7 Darts Games You Should Know: What Is the Most Popular Dart Games?

Discover the Most Popular Dart Games that enthusiasts can’t get enough of! From 501 to Cricket, explore the thrilling World of darts and find your perfect match. Unleash your inner champion in this exciting sport.

Darts is a game enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you play darts casually with your friends at a pub or bar, or you are a serious competitor who wants to improve your accuracy and technique, there is a dart game for you.

In this report, we will answer these questions and introduce you to seven darts games that are widely played around the World. We will also explain the basic rules and variations of each game and give you some tips on how to play them better.

What Is the Most Popular Dart Games?

The most popular dart game is 501, used in professional tournaments. The goal of 501 is to reduce your score from 501 to zero before your opponent does. You have three darts per turn, and each Dart scores according to the number it hits on the board. 

However, to start scoring and finish the game, you must hit a double (the outer ring of the board). It adds an element of strategy and difficulty to the game, as you have to plan your shots carefully and hit the right doubles at the right time.

501 is a simple but exciting game that tests your accuracy, consistency, and mental arithmetic. Two players or two teams can play it, and it can be modified by changing the starting score (such as 301 or 701) or the required doubles (such as double-in or double-out).

501’s Inner Workings

Let’s break down how 501 works:

• Starting Score: As mentioned earlier, each player starts with a score of 501 (or 301).
• Scoring: Players take turns to throw three darts each. The score is calculated based on where the darts land on the dartboard. Here are some fundamental point values:
  • Triple 20: 60 points
  • Double 20: 40 points
  • Single 20: 20 points
  • Bullseye (inner or outer): 50 or 25 points
• Reducing Your Score: Players subtract their dart scores from the starting score. The goal is to reach exactly zero. To win, the player must end on a double, such as a double 16 or 8.

Explore our Dartboard Scoring: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners.

Fun Dart Games Besides the Classic 501

If you’re looking for some new ways to play darts, here are some great options to try out:

Cricket

• Goal: Be the first to “close” all the numbers from 15 to 20, plus the bullseye. To close a number, you gotta hit it three times.
• Scoring: Hit a number your opponent hasn’t closed yet. You get points!
• Why it’s fun: You need to be accurate and think ahead to close numbers before your opponent does.

Around the World

• Goal: Hit the numbers 1 through 20 in order. Think of it as a dartboard race!
• How you play: You get three darts each turn to try and hit the next number in line. Miss it, and you stay stuck until your next turn.
• Why it’s fun: Great for beginners to learn where the numbers are, and can be made harder by trying for only doubles or triples.

Killer Darts

• Goal: Be the last player standing!
• How it works: Everyone picks a number. Hit YOUR number with one dart, and you become a “Killer,” ready to take out other players! Get hit on your number – you lose a life. Three lives are gone, and you’re out!
• Why it’s fun: It’s exciting and unpredictable! You need accuracy to become a Killer, plus a bit of luck to not get targeted.

Scram

• Goal: Your team needs to score more points than the other team.
• How it works: Teams of two! One person scores and the other tries to block the OPPOSING team’s scorer!
• Why it’s fun: It’s all about teamwork and outsmarting the other side.

Halve-It

• Goal: Hit specific targets on the dartboard (like the number 20, or a double 7). You get three darts to try.
• The Twist: Miss the target, and your whole score for that round gets cut in HALF! Yikes!
• Why it’s fun: It makes you focus! The pressure is on to be accurate, and your score can change wildly from one turn to the next.

Shanghai

• Goal: Hit a single, double, AND triple of the same number in just one turn.
• How it works: Each round is for a different number. Round 1 is all about trying to get those 1s, round 2 is for 2s, and so on.
• Winning: The first person to get a Shanghai (that single, double, and triple combo) wins instantly!
• Why it’s fun: It takes both skill and luck, plus you get to pick which numbers to aim at.

Why 501 Stands Above the Rest

So, what makes 501 the most popular dart game?

• Accessibility: Its straightforward rules make it an ideal choice for all skill levels.
• Excitement: The game is a rollercoaster of emotions, with players on the edge of their seats as they aim for those crucial checkouts.
• Strategy: 501 demands strategy and precision. It’s not just about hitting high scores; it’s about outsmarting your opponent.
• Global Reach: The game transcends borders, uniting darts enthusiasts from around the World.

For more reading about the Dartboard Reviews & Guide, and more about Dart Sports Pro.

Closing Arguments:

Darts is a versatile and enjoyable game that can be played in many ways. Whether you prefer a simple game like 501 or a more complex and strategic game like cricket, there is a dart game for you. 

By learning these seven dart games, you will be able to have more fun and variety with your darts and also improve your skills and confidence.

We hope this article has helped you understand what is the most popular dart game and what are some other dart games you should know. Now it’s time to grab your darts and start playing! For more reading about different dart games.