Elevate Your Game Night: 12 Must-Try Dart Games for FriendsDarts is often perceived as a simple game of aiming for the bullseye, but in reality, it is a versatile, strategic, and highly social activity perfect for a night in with friends. Whether you are using a traditional bristle board or a modern electronic setup, the sheer variety of games can turn a casual throw into a high-stakes competition. If you are looking to move beyond standard 301, here are 12 must-try dart games that will keep your group entertained for hours.
1. CricketCricket is arguably the most popular pub game in North America. The goal is to “close” the numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye by hitting them three times each. Once a player closes a number and their opponent has not, any further hits on that number count as points. It requires a perfect blend of aggressive scoring and strategic closing, making it a favorite for teams or one-on-one matches.
2. Around the ClockThis is the ultimate game for beginners looking to improve their accuracy. Players must hit the numbers in order from 1 to 20, followed by the bullseye. You can only advance to the next number once you hit the current one. The first person to hit all numbers, including the double bullseye, wins. For a challenge, try to hit a double or triple to skip numbers, or play “Around the Clock” with doubles only.
3. 301 / 501The classic game of darts. Players start with 301 or 501 points and subtract their score each turn, aiming to reach exactly zero. The catch is that you must “double out”—meaning the final dart must be a double, or the bullseye, that brings your total to zero. It’s a fantastic way to practice precise scoring and pressure shooting.
4. KillerIf you have a large group, Killer is the perfect choice. Each player is assigned a number (usually by throwing darts with their non-dominant hand) and aims to hit it three times to become a “Killer.” Once you are a killer, you try to hit the numbers of other players to eliminate them. If a killer hits their own number, they lose a life. The last player standing wins.
5. ShanghaiThis game tests your ability to hit specific sections of the board. Players take turns aiming for numbers 1 through 7 in order. You score points based on the number you hit, but if you manage to hit a single, double, and triple of that number in one turn, you get a “Shanghai” and win immediately. If no one gets a Shanghai, the highest score wins.
6. Cricket-Based Games: TacticsSimilar to Cricket, this game forces players to be tactical. Each player has a turn to hit numbers 15-20. The twist is that you cannot score on a number until you have closed it. Once you close a number, you can continue to score points on it until your opponent also closes it. The highest score at the end of the round wins.
7. Baseball DartsDesigned for nine innings, this game mimics the structure of baseball. Each number on the board represents an inning (1st inning = 1, 2nd = 2, etc.). Players aim for the corresponding number to score runs—single scores one, double scores two, and triple scores three. The player with the most runs after the 9th inning wins, making it a great game for a long, casual evening.
8. Bob’s 27This is a top-tier game for practicing doubles. You start with 27 points. You shoot at the double 1, then double 2, all the way to double 20, and finally the double bullseye. If you hit the double, you add that value to your score. If you miss, you subtract the value of that double. If your score hits zero, you are out. It’s brutal, effective, and excellent for sharpening your finishing skills.
9. GotchaGotcha is a chaotic and hilarious game designed for 3 or more players. You set a target score (e.g., 200). Players aim for the highest score possible. The fun part is that you can “get” another player by matching their score, which sends them back to zero. It requires both accuracy and a bit of malice to win.
10. Killer BullA variation of Killer focused entirely on the center of the board. All players start with 5 lives. Each player takes three darts and must aim for the bullseye. A single bull loses a life, a double bull adds a life, and missing the board entirely loses two lives. It’s fast, intense, and great for improving your center-board accuracy.
11. FootballIn this game, players choose a number as their “goal” (usually a double or triple) to get into the game. Once in, you must hit numbers in numerical order, simulating driving down the field. The first to reach the opposite side of the board and hit the bullseye wins the game. It’s a fun, thematic game that is relatively easy to pick up.
12. FivesFives is a simple, high-scoring game. The goal is to score a total divisible by five with your three darts. For example, if you hit a 20, 15, and 10, your total is 45, which scores you 9 points (45 / 5 = 9). The first player to reach 51 points wins. It’s a great game for improving quick math and aiming for high-scoring sections of the board.
No matter which game you choose, darts is a fantastic way to bring friends together. It encourages friendly rivalry, sharpens focus, and provides a structured way to enjoy an evening. By mixing these 12 games into your rotation, you can ensure that your dartboard remains the center of attention, providing endless hours of fun and friendly competition for everyone involved.
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