Simple darts games are a great way to improve your throwing skills and have fun. There are more than 25 different games that you can play on a dartboard and the list is always growing.
We’ve rounded up 7 simple darts games along with details of how to play them so that you can try your hand at something enjoyable yet easy.
These games can be played in the comfort of your own home, in a bar, or at your local pub. So, let’s find out more about them.
Table of Contents
501
What is 501 in Darts?
501 is one of the easiest darts games to play. 501 is a simple darts game that is played around the world. It’s also played in every league and pub match, so you’re sure to have come across it before.
There are variations of 501, including 301 and 701, but the rules remain the same – you must get to 0 points.
How Do You Play 501 in Darts?
At the start of 501, each player is given 501 points. They then take turns throwing their darts. The score they get is deducted from their points.
There are a couple of rules you must follow. These rules are:
- You must double-in before you start scoring. This means throwing a double or hitting the bullseye.
- You can only checkout (or finish the game) on a double or the bullseye.
- Remember to keep a record of each player’s score with our free printable darts 501 scoresheet.
Around the Clock
What is Around the Clock in Darts?
Around the Clock is another simple darts game. Around the Clock may also be referred to as Around the World. Players of any ability can play Around the Clock, and it’s a fun game to play.
The aim of the game is to be the first player to hit all 20 numbers and the bullseye.
How Do You Play Around the Clock in Darts?
Each player starts off playing Around the Clock by throwing all three of their darts. But they can’t move on to the next number in the sequence until they’ve hit the previous one.
This cycle continues until a player hits all 20 numbers, followed by the bullseye in order.
If you want to play Around the Clock on your own, tally up how many darts it takes you to complete the game. The next time you play the game, aim to beat your previous score.
Killer Darts
What is Killer Darts?
Killer darts is slightly trickier to play than 501 and Around the Clock, but it’s still easy. It is a great game to play and it can get very competitive.
Killer darts can be played with just 2 players or it can be played with a group of friends. The aim of the game is to become a ‘killer’ and eliminate the other players.
How Do You Play Killer Darts?
You can make Killer easier for yourself by printing out our free Darts Killer scoresheet.
Killer darts starts with each player throwing one dart with their non-dominant hand. The number they hit becomes their number for the game. Two players can’t have the same number, so each player must keep throwing until they get a number of their own.
Players then take turns to play. When they hit a double, they become a ‘killer’. Killers can eliminate other players by throwing a double in the number section. Each player has 3 lives, so once their number is hit in the double three times, they’re out.
Players need to be careful with their shots, as they’ll lose a life if they throw a double into their own number.
Cricket
What is Cricket in Darts?
Cricket is usually played with between 2 and 4 players. Alternatively, teams of players can play together.
You need to have a special scoring card to play Cricket, which is simple enough to draw out yourself. Or, you could use our free printable darts cricket scoresheet.
The aim of Cricket is to be the first player/team to close out the numbers 15 to 20 and the bullseye.
How Do You Play Cricket in Darts?
Each player playing Cricket takes turns to throw all three of their darts at the board. They should aim to hit any number from 15 to 20 or the bullseye. To close out these numbers and the bullseye, they must each be hit three times.
Some important Cricket rules to remember are:
- When both players/teams have closed out a number, it’s no longer in play.
- The inner ring (or the double section) of a number scores two.
- The outer ring (or the triple section) of a number is worth three and instantly lets you close out a number.
- When a player scores 1 point, they mark the number on the scorecard with an /.
- 2 points are marked with an X.
- When 3 points are scored and a close is achieved, a circle is drawn around the X.
Shanghai
What is Shanghai in Darts?
Shanghai is a fun and simple darts game that anyone can win. Even if you don’t do well throughout the majority of the game, it can all go in your favor at any point.
In Darts, a Shanghai refers to a player who scores a single, double, and treble with three darts. You can keep a track of your scores with our free printable darts Shanghai scorecard.
How Do You Play Shanghai in Darts?
There are 20 rounds in Shanghai. In each round, players should aim to hit the corresponding number on the board. So, in round 1, each player’s darts should be thrown at number 1, in round 2, the number 2 should be hit, and so on.
The double and triple segments are in play during the game.
The winner of the game is the player with the most points after throwing 1 through 20, or the player that throws a Shanghai. If a Shanghai is thrown mid-game, the game ends, and the winner is declared.
Baseball Darts
What is Baseball Darts?
Baseball Darts combines Baseball and Darts to make this unique and simple darts game. This game can go on for a while, so make sure you’ve got plenty of time to play it before starting.
The aim of the game is to get as many points as possible in 10 innings.
How Do You Play Baseball in Darts?
Now that you’re ready to play Baseball Darts, the first thing you need to do is print out our free printable Darts Baseball scoresheet and fill in everyone’s names.
As you’re playing 10 innings, the numbers in play are 1 to 10. During inning 1, each player should aim to throw their three darts in the number 1 section on the dartboard. In inning 2, number 2 is the aim, and so on.
Each point you score is known as a ‘run’. So, if you throw a single 3 and two double 3s in inning 3, you will score 9 runs.
If there is a draw at the end of the 10th inning, start the 11th inning. You should continue playing new innings until there is a clear winner.
Scram
What is Scram in Darts?
Scram is a similar darts game to Cricket. There are two roles in Scram Darts: the Stopper and the Scorer. Two rounds are played so that each player can play both roles.
The winner of Scram Darts is the one with the most points at the end of the game.
How Do You Play Scram in Darts?
Once you’ve decided which player will be the Stopper and which player will be Scorer, it’s time to start playing.
The Stopper’s turn allows them to throw three darts. The numbers they hit go out of play for the scorer.
The Scorer then needs to score as many points as they can with the numbers that are still in play.
When the Stopper takes all the numbers out, it’s the end of round one. Round 2 then starts with the players switching roles. At the end of round 2, all points are added up and the winner is announced.
Sum Up
There are so many fun and exciting games that you can play on a dartboard, both on your own and with friends. So, the next time you fancy a game, why not try these simple darts games and see which one you like the best?
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_(darts)
https://www.thrillist.com/culture/cricket-darts-rules#main-content
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Baseball-Darts
https://groupgames101.com/shanghai-darts-rules/
Sue has been playing darts since her 20’s when she played in weekly tournaments and she enjoys writing about darts. She’s also a great teacher, and she enjoys helping others learn how to play the game well. When Sue isn’t throwing darts, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
The easy way to keep track of your score is with our printable darts scoresheets. Easy to download and keep on your phone or computer or print straight off from our website. Pop your email address into the box and we'll send them straight to you.
