27 Fun Dartboard Games to Play at the Bar or at Home

It’s easy to see why dartboard games are so popular, they’re the perfect accompaniment to some brews with a group of your closest friends.

The versatility of a dartboard is key, whether you choose to use a standard felt board or purchase an electronic version, there are a variety of games that can be played on one.

Whether you choose something quick like Shanghai or a classic like 301 most people will find at least one game that they enjoy.

If you’re looking for something a bit different to play with friends, our list of 27 of the best dartboard games to play below should do the trick. 

The best 27 Dartboard Games to play

RELATED: Darts terms

1. 301 + 501 DARTS

Players: 2 players

Ages: Any ages, typically played by adults, however.

Length of Play: 5 minutes per leg, depending of course on skill.

Why it’s fun: The Grand Daddy of Darts, 501 is the official game of the pros competing in tournaments. 301 is its junior cousin played with the same rules. Ultimate bragging right if you can master this game type.

Game Objective: Be the first player to reach 0 starting with a score of 501. The player who ends the game has to finish on a double score is the winner. Increase your chances of winning by aiming for the triple segment of the dartboard.

For a comprehensive guide including rules, set-up and tips check out the guide to playing 301 darts.

2. 701 DARTS

Players: 4 players

Ages: Any ages again and also usually favored with adults.

Length of Play: 10 minutes per leg.

Why it’s fun: The doubles alternative to 301 and 501 where you have to rely on teamwork to win. Duos are typically decided at random which can lead to unlikely yet entertaining combinations

Game Objective: The same as 301 and 501 except the duos take it in turns to throw 3 darts each. The score is higher to allow players more chance and throwing at the board, the game finishes when a player hits a double to bring the score down to 0.

3. SHANGHAI

Players: 2-8.

Ages: Any age who has an interest in darts.

Length of Play: 20 – 30 minutes.

Why it’s fun: Shanghai is a points-based game, so it can create some real tight finishes as players desperately attempt to maximize their score.

Game Objective: Players take it in turns to throw 3 darts at a dartboard going from 1-20 around the board. Depending on where the dart lands in each numbered segment, players have a score and are then tallied up at the end. The winner is the player with the highest overall score at the end.

If you’re looking for more detailed tips and tricks, have a look at the rules on Shanghai darts.

4. KILLER DARTS

Players: As many as 20 people can play this game.

Ages: All age groups can play this one.

Length of Play: 30 – 40 minutes.

Why it’s fun: The ultimate group game, everyone starts in the same position but each game ends up differently with alliances and feuds between pals taking center stage.

Game Objective: Assign every player a number at the start, and need to throw darts at that number to spell ‘KILLER’. Once ‘KILLER’ has been spelled, players then target the other numbers in play to eliminate the other competitors. Form an alliance with other players to last as long as you can in the game, although players can you can betray others at any moment!

Have a look at our guide to Killer Darts game including all rules to get all the relevant knowledge to really become an expert.

5. BLIND KILLER DARTS

Players: Like KILLER, up to 20 people can play.

Ages: A little more dangerous then other games, kids should avoid.

Length of Play: 30-40 minutes.

Why it’s fun: A version of KILLER but a lot more random, it’s a great alternative to play if there’s a skill imbalance between players as it certainly levels the playing field.

Game Objective: Played in the same way as KILLER except played with the opposite hand to what players usually use. This leads to a lot more wayward darts and participants play as if they are playing blind, hence the name.

6. AROUND THE CLOCK

Players: Best played with 2 players although more can join in if necessary.

Ages: Another darts game with no age limit, for everyone.

Length of Play: 20-40 minutes.

Why it’s fun: Around the clock is the ideal game to play for those who are looking to perfect their dart skills. A game for the perfectionists.

Game Objective: Players hit numbers in numerical order from 1-20. Each player has 3 darts each turn and gets another turn if they hit the relevant number on their last dart. The winner is the player who manages to hit the bullseye first after hitting each number between 1-20. 

If you’re looking for more information including set-up instructions and key tips read up on our Around the Clock Darts guide.

7. AROUND THE CLOCK FOR EXPERTS

Players: Again, recommended for 2 players but can play with more.

Ages: For everyone but may be a bit difficult for kids.

Length of Play: 1-2 hours.

Why it’s fun: A version of Around the Clock for the enthusiasts and the hardcore. This version is Around the Clock turned up to 11!

Game Objective: Play the game at first in the same way as the regular version. However, once a player hits 1-20 successfully rather than go to the 25 and bull they start again. Only this time, they must go from 1-20 via the double, and finally, repeat with the trebles. Definitely a game for those who are in it for the long haul!

8. ‘IRISH’ AROUND THE CLOCK

Players: Once again best played with 2 players but played with more if you want.

Ages: Another game catered to everyone.

Length of Play: 10-20 minutes.

Why it’s fun: Around the Clock with a twist, if you’re looking for a quicker version Irish rules is an ideal solution. Players will need some slight strategy in this also.

Game Objective: The game follows the same rules as standard ‘Around the Clock’. However, if a player hits a double or treble that is 10 or lower you can advance the number that you’re on by that number plus 1. Players are also required to hit the bullseye twice in the same turn however to slightly increase difficulty.

9. GRAND NATIONAL

Players: Unlimited

Ages: Any ages of any skill level encouraged

Length of Play: Around 60 minutes, dependent on the number of players.

Why it’s fun: A game named after the famous horse race in England, the more is most definitely the merrier.

Game Objective: All players have 3 darts per go and must hit each number around the board in an anti-clockwise fashion. You must hit the relevant number on each go or you are out. Once players hit the correct number, players can move onto the next number and the player who gets back around to 20 first is the winner.

10. CHASE THE DRAGON

Players: 2-Unlimited

Ages: All ages, but kids may find it a bit hard.

Length of Play: 15-20 minutes.

Why it’s fun: Bares some similarities with Around the Clock, Chase the Dragon is another game that rewards accuracy and get refine your darts skills by playing.

Game Objective: The game requires players to hit numbers on the dartboard between 10 and 20, but only the trebles of these numbers! Do this in numerical order as well and then to win players will need to hit the outer bull followed by the bullseye.

11. KNOCKOUT

Players: 2-8 players.

Ages: Like many dartboard games, any age can play.

Length of Play: 10-15 minutes.

Why it’s fun: If you’re a fan of head-to-head elimination, this is the game for you. A game where you’re only as good as your last darts, anyone can take the crown in this one.

Game Objective: Players bull-up to decide the order of play. Furthest away from the bull begins. The player going first throws 3 darts to attempt to get as big a score as possible. The next player along attempts to beat it, eliminate the player with the lowest score out of the two. The last man standing wins the game.

12. BASEBALL DARTS

Players: 1 – Unlimited. A game played solo, in a group or in teams.

Ages: Any and all lover of darts regardless of age.

Length of Play: 25 – 40 minutes. 

Why it’s fun: Follows a similar format to the standard game of baseball, but is so much easier to set up when played on a dartboard. An ideal game to play in a larger group of people also.

Game Objective: Become the player who has the highest tallied score at the end of the innings. Take turns throwing the darts at numbers to increase your score, going from 1 to 20. Scores are different depending on whether players hit a single, double, or treble.

To learn more about how to play Baseball Darts, check out our full Baseball Darts rules guide.

13. SOCCER DARTS

Players: 2 players.

Ages: Another darts game recommended for all ages.

Length of Play: 10 – 15 minutes.

Why it’s fun: Soccer is one of the most popular games in the world, so it is only natural for a version to find it’s way over to the dartboard. This dart version is a quick yet fun take on Soccer, only needing a second player to play.

Game Objective: Both players begin by throwing their three darts at the bullseye. As soon as players hit the bullseye, then players will attempt to hit any double on the board in order to score a goal. Once players hit a double has, they cannot hit it again and players must hit the bull again to be able to throw at a double. First to score 10 goals is the winner.

14. CRICKET DARTS

Players: Either 2 players or 2 teams.

Ages: Suitable for all ages, but there are a few rules involved that make the game slightly difficult.

Length of Play: A long game, expect it to take between 60 and 120 minutes.

Why it’s fun: A dart game which although is slightly complicated at first, is incredibly satisfying and rewarding if you end up as the victor.

Game Objective: There are a few rules that players need to understand to play Cricket Darts, but the basic goal is to outscore your opposition. Doing this is less straightforward, requiring players to ‘own’ certain sections of the board to up their score.

If this game sounds like one you and your pals show interest in, read the game rules on Cricket Darts.

15. ENGLISH CRICKET DARTS

Players: 2 players or 2 teams.

Ages: More complicated than it’s standard Cricket counterpart, kids may struggle with the rules.

Length of Play: 60 – 120 minutes.

Why it’s fun: A game inspired by a favorite from our friends across the pond, it is completely different from the conventional game of Cricket. Ideal if you fancy a change from the norm.

Game Objective: In English Cricket, it is batter vs bowler going head-to-head. The batter has 11 wickets that the bowler needs to get out. Bowler takes wickets by hitting the bullseye and the batter scores run by hitting a score with three darts over 40. Players or teams bat and bowl twice per game, with the winners the team with the highest score.

16. TENNIS DARTS

Players: Either 2 players if playing singles or 4 players if playing doubles.

Ages: All ages can comfortably play Tennis Darts.

Length of Play: 25 minutes for the shorter form and 50 minutes for the longer version.

Why it’s fun: Tennis Darts is a game that can be incredibly back and forth and thus causes some great entertainment when played.

Game Objective: Split the dartboard is into two, the left-hand side and the right-hand side. Ignore the numbers 20 and 3 as they’re in the middle. Each player gets one dart per set and throws a dart at the left-hand side with the highest score with the one dart getting the point. Sets alternate between the left side and right side of the board.

17. SNOOKER DARTS

Players: 2 players or 2 teams.

Ages: Like many darts games, there are no age restrictions to this game.

Length of Play: 20 – 40 minutes.

Why it’s fun: Although it requires a lot of writing down to keep up with gameplay, being an expert at Snooker Darts will mean bragging rights with your friends.

Game Objective: Be the player with the most points, pot the balls by hitting the relevant number with the dart. Numbers 1-15 are the ‘Red’ balls worth 1 point. Numbers 16-20 are the colored balls and are worth 2 points for ‘Yellow’ at number 16 and increasing to the ‘Black’ 20 is worth 7 points with each score increasing by 1 between this. Players pot a ‘Red’ and then pot one of the other colored balls. Play stops when the black is ‘potted’ and players tally up the points.

18. TIC-TAC-TOE DARTS

Players: 2 players only.

Ages: Probably better for kids but anyone can play this.

Length of Play: 5 minutes.

Why it’s fun: An easy dart game that is great fun too. If you’re looking for something quick to play or a game that you can play multiple times then Tic-Tac-Toe is ideal.

Game Objective: This game is as simple as playing classic Tic-Tac-Toe, with a darts twist. Draw up a grid and place the bullseye in the center. Pick random numbers between 1-20 to fill the rest of the spaces. Take turns throwing darts at the board, trying to hit numbers in the grid to be able to pick that space. Get a line 3 in a row to win.

For a full rundown on the rules to Tic-Tac-Toe darts, check out easy darts game guide.

19. HARE AND HOUNDS

Players: 2 players as one are the hare and one is the hound.

Ages: All ages can play.

Length of Play: 10 – 20 minutes.

Why it’s fun: The fun in this game comes in the thrill of the chase! It’s also a good game to play with players of different skill levels and to improve your darts skills.

Game Objective: The hound needs to catch the hare, whilst the hare needs to escape. Players go clockwise around the board and advance by hitting the number directly next to the number that players are currently on. The hare starts at 20 and the hound starts at 5. The hare needs to get back round to 20 and the hound needs to catch the hare. The first player to do so is the winner.

20. FIVES

Players: Played with any amount of players.

Ages: Any age can play Fives.

Length of Play: 10 – 20 minutes depending on the amount who plays.

Why it’s fun: An unusual game that requires good math skills to come out on top. The game encourages quick thinking and is a must if you want to get better at darts.

Game Objective: Pick a total score for players to aim for, 100 is a good score but play with a lower total if more people are playing. The winner is the first to the agreed total. Each player gets 3 darts each and must hit a score that’s divisible by 5. Give points based on the score, so if a player scores 15, dividing this by 5 gives a player 3 points.

21. NINE LIVES

Players: 2 or more, the more players the better as it is an elimination game.

Ages: All ages.

Length of Play: 10 – 40 minutes depending on the number of players. 

Why it’s fun: Who doesn’t love an elimination game? A game that encourages fierce competition but is simple enough that anyone can start playing.

Game Objective: Players start out with 3 lives. Just like ‘Around the Clock’, players need to go from 1-20 around the dartboard in numerical order. They lose a life if they fail to hit a number that they are on. Eliminate them from the game if they lose all 3 lives.

22. LOOP

Players: Unlimited amount of players.

Ages: Again, all ages can play this one. 

Length of Play: 10 – 20 minutes. 

Why it’s fun: Another game that is elimination based, although teaches players that accuracy is key for victory in Loop.

Game Objective: Like pretty much every darts game, players have 3 darts per turn and also 3 lives. Each turn, players throw a dart at a number on the dartboard and must hit the same number with their other 2 darts. If players fail to hit the same number with all 3 darts, then they lose a life. Last man or woman standing wins.

23. FOLLOW THE LEADER

Players: Unlimited, the more players the better.

Ages: All ages can play.

Length of Play: 15 – 30 minutes.

Why it’s fun: A group darts game which can be surprisingly tactical especially near the end when the game starts to get tense.

Game Objective: Be the last person standing at the end of the game. The starting player throws a dart at the board, and the remaining players need to use their three darts to hit the same number as the starting player. Players get three lives, failing to hit the correct part of the dartboard means players lose a life. If a player hits a triple or a double, players must also hit that part of the dartboard too!

24. SUDDEN DEATH

Players: 2 – 10 players

Ages: Any age can take part in this game.

Length of Play: 10 – 20 minutes.

Why it’s fun: The simplicity of this game is key, usually used as a good warmup for a game of 501 or 701 as it’s about scoring highly.

Game Objective: Players start with 3 darts each, and take turns throwing at the board attempting to score as high as possible. After each round, eliminate the lowest scoring player from the game. When there are 2 people left, the highest-scoring player at the end wins the game.

25. PRISONER

Players: 2 – 5 players. Everyone will need their own set of

Ages: All ages.

Length of Play: 30 – 40 minutes.

Why it’s fun: Whilst everyone starts with 3 darts, Prisoner has a unique rule with the darts which makes this game unique to the others.

Game Objective: The game follows similar rules to ‘Around the Clock’. However, players can only count a dart in the number if it lands in the segment between the triple and the double. If it lands in between the bullseye and the triple, this dart must stay in the board as a ‘Prisoner’. The next player to successfully score in the number where the dart is prisoner gets to keep it for the rest of the game. Eliminated players when they lose all their darts. The winner is the player who hits the bullseye first or the last player with darts left.

26. SCAM

Players: 2 players only, the stopper, and the scorer.

Ages: Any age group can play scam.

Length of Play: 20 – 30 minutes.

Why it’s fun: A good game to play as it only requires a second player, Scam is a real tactical battle between pals where players can really claim bragging rights. 

Game Objective: Decide who begins as a stopper and who is the scorer. The stopper throws their 3 darts at numbers to eliminate them from the game. The scorer aims for the remaining numbers to build up a score. Once the stopper manages to eliminate every number, tally the scorers points up. Reverse the roles for the second round and the winner is the player with the highest score.

27. MICKEY MOUSE

Players: 2 players or 2 teams.

Ages: Despite the name, for all ages.

Length of Play: 30 – 45 minutes.

Why it’s fun: Mickey Mouse is a tactical team game that has unique rules. It’s another game that can really improve a player’s darts performance as it requires accuracy above all else.

Game Objective: Be the first player or team to ‘close out’ all the required numbers before the other team. Players will need to hit every number from 12-20 three times, three doubles, three trebles, and hit the bullseye three times. Hitting it three times ‘closes out’ that number for you or your team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the order of play decided in dartboard games that have multiple players?

Before each game, players are usually required to ‘Bull up’. This is where all participants throw a dart at the bullseye and decide the order from closest to furthest away.

Deciding this way is the fairest way of deciding whilst also fully utilizing the dartboard as well.

Are there any additional rules players add to these games to make it harder or easier for players?

There are no permanently set rules to any of these games, with the exception of 501 which usually has an internationally agreed list of rules.

Try coming up with different rules for you and your pals and to make certain games your own.

What is the difference between an electronic dartboard and a felt dartboard?

An electronic dartboard is safer to use with kids.

If you were looking to play darts with children then an electronic board is ideal, especially as it will do the counting for you.

We certainly hope that there are a few games listed that have piqued your interest in darts and hope that you agree that there are tonnes of fun games that you can play on a dartboard.

But why stop at darts? Chances are if you have played dart games in a bar then you have probably played games of pool as well.

Like darts, there are tonnes of games that you can play with a pool table, and some will even be games you would never have even thought of playing.