Best Darts Games to Play: 10 Games for Any Skill Level

You've got a dartboard, a group of friends, and no idea what to play beyond 501. Sound familiar? Most people only know one or two darts games, but there are dozens of formats — some strategic, some chaotic, and some that work perfectly when half the group has never thrown a dart before.

Here are ten of the best darts games you can play, organized by how many people you need and how much experience the group has.

What Is the Best Dart Game for Beginners?

If you're new to darts, start with Around the Clock. No math, no strategy, no pressure — just hit each number in order from 1 to 20. It teaches you the board layout naturally and every throw has a clear purpose. Once that feels comfortable, move to 501 with straight out (no double required to finish).

For the full beginner path, see our complete starter guide.

The Classic Games

These are the formats you'll find in pubs, leagues, and tournaments worldwide.

1. 501

The standard. Both players start at 501 and subtract their score each turn. First to hit exactly zero wins — but your last dart must land on a double. This is the game you see on TV, and it's the format that rewards both scoring power and finishing skill.

Players: 2 (or 2 teams) Time: 10–20 minutes per leg Best for: Competitive play, improving your all-round game

The double-out finish is what makes 501 strategic. You can't just throw at T20 all day — you need to plan your last few throws. Our checkout chart shows the best finishing routes.

Full 501 rules

2. 301

Identical to 501 but starting at 301. Games are noticeably faster — a strong player can finish in 6 darts. The shorter format means every throw carries more weight and there's less room for comeback.

Players: 2 (or 2 teams) Time: 5–10 minutes per leg Best for: Quick games, limited time, pub play

Some variants add a "double-in" rule where you must also hit a double before you can start scoring. This makes 301 significantly harder — skip it unless everyone's comfortable with doubles.

Full 301 rules | 301 vs 501 comparison

3. Cricket

The most popular dart game in North America. Only the numbers 15–20 and the bullseye matter. Hit each number three times to "close" it, then score points on closed numbers your opponent hasn't closed. Win by closing everything with equal or more points.

Players: 2 (works with more, but gets slow) Time: 10–15 minutes Best for: Strategic play, players who like tactical decisions

Cricket rewards reading the scoreboard and adapting your strategy mid-game. It's a completely different skill set from 501.

Full Cricket rules | Cricket strategy guide

What Dart Games Can You Play with a Group?

The classics are designed for two players. But darts nights usually involve more than two people. These games work with 3, 4, or even 8+ players without dragging.

4. Killer

One of the best darts games for groups. Each player throws one dart with their non-dominant hand to determine their "number." You then become a "killer" by hitting the double of your own number. Once you're a killer, you attack other players by hitting their doubles. Three hits and you're out.

Players: 3–8 Time: 15–30 minutes Best for: Groups, parties, competitive fun

How to play:

1. Each player throws one dart with their weak hand — wherever it lands is their number for the game
2. Hit the double of your own number to become a "killer" (marked with a K)
3. As a killer, hit other players' doubles to remove their lives (everyone starts with 3)
4. Lose all 3 lives and you're eliminated
5. Last player standing wins

Killer is loud, social, and produces genuine drama. The weak-hand throw for number selection adds randomness that keeps experienced players from dominating.

5. Around the Clock

The simplest format in darts. Hit 1, then 2, then 3, all the way to 20. First player to complete the sequence wins.

Players: Any number Time: 10–20 minutes Best for: Beginners, warmups, mixed skill groups

Because there's no math and no complex rules, Around the Clock works perfectly when some players are experienced and others have never thrown. Everyone understands "hit the next number."

Variations:

• Doubles only — must hit the double of each number. Much harder.
• Triples only — for masochists.
• Doubles and triples — doubles skip you ahead one number, triples skip two.

Full Around the Clock rules | Around the Clock variations

6. Shanghai

Throw at each number 1 through 20 in order, three darts per round. Score whatever you hit on that round's number. Hit a single, double, and triple of the same number in one round — that's a "Shanghai" and an instant win.

Players: 2–6 Time: 15–25 minutes Best for: All skill levels, practicing accuracy across the board

Shanghai naturally balances itself. Early rounds (1–5) are worth few points, so beginners don't fall hopelessly behind. Later rounds (15–20) carry much more weight, creating exciting finishes.

A strong score is anything over 200 points. An actual Shanghai (single + double + triple in one round) is rare and deserves celebration.

7. Cut-Throat Cricket

Standard Cricket rules, but points are scored against other players. The lowest score wins. This flips the strategy — you want to close numbers defensively while dumping points on opponents.

Players: 3–6 (this is where it shines — regular Cricket is better for 2) Time: 15–25 minutes Best for: Groups who want competitive, strategic play

The "cut-throat" mechanic prevents the runaway leader problem. If one player opens a big scoring number, everyone else piles on to close it. Social alliances form and break constantly.

Fun Games for Parties and Casual Play

Not every darts night needs to be competitive. These games prioritize fun, accessibility, and the occasional moment of absurdity.

8. Halve-It

Seven rounds, each with a different target. Score on the target and add points. Score zero and your total gets cut in half.

Players: 2–8 Time: 15–20 minutes Best for: Mixed groups, pressure practice, social games

The halving penalty creates real tension. You'll hear groans when someone blanks on round 5 and watches their score drop from 120 to 60. Rounds 3 (trebles), 5 (doubles), and 7 (bull) are the most punishing because the targets are spread across the board.

9. Legs (or "Chase")

A race to hit specific targets before other players. The caller shouts a target (e.g., "double 16!") and everyone throws. Hit it and you survive. Miss and you lose a leg. Last player with legs remaining wins.

Players: 3–10 Time: 10–20 minutes Best for: Large groups, fast pace, party atmosphere

The caller role rotates. Experienced players might call harder targets, beginners call easier ones. This self-balancing makes Legs work surprisingly well with mixed skill groups.

10. 180 (or "Noughts and Crosses Darts")

A creative twist: draw a tic-tac-toe grid and assign a dartboard target to each square. Players take turns claiming squares by hitting the target. Standard tic-tac-toe rules apply — three in a row wins.

Players: 2 Time: 5–15 minutes Best for: Casual fun, creative play, something different

Example grid:

Mix difficulties — trebles and bull for the valuable center squares, singles for the corners. This adds a strategic layer: do you claim an easy square or block your opponent's harder one?

How to Choose a Dart Game

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular dart games?

501, Cricket, and 301 are the three most commonly played darts games worldwide. 501 dominates professional and league play, Cricket is the standard in North American bars, and 301 is popular for quick casual games.

What is Killer in darts?

Killer is a group dart game where players earn "killer" status by hitting their own double, then eliminate opponents by hitting their doubles. Each player starts with 3 lives. It's one of the best darts games for parties and larger groups.

Can you play darts with more than 2 people?

Yes. While 501 and Cricket are designed for 2 players or teams, games like Killer, Shanghai, Halve-It, and Around the Clock work well with 3–8 players. Cut-Throat Cricket is specifically designed for 3+ players.

What dart game should I learn first?

Start with Around the Clock to learn the board, then move to 501 (with straight out rules — no double required to finish). Once you're comfortable, try 501 with double out for the full competitive experience, and Cricket for a different style of play.

Find Your Game

The best darts game is the one that matches your group — their size, experience, and mood. For serious competition, 501 and Cricket are hard to beat. For a party, Killer creates memories. For beginners, Around the Clock gets everyone involved without anyone feeling lost.

Whatever you play, start a game on Dartsy and let the app handle the scoring. Pick your format, add your players, and focus on throwing.