16 Dart Games To Play For Practice, Partners, and Parties
Playing darts has been a favorite pastime since people realized throwing sharp objects at a target was more fun than chasing them. And, even though we’re centuries past the first barrel top getting tacked to a wall, people still love the thrill of aiming for the bullseye!
It’s easy to see why people still love this classic pub game. Darts is the perfect hobby: it’s fun at all skill levels, and it’s really inexpensive. Plus, it’s winnable even with a dart in one hand and a drink in the other.
But if your dartboard hasn’t seen much action at your last few gatherings, it’s a great time to spice things up with a few new games. You may have only played darts one way in the past, but there are actually hundreds of games to explore.
In this post, I’m going to share some of my favorite dart games—ones you can play alone, with a partner, or with a big group!
16 Dart Games To Play For Practice, Partners, and Parties
I’m a firm believer that there’s a dart game for every occasion. Winding down after work? There’s a game for it. Hosting a lively get-together? There are plenty of options. Looking for a fun way to bond with your family? I have just the thing. If you’re looking for something equal parts fun and exciting, dart games are the way to go.
Here are a handful of my favorites:
How Many Dart Games Are There?
There are literally hundreds of dart games! I even challenge you to come up with your own games if things are feeling stale. It can be a great way to add a personal touch to your game night and make parties even more unforgettable.
For other ways to keep a party popping, here are some game night party ideas for adults.
What Are The Most Popular Dart Games To Play?
Classic Dart Games To Play
301/501/701/1001
- Each player starts with the chosen score (301, 501, etc.).
- Take turns throwing three darts per round.
- Subtract the total points you hit from your starting score.
- Continue until someone reaches exactly zero.
- For an extra challenge, try to hit a double to finish the game.
Cricket
- Focus on numbers 15–20 and the bullseye.
- Hit each number three times to “close” it.
- After you close a number, you can score extra points on that number. (But only if your opponent hasn’t closed it themselves yet.)
- Continue until all numbers and the bullseye are closed.
- The player with the highest total points wins.
Around the Clock
- Start at number 1.
- Hit each number in order up to 20, finishing with the bullseye.
- Each player has three turns to throw and hit their target number.
- Finish with the bullseye or the outer bull for bonus points.
- The first player to finish the sequence wins.
Shanghai
- Pick a target number for the round—it could be any number on the board!
- Throw three darts aiming for a single, double, and triple of that number.
- Score points for what you hit.
- If you hit all three in one turn, that’s “Shanghai.” You win!
- If someone doesn’t get a Shanghai, move forward with the next round. Each person picks the next number and repeats the process.
- After all rounds, the player with the highest total score wins (unless someone already won with a Shanghai).
Accuracy Dart Games to Play
Killer
- Each player picks a number on the board.
- Hit your number three times to become a “killer.”
- Once you’re a killer, you can throw darts at other players’ numbers. Each time you hit an opponent’s number, they lose one life. (You can play with 1-10 lives depending on how long you want the game to last.)
- Continue until only one player remains. The last player standing wins!
Baseball
- Numbers 1–9 (or 1–10) represent innings.
- Take turns throwing three darts at the inning’s number.
- Hit a single, double, or triple to score 1, 2, or 3 runs.
- Repeat through all innings.
- The player with the most points wins.
Golf
- Each number represents a “hole” (usually 1–18).
- Throw darts to hit the target number with as few darts as possible.
- Keep track of your “strokes” per hole.
- Repeat for all holes.
- Just like golf, the player with the lowest total strokes wins.
Round the Board
- Start at number 1 and hit numbers in order up to 20.
- Each player throws three darts per turn at the current number.
- Once a number is hit, move on to the next number in sequence.
- Track your progress as you go around the board.
- The first player to hit all 20 numbers in order wins!
Strategy Dart Games to Play
Halve-It
- Pick a target number for the round. It can be anywhere on the board.
- Each player throws three darts, aiming for that number.
- Score points by hitting the target with each dart. If all three darts miss the target, your total score is halved. (If your score is 0, it stays 0. Don’t go into negative numbers.)
- Continue with the next target number in subsequent rounds.
- After all rounds, the player with the highest total score wins.
Cut-Throat Cricket
- Focus on numbers 15–20 and the bullseye.
- Hit each number three times to close it.
- Hitting your own closed numbers gives points to opponents.
- Continue until all numbers and bullseye are closed.
- The player with the highest score wins.
Odd/Even
- Players are assigned odd or even numbers for the round.
- Throw three darts, trying to hit only your assigned number type.
- Keep scoring points for every hit on your assigned odd or even numbers throughout the rounds.
- The player with the highest total wins.
High Score/Low Score
- Decide whether the goal is to get a high score or a low score.
- Each player throws three darts per round for a set number of rounds.
- If aiming for a high score, try to target 19 and 20 for maximum points. For a low score, shoot for smaller numbers.
- After all rounds, total your points.
- The player whose total is closest to the chosen goal (highest or lowest) wins.
Fun Dart Games to Play with Groups
Zombie/Last Man Standing
- Each player starts with a set number of lives (usually 3–5).
- Choose a target number on the board—each player picks their own number, which will be the number they aim for.
- On your turn, throw three darts at your target.
- If you miss the target with all three darts, you lose one life.
- Continue taking turns, keeping track of lives, until only one player has any lives remaining.
- The last player with lives wins the game.
Bingo Darts
- Each player gets a bingo-style card with numbers or board sections.
- Hit a number with a dart to cross it off your card. Keep taking turns.
- The first player to complete a line, column, or pattern wins!
Dart Games to Play Alone
Shanghai Solo
- Pick a number to target.
- Throw three darts aiming for a single, double, and triple of that number.
- Move to the next number and repeat the process.
- Track how few turns it takes to finish.
- Try to improve your speed and accuracy each round.
High Score Challenge
- Decide on a set number of rounds (e.g., 10 turns) and start scoring with three darts per round.
- Total your points after each round.
- Compare your total to your previous high score.
- Keep trying to beat your personal best.
Play these dart games at your next get-together!
With so many games to try, your dartboard is full of possibilities. Whether you’re feeling competitive, creative, or just in it for fun, there’s a game waiting to make your next session a little more exciting.
For more game night ideas, hosting tips, and party inspiration, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter! You can also follow me on Instagram @caseylavie for the latest ways to keep your gatherings spirited and memorable.
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