Ultimate List Of Dart Games

Are you ready to step into the world of dart games and take your dart-throwing skills to new heights? Whether you’re a casual player looking to add some variety to your dart nights or a seasoned enthusiast seeking new challenges, this article is your ultimate guide to an exciting array of dart games. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of dart games that will keep you entertained and engaged for hours on end. From classic favorites to lesser-known gems, we’ve got you covered. Get your darts ready, gather your friends, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the world of dart games. Let’s explore the rules, strategies, and endless fun that await you in this ultimate list of dart games.

Dart Game History

Dart games have a rich and fascinating history that stretches back centuries. The origins of darts can be traced back to medieval times when soldiers would engage in friendly competitions by throwing arrows or sharpened sticks at the bottoms of wine barrels. As time went on, the game evolved, and in the late 19th century, darts began to be played on indoor boards with numbered sections. It was around this time that the standard numbering system we know today was established.

Darts gained popularity in pubs and bars across the United Kingdom, becoming a staple of social gatherings and friendly competitions. The game continued to evolve, with various dart organizations being formed, professional tournaments being established, and innovative dartboard designs being introduced. Today, dart games have become a global phenomenon, enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. The history of dart games is a testament to the enduring appeal of this timeless pastime and its ability to bring people together in the spirit of fun and competition.

Here’s The Ultimate List of Dart Games For 2023

The ’01 Dart Games

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 a double 8.

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Around the Clock

The “Around the Clock” dart game is a fun and challenging game that tests a player’s accuracy and consistency. The objective of the game is to hit each number on the dartboard in numerical order, starting from 1 and going all the way up to 20. Players take turns throwing darts at the corresponding number on the dartboard, trying to land their darts in the designated target area.

Once a player successfully hits the current number, they move on to the next one. The game continues until a player hits the final number 20, completing the “clock.” The player who finishes the clock in the fewest number of turns or with the lowest score wins the game. “Around the Clock” is a popular dart game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels and provides a great opportunity to improve accuracy and precision while having fun.

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180 Around the Clock

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.

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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.

“Chase the Dragon” is an exciting and competitive dart game that requires both skill and strategy. It is one of the most loved dart games. The game is played with multiple players, each taking turns to throw three darts per round. The objective is to score as many points as possible by hitting designated target areas on the dartboard. In “Chase the Dragon,” players aim to hit specific numbers on the dartboard in ascending order, starting from the number 1. However, players must hit each number twice before moving on to the next.

Once a player hits a number twice, it becomes “captured” and they can move on to the next number. The twist in the game comes with the “Dragon.” The Dragon is a predetermined number that players must avoid hitting throughout the game. If a player hits the Dragon number, their turn ends immediately, and their score for that round is reset to zero. The game continues until all the numbers have been captured, and the player with the highest overall score is declared the winner. “Chase the Dragon” is an engaging and strategic dart game that requires precision, decision-making, and a bit of luck to come out on top.

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American Cricket

“American Cricket” is a popular dart game that adds a strategic twist to the traditional game of cricket. The game is played between two or more players or teams, and the objective is to score points by hitting specific numbers on the dartboard. In “American Cricket,” the numbers 20 through 15 and the bullseye are the target areas. Players take turns throwing their darts and aim to hit these numbers to score points. To score points, a player must hit each number three times, closing it, and they can then begin scoring on that number.

The bullseye can be closed by hitting it once. Once a player or team has closed a number, they can score points by hitting that number or the bullseye. The game continues until all players or teams have closed all the numbers and the bullseye. The player or team with the highest total points at the end of the game is declared the winner. “American Cricket” offers a strategic challenge as players must decide which numbers to prioritize and aim for to gain an advantage over their opponents. It is a thrilling and competitive dart game that tests players’ accuracy and decision-making skills.​

English Cricket

“English Cricket” is a popular dart game that puts a unique spin on the traditional game of cricket. It is played between two or more players or teams and follows a similar scoring system to the standard game. In “English Cricket,” the numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye are the target areas. Each player takes turns throwing their darts, aiming to score points by hitting these numbers. To score points, a player must hit each number three times, closing it, and they can then begin scoring on that number. The bullseye can be closed by hitting it once. Once a player or team has closed a number, they can score points by hitting that number or the bullseye.

However, in “English Cricket,” hitting a number that is not yet closed by the opponent will result in negative points. The negative points are equal to the value of the hit number. The game continues until all players or teams have closed all the numbers and the bullseye. The player or team with the highest total points at the end of the game is declared the winner. “English Cricket” adds an extra level of strategy and risk-taking to the game, as players must balance their aim for closed numbers while avoiding negative points from hitting open numbers. It is a challenging and exciting dart game that tests players’ skills and decision-making abilities.

Hare and Hound

“Hare and Hound” is a thrilling and competitive dart game that tests players’ accuracy and strategy. It is played between two or more players or teams, and the objective is to be the first player or team to reach a designated point total. The game is played on a numbered dartboard, and each player takes turns throwing their darts. The player who goes first is the “Hare,” while the other players are the “Hounds.” The “Hare” starts by choosing a target number on the dartboard, which is typically double or triple. The “Hare” must hit that target number in order to score points. The other players, the “Hounds,” must hit different target numbers, which are determined by multiplying or dividing the “Hare’s” target number. For example, if the “Hare” hits a triple 20, the “Hounds” can aim for a single 20, double 10, or a triple 5.

The “Hounds” can only score points if they hit their designated target number before the “Hare” hits theirs. If the “Hare” hits their target number first, they earn points, and the other players do not. The game continues with players taking turns as the “Hare,” and the first player or team to reach the predetermined point total is the winner. “Hare and Hound” requires both accuracy and strategy, as players must choose their target numbers wisely and aim to hit them before their opponents. It is a fast-paced and competitive dart game that guarantees excitement and suspense until the very end.

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Killer

“Killer” is an intense and competitive dart game that challenges players’ accuracy and strategic thinking. It is typically played with three or more players, and the objective is to be the last player standing. In “Killer,” each player takes turns throwing their darts, aiming to hit specific target numbers on the dartboard. The target numbers are determined at the beginning of the game, often randomly or by mutual agreement. The aim is to hit each target number five times to become a “killer” and gain the ability to eliminate other players from the game. Once a player becomes a “killer,” they can aim to hit the target numbers of their opponents. If a “killer” successfully hits an opponent’s target number, the opponent loses a life and is one step closer to being eliminated.

However, if a player hits their own target number, they lose a life instead. The game continues with players taking turns, and the last player remaining with lives intact is declared the winner. “Killer” requires precision and strategy, as players must choose their target numbers strategically and aim to eliminate their opponents while protecting themselves. It is a thrilling and competitive dart game that keeps players engaged and on their toes until the very end.​

Knockout

“Knockout” is a fast-paced and exciting dart game that tests players’ accuracy and resilience under pressure. It can be played with any number of players, and the objective is to be the last player remaining in the game. In “Knockout,” each player takes turns throwing their darts at a predetermined target, usually the bullseye or a specific number on the dartboard. The players aim to hit the target with their darts, and if they succeed, they advance to the next round.

However, if a player fails to hit the target with their dart, they are eliminated from the game. The game continues with the remaining players taking turns, eliminating one player at a time until only one player remains as the winner. “Knockout” is a game that requires precision and composure, as players must maintain their focus while facing the pressure of potentially being eliminated with each throw. It is a thrilling and competitive dart game that keeps players engaged and provides an adrenaline-filled experience.

Mickey Mouse

In this dart game, the dartboard is divided into three main sections: the face, the ears, and the head. Each section has its own scoring rules:

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Nine Lives

In the game of Nine Lives, players aim to hit numbers one through nine in sequential order. Each player starts with nine “lives” or attempts to complete the sequence. The objective is to hit each number while preserving as many lives as possible.

Players take turns throwing three darts each. They aim to hit the targeted number corresponding to their current position in the sequence. For instance, if a player is on number three, they need to hit the “3” segment of the dartboard.

If a player successfully hits the correct number, they advance to the next one in the sequence. However, if they miss the target or hit a different number, they lose a life. The game continues until a player completes the sequence by hitting number nine or until all players exhaust their nine lives.

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Tic-Tac-Toe

In Dart Tic-Tac-Toe, players take turns throwing darts at a large, segmented dartboard. The objective is to create a winning pattern of three marks in a row—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—similar to the original game of tic-tac-toe.

To begin, a standard tic-tac-toe grid is drawn on the dartboard, typically consisting of nine squares arranged in a 3×3 formation. Each square represents a possible target for a dart throw.

Players alternate turns, aiming their darts at the desired square on the board. The goal is to land a dart accurately within the chosen square. If successful, the player marks that square with their designated mark (e.g., “X” or “O”).

The game continues until one player successfully creates a winning line of three marks in a row, thereby achieving a tic-tac-toe pattern. This can be accomplished horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The player who achieves this winning pattern first is declared the winner of the game.

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Shanghai

Image from: Pixabay.com

Shanghai is an exciting dart game that challenges players to hit specific segments of the dartboard in a strategic and skillful manner. The game is typically played with multiple players, and the objective is to accumulate the highest score within a predetermined number of rounds.

In Shanghai, each round focuses on a specific number on the dartboard. The game is usually played with rounds ranging from 1 to 7, but this can vary depending on preferences. For example, in the first round, players aim to hit the number 1 segment of the dartboard. In the second round, they target the number 2, and so on.

The scoring system in Shanghai involves multiplying the score of each dart by the corresponding round number. So, in the first round, hitting a single 1 would earn the player 1 point, hitting a double 1 would earn 2 points, and hitting a triple 1 would earn 3 points. This scoring pattern applies to subsequent rounds as well.

In addition to targeting the designated number for each round, Shanghai incorporates a special rule called “Shanghai.” If a player manages to hit a single, double, and triple of the designated number within a single turn, they achieve a “Shanghai” and earn a bonus. The bonus can vary but is typically a high number, such as 25 or 50 points.

The game progresses through each round, with players taking turns and accumulating scores based on their successful hits and achieving Shanghais when possible. The player with the highest total score at the end of the predetermined rounds is declared the winner of the game.

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51 by 5’s

In 51 by 5’s, players take turns throwing three darts each and aim to accumulate a total score of exactly 51 points. The game incorporates specific scoring rules to determine how points are earned:

1. Scoring: The scoring system in 51 by 5’s assigns different values to specific areas of the dartboard. The standard scoring applies to the numbered sections of the dartboard, where hitting a number corresponds to its face value (e.g., hitting 20 scores of 20 points).
2. Multipliers: Players can further increase their score by hitting certain segments of the dartboard. Hitting a double (outer ring) multiplies the score of that segment by 2, while hitting a triple (inner ring) multiplies the score by 3.
3. Subtraction: In 51 by 5’s, players start with a score of 51 and aim to reduce it to exactly zero. However, the twist is that any score exceeding 51 is deducted from the total score. For example, if a player has a total of 48 points and scores 20, their score would be reduced to 28 instead of increasing.

Players strategically aim to accumulate points by hitting specific segments and using combinations of singles, doubles, and triples to reach the target score of 51. They must carefully consider their remaining score and choose the most optimal throwing strategy to minimize deductions and maximize their chances of reaching zero.

The game of 51 by 5’s can be played individually or in teams, with each player or team taking turns until someone reaches the target score or comes closest to zero.

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Tennis

In Dart Tennis, players take turns throwing darts and aim to score points by hitting specific areas of the dartboard. The game is typically played with two players or two teams.

The scoring system in Tennis is based on the numbering and layout of the dartboard. Each segment on the dartboard corresponds to a specific point value. For instance, hitting the number 20 segment scores 20 points, the number 19 segment scores 19 points, and so on.

To mirror the scoring system in tennis, the game of Dart Tennis follows similar rules:

1. Love: At the beginning of the game, both players or teams start with a score of “love” or zero.
2. Scoring: Players accumulate points by hitting numbered segments on the dartboard. The points scored in a single turn are added to the player’s or team’s score. For example, hitting a double 20 would score 40 points.
3. Deuce: When both players or teams reach a score of 40 points, it is referred to as “deuce.” From deuce, players must score two consecutive points to win the game.
4. Advantage: If a player or team scores a point after a deuce, they gain the “advantage.” However, they must score another point to win the game. If they fail to score on their next turn, the score returns to a deuce.
5. Game and Set: Players continue to accumulate points to win games and sets, similar to a tennis match. The number of games and sets required to win the match can be predetermined.​

Mulligan

In Mulligan, players take turns throwing darts and aim to accumulate points by hitting specific areas of the dartboard. The objective is to achieve the highest score possible within a predetermined number of rounds.

The game incorporates the concept of “mulligans” or “do-overs.” A mulligan is an extra attempt given to a player who fails to score on their initial throw. It provides an opportunity to improve their score or make up for a missed opportunity.

The rules of Mulligan can vary, but generally, each player starts with a set number of mulligans, such as three or five, for the entire game. Whenever a player fails to score points with a dart, they can choose to use a mulligan to retake that particular throw.

The mulligan must be declared and used immediately after the unsuccessful throw before the next player takes their turn. When a mulligan is utilized, the player gets another chance to throw the dart at the desired target in the hope of scoring points.

The game continues with players taking turns, accumulating points, and utilizing mulligans as needed. The player with the highest total score at the end of the predetermined rounds or when mulligans are exhausted is declared the winner.

 

501/301/101

In 501/301/101, each player starts with the designated target score (501, 301, or 101) and takes turns throwing darts to reduce their score. The standard scoring rules of the dartboard apply, where hitting a number corresponds to its face value.

Players aim to score as high as possible with each turn to deduct points from their total. Hitting a double (outer ring) of a number doubles the score while hitting a triple (inner ring) triples the score. For instance, hitting a triple 20 would deduct 60 points (20 x 3 = 60).

The game progresses as players take turns throwing three darts each, deducting their scores accordingly. It requires careful calculation and strategy to reach the target score while leaving a manageable score for the next round.

To win the game, players must precisely reduce their score to exactly zero, without going below zero. The final throw that brings the player’s score to zero must land in a double segment. For example, if a player has a score of 32 remaining, they must hit a double 16 to win the game.

501/301/101 is often played with variations such as double in/double out or straight start, which can modify the rules for starting and finishing the game. The specific rules and variations can be agreed upon before playing.

Cricket

In Cricket, players aim to “close” or score points on specific numbers on the dartboard, typically 15 through 20 and the bullseye. The game can be played with any number of players or teams, and the objective is to accumulate the highest score within a predetermined number of rounds.

The basic rules of Cricket are as follows:

1. Closing Numbers: The game begins with players taking turns throwing darts. The objective is to hit each number in play (15-20 and the bullseye) three times to “close” that number. Hitting a single, double, or triple of the number counts as one hit.
2. Scoring: Once a player closes a number, they can score points on that number. Hitting that closed number again earns points equal to its face value. For example, if a player has closed the number 17 and hits a single 17, they score 17 points. Hitting a double 17 scores 34 points, and hitting a triple 17 scores 51 points.
3. Bullseye: The bullseye is divided into the outer bull (usually worth 25 points) and the inner bull, also known as the “double bull” or “red bull” (usually worth 50 points). To close the bullseye, players need to hit each segment three times as well.
4. Strategy: In Cricket, players can strategically focus on closing numbers before their opponents to prevent them from scoring on those numbers. Additionally, players can try to close numbers their opponents have already closed to limit their scoring opportunities.
5. Winning: The game typically consists of a predetermined number of rounds or can be played until a certain point threshold is reached. The player or team with the highest total score at the end of the rounds or when the threshold is reached is declared the winner.

Baseball

In Baseball, players aim to accumulate points by hitting specific areas on the dartboard that represent bases and scoring zones. The game is typically played with two teams or players.

The gameplay of Baseball follows these key rules:

1. Bases: The dartboard is divided into specific areas representing bases. Usually, the segments for numbers 1, 2, 3, and bullseye represent the first, second, and third bases, and home plate, respectively.
2. Scoring: Players score points based on the area they hit on the dartboard. Hitting a segment that represents an unoccupied base (e.g., a single, double, triple, or home run segment) earns the player the corresponding number of points. The bullseye segments can represent a hit or an out, depending on the agreed-upon rules.
3. Advancement: When a player scores a hit, they can advance their “runners” (represented by imaginary players on bases) by the number of bases indicated by the segment they hit. For example, hitting a segment that represents a double would advance all runners on base by two bases.
4. Outs: Depending on the rules, certain dartboard segments, such as the bullseye or specific sections of the dartboard, can be designated as outs. Hitting these segments would result in an out for the batter.
5. Innings and Runs: The game progresses through innings, with each player or team alternating turns. Players score runs by advancing runners and bringing them home to score. The team with the most runs at the end of a predetermined number of innings wins the game.

 

Halve-It

In Halve-It, players take turns throwing darts and aim to score points by hitting designated segments of the dartboard. The game typically consists of several rounds, with each round focusing on a different target area.

The gameplay of Halve-It follows these basic rules:

1. Target Areas: Each round has a specific target area or segment on the dartboard. The target areas are usually different sections or numbers, such as 20, 19, 18, and so on. The target areas may vary depending on the preferences of the players.
2. Scoring: Players earn points based on the target area for the current round. The score earned from hitting a specific segment is determined by multiplying the value of that segment by a predetermined factor. For example, if the factor is 2 and the target area is 20, hitting a single 20 would score 20 points, a double 20 would score 40 points, and so on.
3. Advancing to the Next Round: To advance to the next round, players must successfully hit the target area and accumulate the required number of points. If a player fails to reach the required score for the round, they do not progress and their score remains as it is.
4. Halving: The game also incorporates the concept of “halving.” If a player manages to hit a segment that would double their current score, they can choose to “halve” their score instead. This means their score is reduced by half, which can be advantageous in later rounds.
5. Winning: The game continues until all the rounds are completed. The player with the highest total score at the end of the game is declared the winner.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of dart games offers a vast array of options to entertain and challenge players of all levels. Today is the day you get a dart board and try out these games. From classic favorites like ’01 games to lesser-known gems like Shanghai and Hare and Hound, there is a dart game to suit every preference and skill set. Dart games have a rich history that spans centuries, evolving from simple pastimes to organized competitions enjoyed worldwide. These games not only test players’ accuracy and throwing skills but also require strategic thinking and decision-making to outscore opponents.

Whether you’re looking for a casual game to spice up your dart nights with friends or seeking intense competition in a tournament setting, the variety of dart games provides endless possibilities. From the exciting and strategic Cricket to the fast-paced Knockout and the suspenseful Halve-It, each game offers its own unique challenges and thrills.

Dart games foster camaraderie and friendly competition, bringing people together to share laughter, excitement, and memorable moments. They offer a delightful blend of skill, strategy, and fun, making them a popular choice among players of all ages and backgrounds.

So, gather your friends, prepare your darts, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the world of dart games. Explore the rules, strategies, and endless fun that await you in this ultimate list of dart games. Let the dartboard be your playground as you refine your skills, test your mettle, and create lasting memories. It’s time to step into the world of dart games and take your dart-throwing skills to new heights.