Are you a fan of tossing darts or giving the game a shot for the first time? If you’d like to learn how to play darts or are curious about the various versions of the game – I’ve got you covered!
In this article, I’ll delve into different types of dart games, providing brief descriptions and rules to guide you through the exciting variety that darts has to offer.
Before diving into the rules of various games, let’s first familiarize ourselves with the dartboard.
Understanding the Dartboard: Segments and Circles
The dartboard is divided into 20 segments, each labeled with a number from 1 to 20. Seven circles partition the dartboard, each serving a unique purpose.
Bull’s-Eye: This is the first circle, located at the center.
Bull: The second circle, adjacent to the bull’s-eye.
Single Point Area: Positioned as the third circle.
Triple Area (The Strip): The fourth circle, known for its triple-point scoring.
Single Area Again: The fifth circle, offering standard single-point scoring.
Double Area (The Strip): Found as the sixth circle, renowned for doubling your score.
No Score Zone: The last circle, representing areas with no scoring significance.
Now that we’re acquainted with the dartboard, let’s move on to explore the exciting world of different dart games, complete with brief descriptions and rules to elevate your playing experience.
Darts 501
The most popular dart game is called 501 and is pretty simple to learn.
In the game of 501, players start with a score of 501 points and aim to reach zero by subtracting their accumulated points with each throw. A turn consists of throwing 3 darts, calculating the number of points scored for that round and subtracting that from your total.
The innermost part of the bullseye scores 50, the outer ring of the bullseye scores 25. A dart thrown in the outer ring of the dartboard doubles the score of that segment and a dart in the inner ring triples the score of that throw.
To win, a player must “double out,” meaning their last dart must land in one of the double scoring segments (the narrow outer ring) or the bull’s-eye. If a player’s score goes below zero or they don’t “double out” on their final throw, their score remains unchanged, and they start their next turn with the same score.
The player who does this the fastest, wins.
Darts 301
Unlike 501, players commence the game of 301 with a starting score of 301 points. The 301 dart game is similar to 501 in nearly every aspect, but with a lower starting score, which intensifies the pace and strategy.
One possible variation is that players must start by hitting a double scoring segment before their score starts decreasing. The game then follows the rules of 301.
Darts 801
The 801 game is made for team matches or for extended individual gameplay.
There are no fixed constraints—you can decide whether the game concludes with a double, begins with a double, incorporates both, or perhaps neither. However, it’s crucial to establish and clarify the rules before initiating the game. Players face the possibility of going bust for reasons similar to those in 301 and 501.
Cricket Darts
The game of Cricket is a lot different from the 301/501/801 games described above. It is a popular and strategic dart game that involves targeting specific numbers on the dartboard. The goal of Cricket is to “close” specific numbers on the dartboard and score points by hitting them while preventing your opponents from doing the same.
Cricket is typically played between two players or two teams.
Shanghai Darts
This game is the most interesting one. It requires skills and luck. All the tables in this game can turn really fast. This game is made for team matches or more than two players but two can play it too.
There are twenty rounds in the game. In each round you have to hit the number corresponding to the round number in all three areas, for example if it is round four you would have to hit the number four in the single double and triple area. Each successive throw to the point area is worth one point.
You don’t get a point by hitting the same area twice. How can the tables turn? There is a very odd rule in the game that can grant a player an immediate win.
If you hit all three areas of a number in a single turn you Shanghai all the players and win the game instantaneously.
Super Cricket Darts
This game is mostly like cricket darts. You have to close the six numbers 20 to 15 and the bull’s-eye. The change in this game is that you also have to close the single, double and the triple areas of each number. You get points for hitting areas that are still open for your opponents but you have closed them.
And you get triple and double points for hitting triple and double area. And the player with the most points and who finishes the game first wins.
I encourage you to give some of these variations a try. Each game, from the unpredictable and exhilarating Shanghai Darts to the classic and widely-loved Dart 501, offers a unique experience.
The beauty of these dart games lies in their adaptability. Feel free to tweak the rules, experiment with variations, and create a playing environment that suits your preferences. After all, the essence of playing darts is in the enjoyment and camaraderie it brings.
So, go ahead, pick your preferred game, set up your dartboard, and experience the game of darts firsthand and have fun. Cheers to many exciting games of darts ahead!