Dart Games Guide – How to Play and Enjoy Darts

Dart Games Guide

Dart Games Guide 🎯 Darts is a fun and challenging game that can be played by anyone, anywhere. It involves throwing small pointed projectiles called darts at a circular board called a dartboard. The dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, each with different scoring values. The goal is to hit the highest-scoring areas and reduce your score to zero before your opponent.

Darts is one of the most popular pub games of all time1. It can be played with a drink in hand and its rate of injury is not as high as you’d expect1. It is also a great way to improve your hand-eye coordination, concentration, and mental arithmetic skills.
 
There are many different types of dart games that you can play, each with its own rules and variations. Some of the most popular ones are Cricket, 01s (301, 501, 701), Around the World, Killer Darts, and Scram2. In this guide, we will explain how to play these games and give you some tips and tricks to enjoying them.

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Cricket

Cricket is one of the most popular dart games in the world. It is also known as Mickey Mouse or Hare and Hounds. It is a game of strategy and accuracy that can be played by two or more players or teams.

How to Play Cricket

To start the game, each player or team throws one dart at the bullseye. The closest one goes first. The objective of the game is to close all the numbers from 15 to 20 and the bullseye before your opponent. To close a number, you have to hit it three times. You can hit it with a single (one mark), a double (two marks), or a triple (three marks).
 
Once you close a number, you can score points on it if your opponent has not closed it yet. For example, if you close 20 and your opponent has not, you can score 20 points for each single 20 you hit, 40 points for each double 20 you hit, and 60 points for each triple 20 you hit. The game ends when one player or team closes all the numbers and the bullseye and has more or equal points than their opponent. If both players or teams have the same points at the end of the game, it is a tie.

Tips and Tricks for Cricket

  • Aim for the triples when closing numbers. They will save you darts and give you more scoring opportunities.
  • Try to close the higher numbers first. They are worth more points and harder to hit.
  • Keep track of your opponent’s progress and try to block them from scoring on their open numbers.
  • Don’t forget about the bullseye. It counts as two marks when closing it and 25 points when scoring on it.

Darts 01s (301, 501, 701)

01s are another popular type of dart game that is often played in tournaments and leagues. They are also known as countdown or subtraction games. They can be played by two or more players or teams.

How to Play 01s

To start the game, each player or team chooses a starting score of either 301, 501, or 701. The higher the score, the longer the game. The objective of the game is to reduce your score to exactly zero before your opponent. Each player or team takes turns throwing three darts at the board. The score of each dart is subtracted from their current score. In order to start counting down your score, you have to hit a double number first. This is called “doubling in”. For example, if you hit double 16 on your first throw, you will start with 301 – 32 = 269 points.
 
In order to finish the game, you have to hit a double number that matches your remaining score. This is called “doubling out”. For example, if you have 40 points left, you have to hit double 20 on your last throw. If you hit any other number or go below zero, you will bust and your score will revert to what it was before your turn.
The game ends when one player or team reaches exactly zero and wins the game. If both players or teams reach zero on the same turn, the one with the lower starting score wins.

Tips and Tricks for 01s

  • Aim for the big numbers when reducing your score. They will help you get closer to zero faster and give you more options for finishing.
  • Try to leave yourself an even number when you are close to zero. This will make it easier to double out.
  • Memorize some common outshoots and practice them. For example, if you have 170 points left, you can finish with triple 20, triple 20, and bullseye. If you have 50 points left, you can finish with a single 18 and a double 16.
  • Don’t panic if you miss your double. Stay calm and focus on your next throw.

Around the World

Around the World is a simple and fun dart game that can be played by any number of players. It is also known as Around the Clock or Round the Board.

How to Play Around the World

To start the game, each player throws one dart at the bullseye. The closest one goes first. The objective of the game is to hit every number on the board in order from 1 to 20 and then the bullseye. Each player takes turns throwing three darts at the board. You can only move on to the next number after hitting the previous one. The game ends when one player hits the bullseye and completes their round. They are declared the winner.

Tips and Tricks for Around the World

  • Aim for the middle of each number. This will reduce the chance of hitting a neighboring number by mistake.
  • Try to hit each number with your first dart. This will give you more time to aim for the next one.
  • Don’t rush your throws. Take your time and focus on each target.

Killer Darts

Killer Darts is a fun and exciting dart game that can be played by three or more players. It is also known as Blind Killer or Killer.

How to Play Killer Darts

To start the game, each player throws one dart at the board with their non-dominant hand. The number they hit becomes their “life” number. If they miss the board or hit a number that is already taken by another player, they have to throw again until they get a valid number.
 
The objective of the game is to eliminate all other players by hitting their life numbers three times. Each player takes turns throwing three darts at the board. You can only hit other players’ life numbers after hitting your own life number once. This makes you a “killer”. You can also hit your own life number again to gain extra lives (up to a maximum of three). The game ends when only one player remains alive. They are declared the winner.

Tips and Tricks for Killer Darts

  • Aim for your own life number first. This will make you a killer and allow you to attack other players.
  • Try to hit other players’ life numbers with your first dart. This will give you more chances to eliminate them.
  • Watch out for other killers. They can hit your life number and reduce your life.
  • Don’t forget about your extra lives. They can save you from being eliminated.

Scram

Scram is a fast-paced and competitive dart game that can be played by two players or teams.

How to Play Scram

  • To start the game, each player or team chooses a number from 15 to 20 and the bullseye. This is their “home” number. The other player or team chooses a different number. This is their “away” number.
  • The objective of the game is to score more points than your opponent by hitting your home and away numbers. Each player or team takes turns throwing three darts at the board.
  • You can score points by hitting your home number (one point for a single, two points for a double, and three points for a triple) or you’re away number (two points for a single, four points for a double, and six points for a triple). You can also score points by hitting the bullseye (five points).
  • The game ends when one player or team reaches a predetermined score (usually 51 or 101) and wins the game.

Tips and Tricks for Scram

  • Aim for the doubles and triples when hitting your home and away numbers. They will give you more points and help you win faster.
  • Try to hit the bullseye when you have a chance. It is worth more points than any other number on the board.
  • Keep track of your score and your opponent’s score. Know how many points you need to win and how many points you need to catch up.

Conclusion

Dart games are fun and easy to play with friends, family, or strangers. They can also improve your skills and challenge your mind. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is a dart game for you.

Try some of the games we have introduced in this guide and see how much you enjoy them. Remember to always play safely and responsibly. Have fun! 🎯

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