Darts Game Rules & FAQ
Learn how to play the most popular dart games. Simple rules, human terms, and easy scoring.
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501 and 301 (X01)
This is the standard professional game seen on TV.
The Goal
Both players start with 501 (or 301) points. The objective is to reach exactly zero before your opponent.
How to Play
- Players take turns throwing three darts.
- The total score of the three darts is subtracted from the starting total.
- To win, your final dart must land in a "double" ring (the outer thin ring) or the bullseye, and it must bring your score to exactly zero. This is called "doubling out".
- If you score more points than you have left, or reach exactly 1 point, you "bust". Your turn is over and your score resets to what it was before that turn began.
Pro Tip: Use our smart checkout hints when you get below 170 to find the fastest path to zero.
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Cricket
A highly strategic game focusing on specific numbers rather than total points.
The Goal
Be the first to "close" all the numbers from 15 through 20 and the bullseye, while having the same or more points than your opponent.
How to Play
- Only the numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye are used.
- To "close" a number, you must hit it three times. A single counts as one hit, a double counts as two, and a treble counts as three.
- Once you close a number, hitting it again earns you points (the value of the number) as long as your opponent has not closed it yet.
- If both players have closed a number, it can no longer be used to score points.
- The game ends when a player has closed all numbers and has the most points.
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Cutthroat Cricket
A great variation of Cricket for three or more players.
The Goal
Close all your numbers and finish with the lowest score.
How to Play
- The rules for closing numbers are exactly the same as standard Cricket (15 through 20 and the bullseye).
- However, when you score points on a closed number, those points are given to your opponents instead of yourself.
- The winner is the first person to close all their numbers who also has the lowest score.
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Around the Clock
The perfect practice game for beginners to learn the board.
The Goal
Be the first player to hit every number sequentially from 1 to 20.
How to Play
- Players must hit the numbers in order: 1, then 2, then 3, all the way to 20.
- Any part of the number segment counts (single, double, or treble).
- You cannot skip numbers. You must hit a 1 before moving on to 2.
- The first player to hit 20 wins the game.