical goals. In casual settings, mugs away creates a lovely social dynamic. The loser gets a consolation — a fresh start with the throwing advantage. It keeps the atmosphere positive and competitive without being cutthroat. Combined with the traditional handshake between legs, it exemplifies darts' spirit of friendly competition. If you're playing with friends and haven't established a throw-order rule, suggest mugs away. It keeps games close, gives everyone a fair shot, and is a nod to the game's pub heritage.