If you’ve ever stood in front of a dartboard at a bar, maybe half a beer in, and wondered what on earth the rules actually are—you’re not alone. Dart games can be as simple as just throwing at the bullseye or as complex as calculating scores across weird little numbers on the board. Some folks treat it like a serious sport with tournaments and prize money. Others just use it as an excuse to kill time with friends. Both ways work.
Let’s walk through the rules, the types, the gear, the scoring, even the odd digital versions like online dart games and dart apps. I’ll try to keep it practical, less textbook-y. More like sitting with someone who’s explaining while you’ve got the darts in hand.
The Basics: Dart Game Rules
Every dart game is built on the same setup: a dartboard, usually 18 inches in diameter, 20 numbered sections, a bullseye in the middle. Most rules require you to stand at the “oche”—the line about 7 feet 9 ¼ inches from the board. Toss three darts. That’s a turn. To improve your aim and precision, you can practice drills similar to soccer shooting drills that sharpen first touch and aim, which help train hand-eye coordination and focus.
| Rule | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard distance | 7 ft 9 ¼ in | Some electronic boards shorten it |
| Dart weight | 12–50 grams | Most players stick to 20–25g |
| Turns | 3 darts per player | Unless specified otherwise |
| Scoring | Based on sections | Doubles, triples, bullseye |
Some games care about doubles and triples (those skinny rings). Some don’t. A few, like Cricket, turn into strategy battles.
Different Dart Game Types
There are so many dart games types that it almost feels endless. The classics like 501 and 301—those are the professional dart games you see on TV. But then you have party dart games like “Killer” or “Shanghai,” which are perfect if you’re just messing around with friends.
Main categories:
- Scoring games: 501, 301, Around the Clock
- Elimination games: Killer, Halve-It
- Target games: Shanghai, Baseball darts
- Party styles: Random score trackers, “drinks darts” (not official, but it happens)
Dartboard Games Variations
Some people treat dartboard games like playlists. Switch it up depending on the vibe. Got kids? Try dart games for kids like “Bulls and Rings.” Playing at a pub? Go for bar dart games like 501. Using an electronic dartboard? Then you’ve got access to dart games with soft tip darts and built-in scoring systems that take away the math headache. You can also check out this 10-minute soccer dribbling plan for 1v1 ball control for quick, skill-focused practice ideas that complement any game strategy.
How to Play Dart Games: Popular Rules
Some of the big ones worth knowing:
501 (the professional one)
- Start with 501 points.
- Subtract whatever you score.
- The aim: hit exactly zero.
- You must finish with a double. That’s the tricky part.
Cricket (the strategic one)
- Players “close” numbers by hitting them three times (15–20 + bull).
- Once closed, you can score on them until your opponent closes.
- This one feels like chess with darts.
Around the Clock
- Hit numbers 1 through 20 in order.
- No fancy scoring, just aim and progress.
Dart Games Scoring System (Simple Table)
| Section | Points |
|---|---|
| Outer bull (green) | 25 |
| Inner bull (red) | 50 |
| Outer ring | Double |
| Inner thin ring | Triple |
| Normal section | Number shown |
Once you grasp this scoring system, the rest of the games make sense.
Dart Throwing Games for Casual Fun
Sometimes you don’t care about points. You just want dart throwing games where people can join in without needing a calculator.
- High Score: Just throw 3 darts. Highest total wins.
- Bulls Only: Every throw aimed at the bullseye.
- Closest to Center: Each player gets one dart per round. Closest dart wins.
These make good easy dart games to play at parties or family gatherings.
Online Dart Games and Apps
Not near a board? There are online dart games and dart games apps. They won’t replace the feel of real darts, but they’re surprisingly addictive. A few even let you play multiplayer dart games with strangers.
Popular digital formats:
- Free dart games online with simple aim-and-click mechanics.
- Dart games for PC with realistic physics.
- Mobile apps with practice modes and AI opponents.
Some apps double as scorekeepers for real boards, which is handy when you don’t want to deal with math.
Professional Dart Games and Tournaments
Once you dig deeper, there’s a whole world of dart games tournaments. Professional dart games run under organizations like the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation). Matches are televised, crowds chant player nicknames, it’s half sport, half theater.
- Standard game: 501, double-out finish.
- Sets and legs format, like tennis.
- Players use specialized darts and travel worldwide.
If you’re serious, study how pros use dart games strategy—things like aiming for treble 20 over and over, managing finishes, practicing doubles under pressure.
Practice Routines and Strategy
Improving at darts isn’t just about throwing more. It’s about smart dart games practice routines.
- 20 minutes on doubles – pick one and nail it until consistent.
- Checkout practice – play out finishing numbers like 40, 32, 24.
- Group drills – Around the Clock but double-only.
Dart games strategy boils down to knowing where to aim when you’re under pressure. Most pros prioritize treble 20, then adjust depending on score.
Gear: Darts, Accessories, and Boards
Your setup matters. Best darts for dart games usually depends on grip and weight. Some like heavier steel tip darts. Others prefer lighter soft tip darts for electronic boards.
Accessories worth having:
- Proper dartboard cabinet (protects the wall).
- Scoreboard (chalk or digital).
- Flight protectors and spare shafts.
- A mat with throw line.
If you’re into dart games for electronic dartboard, make sure the darts match (soft tips, not steel).
Family and Party Play
For more relaxed vibes:
- Dart games for beginners like “High Score” are easy entry points.
- Dart games for kids—use magnetic dartboards or velcro darts for safety.
- Party dart games—layer in silly rules, like taking a sip if you miss.
Basically, dart games scale. You can go from safe kids’ games to hardcore tournament formats using the same circular board.
FAQs
1. What are the most popular dart games?
501, 301, and Cricket are the classics. Around the Clock and Shanghai are also common.
2. How do you score in darts?
Hit the numbered sections. Doubles count as 2x, triples as 3x, outer bull is 25, inner bull is 50.
3. Are there dart games for beginners?
Yes—High Score, Around the Clock, and Bulls Only are perfect for learning.
4. Can I play dart games online?
Definitely. There are free dart games online, dart games apps, and even PC versions.
5. What darts are best for dart games?
It depends on your style. Steel tips are for bristle boards, soft tips for electronic boards. Most players use darts around 20–25 grams.
I’m Daniel Moore, and I live for the thrill of the game. Get energetic live commentary, detailed match analysis, data-backed betting predictions, and official team rankings right here.
