System for handicapping substitute or unranked players in a dart game match

A system is provided for handicapping unranked players in a dart game match, wherein the match includes a plurality of successively played games. Upon initiation of a match, a default average is assigned to an unranked player. An initial handicap is calculated for the unranked player based on the difference between the default average and an actual average of a ranked opponent of the unranked player. The initial handicap is then used for the first game in the match. At the end of the first game, a first new handicap is calculated for the unranked player based at least upon the unranked player's actual average in the first game. The first new handicap is used for the second game in the match. The unranked player's handicap is repeatedly recalculated after completion of each game in the match based at least upon the unranked player's actual average in previous games of the match. The recalculated handicaps are used for the next game in the match. After completion of all games in the match, a fixed handicap is established for the unranked player based at least upon the unranked player's actual average in all of the games of the completed match. The fixed handicap is used for subsequent matches. The player average may be points scored per dart or round, marks per dart or round, or any other suitable measure of performance. The handicap may be used to assign a spot dart, spot mark, or spot point handicap.