Around the ClockAround the Clock is a classic darts game perfect for groups of all skill levels. The objective is simple: players must hit every number on the board from 1 to 20 in chronological order. Each player gets three darts per turn, and they cannot move on to the next number until they successfully hit the current target. To add an extra challenge for experienced players, you can rule that hitting a double or triple segment allows the player to skip ahead by two or three numbers. The first person to hit all 20 numbers and finish with the bullseye wins the game. It is an excellent way to practice precision while keeping the competition friendly and moving at a steady pace.
Cricket ChallengeCricket is arguably the most popular casual darts game in the world, making it a staple for any gathering with friends. In this game, players focus only on the numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye. The goal is to “close” these numbers by hitting each one three times. A single hit counts as one, a double counts as two, and a triple counts as three. Once a player closes a number, they can score points on it every time they hit it again, provided their opponent has not closed that number yet. The game ends when all numbers are closed, and the player with the highest score wins. This game introduces a layer of strategy, as players must balance opening new numbers with scoring points.
Dart GolfFor friends who enjoy a mix of sports, Dart Golf transforms the dartboard into a nine or eighteen-hole golf course. The numbers 1 through 9 (or 1 to 18) represent the holes. Each player takes turns throwing three darts at the current hole number. The goal is to get the lowest score possible, just like in real golf. Hitting a triple counts as a hole-in-one, a double counts as an eagle (two strokes), the narrow inner single ring counts as a birdie (three strokes), and the wider outer single ring counts as a par (four strokes). Missing the number entirely results in a triple bogey (six strokes). This variation keeps everyone engaged as players track their scorecards over multiple rounds.
Killer DartsKiller is a high-stakes, fast-paced elimination game that is ideal for larger groups of friends. To start, each player throws a dart with their non-dominant hand to randomly assign themselves a target number for the game. Once everyone has a unique number, players take turns trying to hit their own number’s double segment. Hitting the double grants that player “Killer” status. Once you become a Killer, your objective changes: you throw at the double segments of your friends’ numbers to eliminate their lives. Each player starts with three lives, and the last person standing with lives remaining is crowned the ultimate survivor.
Halve ItHalve It is a thrilling game of risk and reward that keeps players on the edge of their seats until the very last throw. The group selects a sequence of targets before the game begins, such as 20, 16, any double, 14, any triple, and the bullseye. Players take turns throwing three darts at the designated target for that round. Every successful hit adds points to the player’s running total. However, if a player misses the target with all three darts, their entire accumulated score is cut exactly in half. This penalty introduces immense pressure, leading to dramatic comebacks and heartbreaking collapses by the end of the game.
Chase the DonkeyChase the Donkey is a hilarious, fast-moving game that works best with three or more players. One player is designated as the donkey, and the player throwing immediately after them is the chaser. The game progresses clockwise around the board, starting at 1. The donkey tries to advance numbers by hitting them, while the chaser attempts to hit the exact same numbers to catch up. If the chaser manages to land a dart on the same number the donkey is currently stuck on, the donkey loses a life. The roles then rotate, ensuring that everyone gets a turn to flee and a turn to hunt.
The Big SixThe Big Six is a tactical game that allows players to dictate the targets for their opponents. The game starts with the target set as the single 6. The first player tries to hit the 6 with their first or second dart. If they succeed, they use their remaining darts to throw at any random target on the board, such as a triple 14 or a double 11. The next player must then hit that new target. If they succeed, they set a new target for the following player. If a player fails to hit the target set for them, they lose one of their three lives. It is a fantastic game for showcasing trick shots and putting friends on the spot.
Fives and ThreesFives and Threes brings a mathematical twist to the dartboard, requiring players to think quickly on their feet. In this game, players throw three darts at any number on the board to accumulate a total score for that turn. At the end of the turn, the total score is divided by five and by three. If the total is perfectly divisible by either number, the player earns points based on the resulting quotient. For example, if a player scores 15 points, they earn 3 points (15 divided by 5) plus 5 points (15 divided by 3) for a total of 8 game points. The first player to reach a predetermined score, like 50, wins.
Baseball DartsBaseball Darts mimics the structure of a standard nine-inning baseball game, making it highly competitive and easy to follow. Each inning corresponds to a number on the dartboard, from 1 to 9. In the first inning, players throw all three darts at the number 1. A single segment counts as a single run, a double counts as a two-run hit, and a triple counts as a three-run home run. Players move to number 2 for the second inning, number 3 for the third inning, and so on. The scores are tallied at the end of the ninth inning, and the friend with the most runs wins the game.
ShanghaiShanghai is a quick, exhilarating game named after the ultimate dart achievement: hitting a single, a double, and a triple of the same number in a single turn. The game progresses through numbers 1 to 7 in seven distinct rounds. In each round, players throw three darts at the corresponding number to rack up points. If a player achieves a “Shanghai” at any point during their turn on the active number, they instantly win the entire game, regardless of the current scoreboard. If no one hits a Shanghai by the end of the seventh round, the player with the highest total score takes home the victory.
Hosting a darts night is a classic way to bring friends together for an evening of laughter, friendly rivalry, and memorable moments. By introducing these diverse game variations, you can ensure that players of all skill levels find something to enjoy, whether they prefer strategic scoring or fast-paced elimination. The simple dartboard transforms into a dynamic arena of entertainment that keeps everyone engaged for hours. Grab a set of darts, rally your friends, and enjoy the variety these creative games bring to your next social gathering.
Leave a Reply