How to Play Darts: Rules, Game Types, and Winning Tips for Beginners

Darts is more than just a game; it's a global pastime that bridges the gap between casual pub entertainment and professional competition. Whether you're looking to join friends for a relaxed evening or develop serious skills for league play, learning how to play darts opens the door to a sport that's surprisingly accessible yet endlessly challenging. The beauty of darts lies in its simplicity: a board, a set of darts, and the perfect combination of hand-eye coordination, focus, and strategy.

Before diving into specific games, it's helpful to understand the universal rules that govern nearly every darts format. These foundational principles will help you feel confident stepping up to the oche (the throwing line) for the first time.

Standard Rules Shared by All Dart Games:

• Three darts per turn: Each player throws three darts in succession before the next player takes their turn. This structure keeps the game moving and gives everyone an equal opportunity to score.

• Determining who starts: Players typically throw a single dart at the bullseye to decide the order of play. The player whose dart lands closest to the center goes first.

• Understanding the scoring zones: The dartboard is divided into numbered segments from 1 to 20. Each segment has four scoring areas: the outer single (face value), the outer ring (double the number's value), the inner single (face value), and the inner ring (triple the number's value). The bullseye offers 25 points for the outer ring and 50 points for the center.

  
  

What makes darts so compelling is the delicate balance required between accuracy, consistency, and tactical decision-making. While hitting high-scoring zones is important, knowing when to aim for specific targets and managing the pressure of crucial finishing shots separates casual players from skilled competitors.

In this guide, we'll walk you through five classic dart games that every beginner should know, from the precision-focused 301 to the social excitement of Killer. Each game offers its own unique challenge and appeal, ensuring there's something for every skill level and occasion.

Darts Game 1 – "301"

If you're new to competitive darts and want to sharpen your scoring precision quickly, 301 is the perfect starting point. This fast-paced game strips away complexity and focuses on what matters most: hitting your targets consistently and managing your score strategically. It's shorter than its popular cousin, 501, making it ideal for quick matches or practice sessions where you want to work on your finishing skills.

How 301 Works:

The premise is straightforward: each player begins with 301 points and works to subtract their score down to exactly zero before their opponent does. However, there are a few crucial rules that add strategic depth to this seemingly simple game:

• Double in to start: Before you can begin subtracting from your 301 total, you must first hit any double on the board. Until you "double in," your scores don't count. This rule immediately introduces pressure and teaches beginners the importance of hitting doubles, a skill that proves essential in nearly every competitive darts format.

• Subtract as you score: Once you've doubled in, every dart you throw counts. If you hit a single 20, triple 19, and single 15 in one turn, you subtract 73 points from your running total (20 + 57 + 15 = 73).

• Double out to win: Here's where strategy intensifies. To win the game, you must reduce your score to exactly zero by hitting a double. You can't simply hit any number that brings you to zero; it must be a double that does it.

• Busting resets your turn: If you throw a dart that would take your score below zero, or if you reach exactly 1 (which is impossible to finish since there's no double 0.5), you "bust." Your entire turn is voided, and your score reverts to what it was at the beginning of that turn.

Example Round to Illustrate:

Let's say you've already doubled in and your current score is 87 points. You throw your three darts:

• First dart: Single 17 (87 - 17 = 70 remaining)

• Second dart: Single 10 (70 - 10 = 60 remaining)

• Third dart: Double 20 (60 - 40 = 20 remaining)

Your score is now 20. On your next turn, you could finish the game by hitting a double 10 (which equals 20 points), bringing you to exactly zero and winning the match.

But what if you had 32 points remaining and threw a triple 20 (worth 60 points)? That would take you to -28, which is a bust. Your score would reset to 32, and it would be your opponent's turn.

The beauty of 301 lies in its teaching value. It forces you to think ahead, calculate outs (combinations that finish the game), and develop the crucial double accuracy that separates recreational players from competitive ones.

Darts Game 2 – "501"

When you watch professional darts on television, whether it's the PDC World Championship or Premier League Darts, you're witnessing players compete in 501. This is the gold standard of competitive darts, the format that has defined the sport at its highest levels for decades. While the core concept mirrors 301, the extended starting score creates longer, more strategic matches where consistency and mental fortitude become just as important as raw accuracy.

How 501 Works:

Each player starts with 501 points and aims to be the first to reduce that total to exactly zero through a series of turns. The fundamental mechanics are similar to 301, but the increased point total introduces new layers of strategy and endurance:

• Starting the game: Unlike 301, most versions of 501 used in professional play allow players to begin scoring immediately, with no "double in" requirement. This means your very first dart counts toward reducing your 501 total, which keeps the game moving and emphasizes offensive scoring from the opening throw.

• Subtracting scores each round: Every turn, players throw three darts and subtract their total from their remaining score. The goal is to work your way down to a number that you can finish with a double.

• The double-out finish: Just like in 301, you must hit a double to win. Your final dart must reduce your score to exactly zero, and it must be a double. This creates intense pressure during finishing attempts and rewards players who can perform under stress.

• Busting cancels the turn: If any dart takes you below zero or leaves you at exactly 1 (an impossible finish), your entire turn is voided. Your score returns to what it was before that round began, and play passes to your opponent.

Strategic Scoring in 501:

What separates amateur 501 players from professionals is scoring efficiency and strategic setup. Advanced players aim for the triple 20 (worth 60 points) repeatedly to bring their score down quickly. The infamous "treble 20" has become synonymous with elite darts for good reason; it's the highest-scoring target on the board.

For example, a perfect turn of three triple 20s scores 180 points, the maximum possible with three darts. Professional players regularly hit multiple 180s per match, demonstrating the scoring consistency required at the top level.

But raw scoring power isn't everything. As you approach the finish range (typically under 170 points), players must think several throws ahead. Common finishing routes include:

• From 170: Triple 20, triple 20, bullseye (60 + 60 + 50 = 170)

• From 120: Triple 20, single 20, double 20 (60 + 20 + 40 = 120)

• From 81: Triple 19, double 12 (57 + 24 = 81)

The strategic depth of 501 rewards players who can not only hit high scores consistently but also navigate the mathematical puzzle of setting up optimal finishing combinations. This balance between aggressive scoring and tactical finishing is what makes 501 the ultimate test of darting skill and the preferred format for determining the world's best players.

Darts Game 3 – "Round the World" (Round the Board)

Not every darts game needs complex scoring or high-pressure finishes. "Round the World" is a straightforward, fun game that's perfect for practicing your all-around board coverage while keeping things competitive and enjoyable.

How Round the World Works:

The concept is simple: hit every number on the board from 1 to 20 in sequential order. It's a race to see who can complete the circuit first.

• Sequential targeting: Players must hit numbers in strict order, 1, then 2, then 3, and so on through 20. You can't skip ahead; each number must be hit before advancing to the next.

• Any section counts: Unlike games requiring specific doubles or triples, any hit on your target number moves you forward. Single 5, double 5, or triple 5, all advance you to the next number.

• Three darts per turn: Each player throws three darts, then play alternates. If you hit your target with your first dart, the remaining darts can advance you further. Hit the 8 on your first throw, and darts two and three can aim for 9 and 10.

• First to 20 wins: The first player to successfully hit all twenty numbers wins. Some variations require hitting the bullseye as a final target after 20.

Why Round the World Is Perfect for Practice:

This game forces you to aim at every part of the board, not just high-scoring zones like 20, 19, and 18. Many players become comfortable with certain areas while neglecting others. Round the World eliminates those blind spots by systematically targeting 1 through 20.

It also builds consistency across varying difficulty levels. Some numbers are easy to hit (like the wide 20 segment), while others are notoriously tricky (like the narrow 3). Learning to adjust your aim across all segments makes you a more versatile player.

Round the World works brilliantly as a warm-up before competitive games or league matches. It loosens your arm, calibrates your eye, and sharpens your focus, all while being genuinely enjoyable. Whether hosting casual game nights with friends or seriously improving your skills, this game offers the perfect blend of accessibility and development.

Darts Game 4 – "Cricket"

Cricket stands out as one of the most strategic and engaging dart games, blending offensive scoring with defensive tactics. Unlike the countdown games of 301 and 501, Cricket rewards players who can both close out numbers quickly and exploit their opponent's weaknesses.

How Cricket Works:

Cricket focuses on specific numbers and requires tactical thinking beyond simple accuracy.

• Numbers in play: Only 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye count in Cricket. The rest of the board is irrelevant.

• Closing numbers: To "close" a number, you must hit it three times total. A single counts as one hit, a double as two hits, and a triple as three hits (closing it instantly). Mark your hits with slashes; two slashes and an X indicate a closed number.

• Scoring on open numbers: Once you've closed a number that your opponent hasn't, you can score points on it. If you've closed 20 and hit another triple 20 while your opponent's 20 remains open, you score 60 points. This continues until your opponent closes their 20.

• Winning the game: The first player to close all seven targets (15-20 and bullseye) with the highest point total wins. If you're ahead in points, you only need to close everything. If you're behind, you must both close all numbers and outscore your opponent.

Why Cricket Demands Strategy:

Cricket requires balancing offense and defense. Do you focus on closing numbers quickly to prevent your opponent from scoring, or do you exploit numbers they haven't closed yet to build a point lead? Should you target the bullseye early (worth 25 points per outer hit, 50 for the center) or save it for last?

Advanced players often target high-value numbers like 20 and 19 first, as they offer the best scoring potential when opened. Others close the bullseye early to avoid difficult pressure shots later. Reading your opponent's strategy and adapting becomes as important as hitting your targets.

This mix of tactical decision-making and precision has made Cricket a favorite in pubs and leagues worldwide, offering depth that keeps players engaged match after match.

Darts Game 5 – "Killer"

Killer transforms darts into a lively multiplayer showdown where survival matters more than high scores. This social game emphasizes friendly rivalry and works best with three or more players, making it perfect for parties or group gatherings.

How Killer Works:

Killer's unique structure creates excitement through its elimination-style gameplay.

• Best for groups: While technically playable with two, Killer shines with three or more players competing simultaneously.

• Choosing your number: Each player throws one dart with their opposite (non-dominant) hand. Whatever number they hit becomes their personal number for the entire game. If two players hit the same number, the second player throws again.

• Becoming a Killer: Each player starts with three lives. To become a "Killer," you must hit the double of your own number. Once you've doubled your number, you can start attacking opponents.

• Eliminating opponents: Killers target the doubles of their opponents' numbers. Each time you hit an opponent's double, they lose one life. Hit someone's double three times, and they're eliminated from the game.

• Last player standing wins: The game continues until only one player remains with lives intact. Even if you lose all three lives, some variations allow eliminated players to earn their way back in by hitting their own double three times.

Why Killer Is Perfect for Social Play:

Killer strips away complex scoring and finishing rules, replacing them with straightforward elimination mechanics that anyone can understand in seconds. The opposite-hand throw for number selection adds humor and unpredictability; even skilled players might end up with challenging numbers like 3 or 17.

The game's social dynamics create natural drama. Do you focus on eliminating the strongest player first, or pick off easier targets? Alliances form and dissolve as players negotiate who to attack next. Unlike solitary games where you're simply racing the clock or chasing a score, Killer turns darts into an interactive group experience filled with banter, strategy, and occasional betrayal.

It's proof that darts isn't just about precision and competition, it's also about bringing people together for memorable, laugh-filled evenings.

Conclusion

Learning how to play darts opens up a world of entertainment, skill development, and friendly competition. Whether you're drawn to the precision required in 301 and 501, the comprehensive practice of Round the World, the strategic depth of Cricket, or the social energy of Killer, there's a dart game perfectly suited to your style and situation.

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