Games to Play on a Dart Board

When people think of darts games, they tend to think of the sport itself -- where two competitors play down from 501. There are, however, a variety of fun games that test a player's special abilities and offer different variations of scoring.

  1. '01 Games

    • The conventional way of playing darts, '01 games are those where two players or teams compete down from a number (usually 501) to zero. Each contestant takes a turn throwing three scoring darts -- the sum of the three darts is reduced from their overall total, so if a player starts on 501 and scores 20, 18, 18, he is then on 445. When a contestant gets to 170 and below, he can win the game by "checking out." This is where the final dart of their game is a double. For example, if a player requires 38 (double 19) for the win and accidentally scores 39 or more, they "bust" their score and must let their opponent throw again before returning to try and check out 38. One completed '01 game is known as a "leg," and "sets" are usually the best out of three or five legs. Furthermore, darts matches are often the best of three sets.

    Around the World

    • Also known as "Around the Clock," Around the World is a game which is played by any number of individuals, but works best with between four and eight. Players must hit the numbers of the dartboard in order, starting with one. Once a player hits 20, she must then hit either the inner or outer bullseye to secure the win. When scoring, if a player hits a double or triple, she skips out either one or two steps -- for example, if a player hits double three, she moves straight on to five, and if she hits triple 10, she must next hit 13.

    Golf

    • The aim Golf is to finish with the lowest score as possible. Starting from one, players throw one, two or three darts at a turn. If the player hits double one, he has hit a hole in one. If he hits a triple one, he has scored two on that hole. If he hits the wedge between bullseye and the triple, he has scored three. If he hits the area between the double and triple, he has scored four. If he misses the number altogether, he scores five. Only the last dart thrown counts as a score -- for example, a player may hit the area between the double and triple but decide he can do better, so he throws again and hits the triple for a score of two. Play either nine or 18 holes, with the overall winner being the player who records the lowest score.

    Killer

    • Killer is a simple and fun darts game that is played by a large group. Get each player to throw one dart at the board with her weaker hand. Whichever number she hits is now her number for the duration of the game. Assign a playing order (alphabetic is fine) and write players' names down on the scoreboard, giving each five lives. Every player now takes it a turn and throws three darts. Every time a player hits her own number, she gains one life and every time she hits another player's number, that player loses a life. Once a player loses all her lives, she is out. The winner is the last player standing.