Killer Darts Rules: How to Play the Classic Pub Game

Killer darts is the game that turns a quiet Tuesday at the pub into a shouting match -- in the best possible way. It is a multiplayer elimination game where you earn the right to attack other players by hitting doubles, then systematically knock them out one life at a time. No teams, no turns waiting while someone finishes a long 501 leg. Just pure, chaotic, social darts.

Killer darts is a multiplayer game where each player is assigned a number, earns "killer" status by hitting their own double, and then eliminates opponents by hitting their doubles. Each player has 3 lives. Last player standing wins.

What You Need to Play Killer Darts

Before you throw a single dart, here is what you need:

Killer works on any standard bristle or electronic dartboard. No special setup required beyond a way to track scores.

How to Play Killer Darts: Complete Rules

Step 1: Assign Numbers

Each player throws one dart with their non-dominant hand at the board. Whatever number the dart lands on becomes that player's number for the entire game. If the dart lands in the double or treble ring, only the base number counts -- a dart in T14 means your number is 14.

If two players land on the same number, the second player throws again until they hit an unused number. If a dart misses the board entirely or lands in the bullseye, throw again.

Write each player's name and their assigned number on the scoreboard.

Step 2: Earn Killer Status

Once all numbers are assigned, the game begins. Players take turns throwing three darts per visit, and the first objective is to hit the double of your own assigned number.

For example, if your number is 16, you need to hit D16 to become a killer. Until you achieve killer status, you cannot attack anyone else. Your only goal is to land that double.

When you hit your double, a "K" is marked next to your name on the scoreboard. You are now a killer.

Step 3: Attack Other Players

Once you are a killer, your three darts per turn can be used to hit other players' doubles. Every time you hit an opponent's double, they lose one life. All players start with 3 lives (marked on the scoreboard as three tally marks, circles, or whatever your group prefers).

Here is how the attacks work:

• Hit D7 and Player C's number is 7? Player C loses a life.
• Hit D7 twice in one turn? Player C loses two lives.
• Hit three different doubles in one turn? Three different players each lose a life.

You choose who to attack by aiming at their double. There is no restriction on targeting -- you can gang up on the leader, protect your friends, or spread the damage evenly.

Step 4: Elimination

When a player loses all 3 lives, they are out. Cross their name off the scoreboard. They are done for this game (though they usually stick around to heckle, which is half the fun).

The game continues until one player remains. That player is the winner.

The Self-Hit Rule

Here is the rule that adds real tension: if you are already a killer and you hit your own double, you lose a life. This means every shot at an opponent near your own number carries risk. If your number is 18 and you are trying to hit D20, a stray dart landing in D18 costs you a life instead.

This rule prevents players from blindly spraying darts at the doubles ring. You have to be deliberate about where you aim.

Killer Darts Scoreboard Example

Here is what a typical scoreboard looks like mid-game with five players:

In this snapshot: Alex, Sam, Pat, and Morgan are all killers. Jordan is still trying to hit D3 to earn killer status. Pat is in trouble with only one life left -- everyone at the board knows Pat is the easy target, but attacking Pat means ignoring the bigger threats.

Strategy Tips for Killer Darts

Pick Your Targets Wisely

The obvious play is to attack the weakest player and secure an elimination. But the smart play is often to target the strongest thrower first, before they start picking everyone else apart. Once a skilled player has killer status, they can remove lives quickly.

Protect Yourself From the Self-Hit Rule

Know where your own double is relative to your targets. If your number is 20 and you want to attack someone on 18, those doubles are right next to each other on the board. One slightly drifted dart costs you a life. In that situation, consider attacking a different player whose double is further from yours.

Do Not Rush to Become a Killer

There is no rule that says you must try to become a killer immediately. Some players deliberately take their time earning killer status, letting others wear each other down first. While everyone else is losing lives, you sit safely with all 3 intact, then enter the fray late when opponents are weakened.

This strategy works best in larger groups. In a 4-player game, waiting too long means the other killers will finish each other off and turn on you with full focus.

Form Temporary Alliances

Nothing in the rules prevents players from agreeing to leave each other alone -- at least for a while. "I will not hit your double if you do not hit mine" is a classic pub negotiation. Just remember: there can only be one winner. Every alliance breaks eventually.

Learn the Common Doubles

If you play killer regularly, you will start recognizing which doubles are easier to hit consistently. The larger segments (like D20, D16, and D8) are generally easier targets, which means players assigned those numbers get attacked more often. Factor this into your target selection -- a player on D3 is harder to eliminate than a player on D16, simply because D3 is a smaller landing zone.

Killer Darts Variations

Sudden Death Killer

Players start with 1 life instead of 3. One hit and you are out. Games are fast, brutal, and over in minutes. Works well when you want to play multiple rounds in a short session.

Blind Killer

Players do not reveal their assigned numbers. The scoreboard only shows names and lives -- no number column. You have to figure out who is who by watching which doubles remove lives. This turns killer darts into a deduction game on top of a darts game.

Team Killer

In larger groups (8+ players), split into teams of 2. Teammates share a number and a combined life pool (6 lives total). Teammates alternate turns. You cannot attack your own team's double. This variant keeps more people involved and adds a coordination element.

Double Lives Killer

Everyone starts with 5 lives instead of 3. The game takes longer but gives newer players more time to earn killer status before being eliminated. Good for groups with mixed skill levels.

Killer with Bullseye Revival

When a player is eliminated, they get one chance to throw a single dart at the bullseye. Hit the inner bull (50) and they return with 1 life. Hit the outer bull (25) and they stay out. This gives eliminated players hope and keeps everyone engaged.

Killer Darts vs Other Group Games

If you are deciding which game to play with your group, here is how killer stacks up:

Killer is the go-to choice when you want a game that generates stories. The alliances, betrayals, and dramatic eliminations are what make it a pub classic. For a broader look at group games, our guide to the best darts games covers ten options for every situation.

Common Mistakes in Killer Darts

Forgetting the self-hit rule. New groups often skip this rule, which removes the game's primary risk mechanic. Always play with self-hits costing a life.

Targeting eliminated players. Once a player is out, their double does nothing. Do not waste darts on it. Update the scoreboard clearly so everyone knows who is still alive.

Ignoring the non-killers. Players who have not yet earned killer status are immune to attack (they still have 3 lives, but nobody can remove them until... actually, this is a house rule -- see below).

Not writing scores clearly. Killer darts involves tracking names, numbers, killer status, and lives for every player. A messy scoreboard leads to arguments. Use a whiteboard and keep it updated after every turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players do you need for killer darts?

You need at least 3 players, and the game works with up to 8. The sweet spot is 4-6 players, where there are enough targets to create interesting choices without the game dragging. With only 2, you lose the social dynamics that make killer darts special.

What happens when you hit your own double in killer darts?

Before earning killer status, hitting your own double promotes you to killer. After you are already a killer, hitting your own double costs you one life. This self-hit rule is what gives the game its tension and forces careful aim.

Can you play killer darts with 2 players?

You can, but it is not the intended format. With 2 players, killer becomes a straight doubles duel without alliances, target selection, or elimination drama. You are better off playing 501, 301, or Cricket with 2 players.

What is a killer in darts?

A killer is a player who has hit the double of their assigned number and earned the right to attack other players. Killer status is marked with a K on the scoreboard. Until you become a killer, your turns are spent trying to earn that status.

Is killer darts the same as knockout darts?

They are related but not identical. Killer darts has a specific format: weak-hand number assignment, earning killer status through doubles, and the self-hit rule. Knockout darts is a looser term that covers several elimination formats. In many pubs, people use the terms interchangeably, but strict killer darts rules include the mechanics described in this guide.

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Killer darts is one of those games that every dart player should have in their back pocket. It takes two minutes to explain, works with almost any group size, and produces the kind of dramatic moments that keep people coming back to the board. Next time you have four or more people and a dartboard, give it a go. Set up a game on Dartsy and let the app track the chaos so you can focus on choosing your next target.