Darts Analysis

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Makhamra, Ayham, Satynska, Yelyzaveta, Weselcouch, Michael
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Makhamra, Ayham
Satynska, Yelyzaveta
Weselcouch, Michael
author_facet Makhamra, Ayham
Satynska, Yelyzaveta
Weselcouch, Michael
contents In this paper we examine the effectiveness of five mathematical models used to predict the outcomes of amateur darts games. These models not only predict the outcomes at the start of the game, but also update their estimations as the game score changes. The models were trained and tested on a dataset consisting of games played by amateur players involving students, faculty, and staff at Roanoke College. The five models are: the null model, which is based only on the live scores, a logistic regression model, a basic simulation model, a time-adjusted simulation model, and a new variation of the Massey model which updates based on the current score. We evaluate these models using two approaches. First, we compare their Brier scores. Second, we conduct head-to-head comparisons in a betting game in which one model sets the betting odds while the other places bets. In both cases, model performance is assessed not only at the start of the game but also at the start of each round. Across both evaluation methods, the score-dependent Massey model performs the best. We conclude by illustrating how this score-dependent Massey model framework can be adapted to other competitive settings beyond darts.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2511_14537
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Darts Analysis
Makhamra, Ayham
Satynska, Yelyzaveta
Weselcouch, Michael
Applications
62P99
In this paper we examine the effectiveness of five mathematical models used to predict the outcomes of amateur darts games. These models not only predict the outcomes at the start of the game, but also update their estimations as the game score changes. The models were trained and tested on a dataset consisting of games played by amateur players involving students, faculty, and staff at Roanoke College. The five models are: the null model, which is based only on the live scores, a logistic regression model, a basic simulation model, a time-adjusted simulation model, and a new variation of the Massey model which updates based on the current score. We evaluate these models using two approaches. First, we compare their Brier scores. Second, we conduct head-to-head comparisons in a betting game in which one model sets the betting odds while the other places bets. In both cases, model performance is assessed not only at the start of the game but also at the start of each round. Across both evaluation methods, the score-dependent Massey model performs the best. We conclude by illustrating how this score-dependent Massey model framework can be adapted to other competitive settings beyond darts.
title Darts Analysis
topic Applications
62P99
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.14537