Ultimate List Of Dart Games

1860 – Year in which first dart games were played. Ever since then, the game is attracting fans by the droves. Perhaps you and your friends and family can give it a go with these 16 easy to play games.

Here’s The Ultimate List of Dart Games For 2018

The ’01 Dart Games

dart board with yellow, green and black colors on its pattern

Image from pxhere.com

Players are assigned scores at the beginning of the match – 301, 501 and 701.

The player wins by reducing their points to 0. Each part of the board carries a different score. To finish and win the game you must hit a double. For example, with a score of 16 remaining a player can win by hitting double 8.

Around the Clock

Players are expected to hit numbers around the clock (the board) in the order they appear in. Players change turns after making 3 throws each. Hit a double and you skip the next number, hit a treble and you skip the next 2 numbers. First one to reach and hit 20 wins.

180 Around the Clock

close-up photo of three dart arrows, all hitting the same double ring

Image from Pixabay.com

The maximum score you can get is 180. The aim is to hit each number three times. A single one each time on the spots equals a score of 60 and a triple hit each time will get you 180.

Chase the Dragon Dart Games

Chase the Dragon is one of the most loved dart games. The aim is to hit the designated numbers from 10 to 20 as well as the outer and eventually the inner bull. The points must be hit in sequence. To win the game, run all 12 scoring areas before your opponent.

American Cricket

Two players or teams race to close stated numbers (called innings) on the dart board. An inning is closed when a player scores three of the numbers. The first to close all innings is the winner.

English Cricket

One player is the batter while the other is the bowler. The batter goes first. 10 stripes (wickets) are entered on the dartboard. The bowler’s aim is to erase these wickets by hitting bull’s-eyes. Each bull’s-eye strikes down a wicket. The batter works to score as many points or runs while any wickets remain. Once all the wickets are crossed out, points are noted and roles reversed.

Hare and Hound

These dart games involve the hound chasing the hare. The first player (hare) starts at 20, while the hound starts from 5. The hound chases the hare with the aim of catching it before it returns to 20.

Killer

Can be played by up to 5 people. Players blindly pick numbers between 1 and 20. Players hit their number’s double 3 times in order to become a killer. The killer then plays the other player’s double 3 times, killing them. The remaining player wins.

Knockout

Players throw a single dart to start off the dart games. Player closest to the bulls-eye gets to play first. Following player has to hit a higher score. Failing to do so, their name is circled. A player that gets 3 circles is eliminated. Last man standing wins.

Mickey Mouse

In this dart games, you are required to close a number (20 through to 12, doubles, triples, and bulls-eye) by hitting it thrice. The first player is the one who hits closest to the bulls-eye.

Nine Lives

This is more of a race to hit numbers 1 – 20 sequentially. Players are given 3 lives, each life with 3 darts. If a player mishits with the 3 darts they lose a life. Failure to hit with 3 lives leads to elimination. Last player remaining wins.

Tic-Tac-Toe

close-up photo of dart board with dart arrows suggesting tic-tac-toe dart game

Image from Pixabay.com

Follows the same principle of the paper game. Players have to close out a square on a pre-drawn 12-square box with the target numbers written in the squares. 3 strikes of a number on the dartboard cross out the number on the 12-square “score sheet”.

Shanghai

close-up photo focused on dart arrows hitting single, double and triple rings or Shanghai

Image from: Pixabay.com

Players take turns throwing at the numbers 1 through to 7 in sequence. The aim is to score as many points as possible per turn using your three darts. Only aim for the number in play in that round, all other numbers don’t count. There are 2 ways of winning – having the highest score at the end of the game or by “shanghai-ing”. To Shanghai, you have to hit the single, double and triple of the number in play. A Shanghai is an automatic win.

Here’s A Relevant Video From YouTube:

51 by 5’s

The objective of this dart games is to accumulate a score divisible by 5 at the end of your 3 dart throws. Each divisible 5 is a point. To win, you have to be first to accumulate 51 points or more.

Tennis

Just like the game of tennis, the winner has to win the best of 6 sets. First to serve is the one who throws closest to bulls-eye in selection round.

The game starts with the “play area” on the left-hand side of the dartboard (5 to 19) and alternates to the right-hand side (1 to 17) for the next point. The “play area” alternates between the 2 during a service game. Hitting the bulls-eye with your first dart gets you an ace.

Mulligan

via GIPHY

The object of this dart games is to choose and close 6 random numbers and hit the bulls-eye before your opponent does the same. To close a number, you have to hit it 3 times. Players focus on a particular number until it is closed.

Today – The day you get a dart board and try out these games.

Best Dart Board Reviews

Shooting darts is a lot of fun. Whether you enjoy playing darts as a way to relax with friends, or you’re more serious and competitive, nothing beats having your own best dart board at home.

With your own dartboard, you can play and/or practice anytime you want. But, how do you find the best dart board to meet your wants and needs?

The key lies in reading dart board reviews, shopping around, and looking into all of your options before making a purchasing decision. If you can do that, then you can easily find the best dart board for your home.

Go with Bristle Boards for a Longer-Lasting, More Visually-Appealing Board

close-up photo of the best dart board

As you begin shopping for the best dart board, you will notice that dart boards can actually come from many different materials.

One of the more popular options is the bristle board and for good reason. These boards feature compressed sisal fibers, which basically repair themselves.

So, when you send a dart into a bristle board, the hole in the board will close up when you take the dart out. Because of this fact, bristle boards tend to last much longer than other types of dart boards. They are also more visually appealing since you won’t have a board riddled with unsightly holes after just a few games.

Ask What Type of Sisal is Used

As mentioned above, most people find that a bristle board is a great option for a long-lasting, durable, attractive dartboard.

However, not all bristle boards are equal. What determines how good a particular board is is the type of sisal used in its construction.

Good sisal is very high quality and typically comes from Kenya or other foreign countries. It is also dyed to the purest, clearest color possible and has natural roots in the agave plant.

Bad sisal isn’t really sisal at all; instead, it’s just synthetic fibers that are made to seem like sisal.

When in doubt about the quality of the sisal, which will determine the overall quality of the board, don’t be afraid to ask.

After all, you deserve to make an informed purchasing decision each and every time.

Get the Best Dart Board that is Easy to Rotate

a rotating dart board

​No matter what type of board you choose, one of the best methods for reducing wear and tear on your board is to rotate it regularly.

Regular rotation will help wear to happen more evenly and thus to be less noticeable.

Since you will be rotating your board fairly often, get one that is easy to rotate. Anything too large and heavy, with a complicated mounting system, or that just doesn’t lend itself to easy turning is going to be a huge pain.

When that’s the case, you’re likely to neglect your “turning duties” and to end up getting less use out of your board. For this reason, don’t underestimate the importance of choosing a board that you can easily handle and manage.

For a Cheaper Option, Try Coiled Paper Boards

We’ve talked a lot about how to choose a high quality dartboard that will last you for many years. However, what if you don’t want a super high quality option?

Believe it or not, there are plenty of people out there who just want something cheap and fun. Maybe they want a simple dartboard for their kids to play with. Or, maybe they just want to try out the game without committing to a high-priced dartboard.

Whatever the case may be, if you fall into this category of wanting a cheaper, simpler dartboard, then you can try a coiled paper board.

These boards are very affordable and easy to find as well. They probably won’t hold up for more than a few years, but you can still have a few years of good fun with them, making them worthwhile as long as you know what you’re getting for the price you pay.

Invest in Lighting; You Won’t Regret It

​As you shop for a dartboard, you will notice that there are lots of extra features, typically features that can be added on for a fee.

Some of these features, like sounds and automatic scoring, aren’t really all that necessary. They are nice extras if you can afford them, but they’re not “must have” items.

One item that is a “must have,” at least for most people, is lighting. Lighting helps you to clearly see the board, keeping you from sending your darts into the surrounding walls. Lighting also helps if you want to play at night and makes scoring easier too.

So, if you can only have or invest in one extra feature, make it lighting.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when shopping for a dartboard. However, if you follow these tips, there is no reason you can’t find the best dart board to meet your needs.

 

A Comprehensive Guide On How To Throw A Dart Like A Pro

To some, playing darts is a good way to have a little fun at the bar on a Friday or Saturday night. To others, playing darts is pretty serious business. In either case, knowing how to throw a dart is a pretty handy skill to have. In one scenario, that kind of skill will prevent you from injuring a fellow bar patron. In the other scenario, being a skilled dart player could equal winning thousands of dollars. While you may not have dreams of going pro, it’s still nice to learn how to throw a dart like one.

Grip a Dart Like a Pro

Image via Pixabay

Before you send that dart flying through the air on its journey you need to have a good grip on the dart. While there are many grips used by dart players, there are a few important rules to always keep in mind.

First, you should use at least three fingers. This is often the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Some players will use four or five fingers for added stability when throwing. The only downside to adding more fingers to your grip is having to coordinate all fingers at once when releasing to ensure an accurate flight path.

Another important aspect of your grip is the strength used to hold the dart. You want a light but firm grip on the dart. If you have white fingertips or white knuckles when gripping your dart you are probably holding on too tight and it may be difficult to release the dart on target. Conversely, if you find the dart wobbling in your fingers as you go through the throwing motion then you may need to consider strengthening your grip to stabilize the dart.

Finally, any fingers that are not used in your grip should be positioned well away from the dart. This also includes your palm and other areas of the hand. A simple grip is an effective grip. Nothing is more frustrating than releasing a dart perfectly only to have an errant finger knock your shot off target ever-so-slightly.

Grip It and Take Your Shot

Once you have found a comfortable, effective grip you are ready to take your shot. Aiming your shot is, obviously, the most important aspect of shooting. Your motion could be perfect but if you are not aimed correctly then you will not get the results you want. Position yourself sideways with one foot in front of the other. If you throw right handed then you will want to have your right foot forward. Hold the dart at eye level to help you line up and visualize your shot.

Many dart players will lean forward. The further forward you lean, the closer you are to the dart board and the less distance your dart has to travel. Leaning forward too much, however, can cause strain on the back and negatively affect your aim. A small forward lean is best. Leaning back is not advised at all. This creates more distance between you and the dart board while also making your body less stable during the throwing motion.

As you throw it is important to keep your body as still as possible and let your arm do the work. Don’t lift your leg or shift from side to side as this will alter your balance and cause you to miss shots. The same rule applies to your torso. Keep your upper body as still as possible and allow your throwing arm to generate power. Twisting your body to generate power can cause you to lose accuracy and is unnecessary for the distance needed when playing darts.

Develop Your Own Personal Style

While there are some fundamental rules to darts, there is room for your own style. Try different grips and stances to see which works best for you. Experiment with your grip strength and the power you use to throw the dart. Change the amount of lean you put into your stance and see what works best for you.

Learning how to throw a dart is not an exact science. The only way to master the skill is to practice and then practice some more. Once you have settled on your own style then you may want to start playing more competitively. Try joining a local dart league or challenge some friends to a game where the loser pays for nachos. Learning how to throw a dart is one thing but throwing a dart under pressure is an entirely different skill. Good luck out there!

Featured Image via Pixabay