What darts does Gary Anderson use? This Is His Technique, Setup and Mindset

Short answer: Gary Anderson plays with the Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6 90% in 23 grams. His setup consists of 90% tungsten barrels with a slight bulge shape, longer points for a flatter entry into the board, and a compact grip where most pressure sits between thumb and middle finger. Anderson is known for his relaxed, flowing throw with a short pause in the backswing.

Gary Anderson is a two-time World Champion and has been known for years as having one of the smoothest throws on the professional circuit. His nickname is The Flying Scotsman. Despite his game looking effortless, there is a clear structure behind his technique, grip, and equipment.

Below you will find exactly how Anderson throws, what steel tip darts he uses, and what you can learn from his setup.

How does Gary Anderson throw?

Anderson builds his throw from a straight line. His toe, chin, and right eye are aligned toward the treble 20. He stands fairly flat at the oche with a stable upper body. No shoulder rotation, no unnecessary movement.

His throwing motion has three phases: bringing the dart back, a short pause (his signature stop-and-push), and then a directed push forward. That pause gives him control. When he is in flow, darts two and three follow automatically on the same line. The first dart sets the rhythm of the visit.

How does Gary Anderson hold his dart?

Anderson uses a compact grip with two distinct pressure points. Most pressure sits between thumb and middle finger. His front finger supports lightly, but only two fingertips make active contact with the barrel.

During the backswing, the dart slides slightly along the thumb. This releases tension and creates a controlled release. Anderson deliberately grips the barrel slightly further from the point. His reasoning: the further your grip sits from the point, the more influence you have on the direction of the dart.

What darts and setup does Gary Anderson use?

Anderson plays with the Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6 90%. Here are the specs:

Tungsten: 90%

Weight: 23 grams (available in 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 grams)

Barrel: slight bulge shape with pressure point in the centre

Barrel length (23g): 50.70 mm

Barrel width (23g): 7.20 mm

Points: longer than standard, for flatter entry into the board

The combination of 90% tungsten and 23 grams provides a good balance between control and stability. The bulged barrel suits his grip between thumb and middle finger. Do you play with a straight barrel and find your grip slipping sometimes? Then a model with a defined pressure point might be worth testing.

Why does Anderson play with longer points?

Anderson has played with longer points for decades. His principle: the thicker the barrel, the longer the point. Long tips create a flatter angle of entry into the board. This helps with tighter grouping in the treble. It is not standard advice for every player, but it works for his playing style and grip.

What makes Gary Anderson mentally so strong?

According to Anderson, darts is not just about technique. Relaxation is just as important. Tension shows immediately in your throw. His approach: have fun, trust your fundamentals, and do not force it. That combination of technique and mental calm has kept him consistent at the highest level for years.

What weight does Gary Anderson throw?

Gary Anderson throws 23 gram darts. The Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6 90% is also available in 21, 22, 24, and 25 grams. Anderson chooses 23 grams for the balance between stability and control.

What brand of darts does Gary Anderson use?

Anderson plays with darts from Unicorn. His current model is the Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6 90%. He has played multiple generations of this model and has been a brand ambassador for years.

What is Gary Anderson's stop-and-push technique?

The stop-and-push is Anderson's signature throw. He brings the dart back, makes a short pause, and then pushes forward with direction. That pause gives him extra control over direction. When he is in good rhythm, the pauses get shorter and the darts follow each other more quickly.

Conclusion

Gary Anderson's technique revolves around simplicity: a straight line, a compact grip, and a controlled throw with his signature pause. His Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6 90% in 23 grams is designed around that playing style, with a bulged barrel and longer points. Want to experience how his setup feels? Check out the Unicorn Gary Anderson Phase 6 90% at Dartshopper.