The Best Darts Games to Play
Darts isn’t just about hitting the bullseye — there are dozens of fun and competitive dartboard games to try. From classic tournament formats to quick pub favourites, here are some of the most popular games you can play at home or in the league.
501
501 is the standard game played in professional darts. Each player starts with a score of 501 and takes turns throwing three darts. The goal is to reach exactly zero, finishing with a double (the outer ring). Scores are deducted based on where the darts land — trebles count triple, doubles count double, and the bullseye is 50 points. The first player to check out wins the leg.
Cricket
Cricket is a tactical game where players aim to “close” the numbers 15 through 20 plus the bullseye. To close a number, you must hit it three times. Once a number is closed, hitting it again scores points unless your opponent has also closed it. The winner is the player who closes all numbers first and has the highest score.
Around the Clock
In Around the Clock, the aim is simple: hit every number on the dartboard in order from 1 through 20. Each player must land a dart in the correct number before moving to the next. The first to complete the sequence wins. This is a great practice game for beginners looking to improve accuracy.
Baseball
Darts Baseball mirrors the innings of real baseball. Each inning corresponds to a number on the board (1 through 9). Players throw three darts per inning, and only darts that hit the current inning number score runs. The player with the most runs after nine innings is the winner.
Killer
Killer is a multiplayer game of survival. Each player is assigned a number on the board by hitting it with a dart. Once you’ve hit a double of your number, you become a “Killer.” As a Killer, you can aim for other players’ numbers to take away their lives. The last player standing wins.
These are just a few of the many dart games you can enjoy. Whether you’re practicing alone, playing casually with friends, or competing in a league, there’s a darts game to suit every player. Grab your darts, set up the board, and enjoy the challenge!