Darts isn't just one game—it’s a whole family of fun, competitive, and strategic challenges. Whether you're tossing darts casually at your local pub or playing in a league, knowing the most popular darts games will help you get the most out of your time at the oche (that's the throw line). From classics like “501” to pub favorites like “Cricket,” here’s a guide to the top darts games and how to play them.
🎯 1. 501 (and 301)
Type: Competitive
Players: 1 vs 1 or teams
Objective: Reach exactly zero by subtracting your score from 501 (or 301)
How to Play:
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Each player starts with 501 points.
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Players take turns throwing three darts per round.
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Subtract the total score of each turn from your current points.
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The game must be won by hitting exactly zero, and your final throw must land in a double (including the bullseye, which counts as double 25).
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If you go below zero or end without a double, it’s called a “bust”, and your score resets to what it was at the start of that turn.
📝 301 is a shorter version with the same rules—great for quick games or beginners.
🎯 2. Cricket
Type: Strategy + scoring
Players: 1 vs 1 or teams
Objective: "Close" all numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye, and score more points than your opponent.
How to Play:
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Only numbers 15–20 and the bullseye are used.
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To “close” a number, you must hit it three times. This can be done in any combination (e.g., a triple counts as 3).
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Once a number is closed:
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You can score points by hitting it again, but only if your opponent hasn’t closed it yet.
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First player/team to close all numbers and have the most points wins.
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🧠 Cricket is all about timing—do you close your numbers or score points first?
🎯 3. Around the Clock (Around the World)
Type: Practice/solo game
Players: Any number
Objective: Hit each number on the board in numerical order, 1 through 20 (some versions include bullseye).
How to Play:
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Each player throws three darts per turn.
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You must hit number 1 before moving on to 2, then 3, and so on.
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The first player to reach and hit 20 (or bullseye, if playing full version) wins.
📈 This is a great way to practice accuracy and board familiarity.
🎯 4. Killer
Type: Party/Group game
Players: 3 or more
Objective: Eliminate all other players by hitting their assigned number.
How to Play:
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Each player throws one dart with their non-dominant hand to select their number (whatever it lands on becomes “yours”).
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To become a killer, you must hit a double of your number.
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Once you’re a killer, you can hit other players' numbers (doubles only) to eliminate them.
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Last player standing wins.
💀 Fun and chaotic—ideal for larger groups.
🎯 5. Shanghai
Type: Scoring + accuracy
Players: Any number
Objective: Score the most points or hit a "Shanghai" (single, double, and triple of the same number) to win instantly.
How to Play:
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The game is played over 20 rounds, each focusing on a different number (1 through 20).
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In round 1, you aim for number 1; in round 2, number 2, and so on.
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Highest total score at the end wins—unless a player hits a “Shanghai” (one single, one double, and one triple of the same number) in a single turn. That player wins instantly.
⚡ Tense, rewarding, and great for building consistency across the board.
🎯 6. Halve It
Type: High-risk scoring
Players: 1 or more
Objective: Score points across specific target numbers—but if you miss, your score is cut in half.
How to Play:
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You predetermine a list of targets (e.g., 20, 16, double 7, bullseye).
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Players throw three darts per round at that round’s target.
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Score points by hitting the target, but if you miss all three darts for that round, your entire score is halved.
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After the last round, the player with the highest score wins.
💣 Great for confident throwers who like high risk/high reward.
Final Thoughts
Darts offers a wide variety of games that test different skills—precision, strategy, mental toughness, and even a bit of bluffing. Whether you're in a pub, playing league matches, or practicing at home, trying different dart games keeps things fresh and helps improve your overall ability.