The modern form of darts (at least with the modern style of dart equipment) began in the 1950’s/1960’s and while beginning as a game popular in pubs and clubs has grown exponentially to become the popular world sport it is today.

Darts is a fun game that can be played with friends or family and has many games to keep you entertained, whether it practicing darts on your own, through to challenging your friends to a game of baseball, darts has many different offerings for all different levels of experience. There are multiple types of games that can be played in darts, either casually or competitively. The versatility ranges from the cricket in darts to the 01 games, which include 301 and 501. The game might not be that engaging but what engages are the rules and the people you play with. Darts is a fun sport that is engaging, lively and a way to promote healthy competition with your friends or colleagues.

Many English households have a dartboard at home, which shows how popular the game of darts is in the UK. Worldwide, audiences for the popular darts tournaments (at least pre COVID) have been growing every year. The number of players is every increasing and darts is becoming more popular in other areas such as North America and Asia. The most popular dart games include the 01 darts games, Cricket (English and US), Baseball, Around the Clock, Chase the Dragon, Hare and Hounds, Halve-it, Shanghai and 51 by 5’s.

Darts’ Origin

Darts originated in England in medieval times in the first few decades of the fourteenth century. Some believe that darts originated in England during the medieval period in the 1300s, while others say that it suddenly became popular after it was played as a military pastime. People have gained interest in the game over time and continue to play it to this date.

Darts may originate from anywhere; it’s about where the game is most popular, and it’s very uncertain as everybody likes to have a dart game if they are visiting their friends or family. Darts can be played casually or competitively. Everyone tends to like it even after trying it once. The game usually attracts anyone who wants to have a game that requires involvement with others.

History of Darts

The game is about 700 years old, though it has been played in different forms for a long period of time. Many people have their own versions of the story that lead back to the time it started, but not everyone believes everything someone says.

The soldiers used to play this game when they were bored and during battles, whenever they had nothing else to do. Their commanders also encouraged them in this game because this would eventually improve their aim. They used to use sharp objects like spearheads and similar pointed objects to throw at the bottoms of casks that were used to store liquor at that time.

Although this game spread as a pastime among various ranks in the military, soldiers started competing with each other to prove their worth or superiority in skills. They upgraded from the cask bottoms of liquor to cross-sectioned tree trunks as their targets. As the game became even more popular, it asked for further rules to be added in order to make it even better and to test the skills, furthermore, of those who were thinking of themselves as champions of the game.

Who Invented Darts?

Although modern darts were invented by a carpenter from Lancashire named Brian Gamlin in 1896, darts were played long before. It was played as a pastime by military personnel during the medieval era in the first few decades of the fourteenth century, as mentioned in the beginning. Darts have seen everything from being played in the middle of a trench to being played in the pubs of the most crowded cities. The inventor of darts is not certain, but because the game was played irrespective of any organized manner, we can say that Brian Gamlin took much of credit for the same as he was the one that introduced the scoring system.

Darts’ Background

The game of darts has come a long way from being played in the royal courts to being played in every other pub on the block. Its popularity rose through the ceiling so quickly that even the royal families started playing it. A famous story proves it, which states that King Henry VIII enthusiastically played with an exclusively decorated set of darts gifted to him by his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Seeing a king play darts, who were not eventually interested in it, also started playing. The other nobles took inspiration from the king, and they began to play and liked it very much. Had nobody liked the game, it would have never been this popular.

What attracts everyone to the game is that it’s very easy to play. Not the size, strength, shape matters in the game, so anyone of any age group can join a game of darts. This makes it even catchier. The 19th century saw great dissemination of the various types of this game, and the fun fact is that it was still not organized enough.

Various rules were used according to the people playing it, which differed from place to place. Playing it without a set of particulars still got it so much fame. The heights of popularity asked for some organized play, and thus, in the 1800s, the first numbering or scoring systems were developed and brought into the picture. Many people claim to have brought up the numbering system to the game, but almost everyone believes that it was Brian Gamlin who actually did it.

Darts become a popular past time in the 1950’s through to the 1970’s however the end of 1980’s was a dark time for darts which led to the great split in darts, After the lower television ratings and prizemoney the top 16 professionals of the days split from the games governing body (the British Darts Organisation or BDO) in 1993 and set up their own rival organisation, the World Darts Council (WDC) (now known as the Professional Darts Corporation or PDC). The BDO then banned these blacklisted players from their tournaments.

After a protracted legal battle between both sides, the Tomlin order was created where the BDO recognised the WDC (and the rights of the players to play in the WDC) and the WDC accepted that the World Darts Federation was the world governing darts body and that the BDO was the governing body of darts in the UK. The WDC then renamed themselves the PDC.

Eventually the PDC became the strongest and most popular organisation in darts with the higher prize money tournaments and the better players. The BDO and the PDC continued running their separate organisations (with separate world championships) until 2020 when the BDO was taken over by the World Darts Federation (WDF) who will run all the BDO events.

Now with the PDC we have record prize money, massive television exposure and a truly international sport. Darts is in a good place and will only get bigger and better.

1. Ignat Games Steel Tip Darts

Ignat is one of the most renowned names when we talk about darts. These darts are known to be of very high quality and are scarce products. The darts weigh from 22 to 23 grams and are very handy and provide accuracy for the players. The darts have Ignat signs over them which makes them even catchier. The shafts of the darts are made of aluminum, while the poly flights are of standard shape, which keeps the darts stable and very standardized.

Pros and Cons

This set of darts has only pros, and no cons have been encountered so far. The pros include high quality, durability, and stable flights. You’ll also get a dart sharpener with an instruction manual.

Price Range

$76 – $80

Rating

4.7 / 5

2. Gear King Cobra Strikes Dart Set

The Gear King Cobra Strikes Dart Set is designed for beginners or those who are at the novice level of the dart game. It can also be suitable for those trying to upgrade their levels and enhance their skills. They are very elementary and yet have supreme features.

If you are a professional player, you can upgrade or modify them at your convenience. It has got steel tips and brass enhancements in it. This perfect combination delivers extra quality and high product reliability with toughness that can be man-handled.

Its barrels are deeply fluted with several cuts providing great control over the dart even when your hands are sweaty. The grip is so good that it doesn’t let you feel under-confident. Its futuristic design helps players hit targets with ease and makes sure none misses out. The foremost advantage of getting the Gear King Cobra Strikes dart set is that the weight is evenly divided across the dart, which gives an absolute advantage to the players as it becomes comfortable to hit the desired target.

Pros and Cons

It is of high quality, and this makes it durable. It has excellent flight, tight grip, and it is suitable for both professional and beginner-level players. The cons include that this product’s size might seem a bit large for some people.

Price Range

$17.99 – $70

Rating

4.5 / 5

3. Redesigned Black Mamba Strikes Dart

This set’s highlight is that it is designed for both beginners and professionals. Its catchy black design with black coated barrels also includes a metal pro grip along with each dart. They have cushy designs which help new players hit targets with ease so that they find it interesting. The solid grip ensures that the direction doesn’t get affected, and the dart is more focused on the goal.

Pros and Cons

They have a great design, stable flight, and a tighter grip. The cons include that some people might not like the large size of darts.

Price Range

$39.79 – $45

Rating

4.7 / 5

4. Fat Cat Bulletz Steel Tip Darts

These darts are designed for people who want to play darts just for fun and as a pastime only. These are incredibly streamlined and of high quality. These darts can be considered as practice darts, and they usually have the required qualities. The Fat Cat Bulletz Steel Tip Darts are made of 90% tungsten and 10% nylon, and they are designed in such a way that increases the control of the thrower or the player and brings accuracy. The shafts are furnished with locking holes that further add to the dart’s stability and attain better flight. A protective case is also provided with the darts, helping you carry them anywhere and with ease.

Pros and Cons

The pros include that players of any skill level can play with them. They have got an excellent and stable flight. They have knurled grooves, tight grip with a slim and compact design. The cons only include that it might require assembly.

Price Range

$34.99 – $71.99

Rating

5 / 5

5. Target Darts Carrera Titanium Black Steel Tip Darts

These darts are meant for someone who wants to pursue a career in the dart game. These darts are known to be able to tackle the wear and tear of the game. They are tough enough and therefore are not available individually but only in pairs. They have an excellent grip and help reach the target without becoming slippery even if the player’s hands are sweaty.

Pros and Cons

The pros include that the barrel has a lifetime warranty. Since they are 90% tungsten, it ensures the high quality and durability. They weigh only 21-23 grams, have stable flights, and a target ring is included. The best part is that the shaft is made of nylon. The cons include that improper handling can cause injuries.

Price Range

$69.43 – $104.97

Rating

4.3 / 5

6. Bottelsen Series Darts

They are known as the best darts because you can quit worrying about the wear and tear as they are so tough that you’ll never think about them being worn out. They can be used as a regular practice dart, and they will do just fine. They are known for their high quality and durability, which provide an excellent experience. The shafts are made of light aluminum material that ensures they are stable and lightweight. They thus have a significantly smaller drag force. Unlike others, these have adjustable joints, which again add up to their positives. They are made of 80% tungsten and 20% aluminum, which provides excellent balance, durability, and long lifespan of the product.

Pros and Cons

The pros include that they are very durable, long-lasting, come with a premium carrying case, they are lightweight, easy to carry, and easy to throw. They have a compact design, so they’re easier to adjust anywhere. The cons include that they might require you to assemble them more frequently.

Price Range

$88.34 – $123.20

Rating

4.6 / 5

These are just a few of the quality darts available today. Let us know in the comments below what weight you prefer your darts to be, if you have tried any of the darts above and what your favourite darts to throw are.

Rules of 501 Darts

The rules include that you are supposed to start from a score of 501 along with your opponent. Then, you will take alternate turns to score, and that score will be subtracted from the total, to reach zero. The first player that gets to zero wins the game. But, before starting to subtract the score from the total, you must double-in, and to complete or finish, you will have to double-out. This adds a bit more thrill and adventure to the game because you have to plan a finish and work through it accordingly. Though a coin decides the first player to throw a dart, you can also choose by targeting the bullseye, and whosoever gets the closest shot gets to start the game.

Starting with a Double

In order to start subtracting from the total score, that is when the game actually starts, you will first have to score with a double which is by throwing the dart in the double sections of the board, on the outer ring of the board. The twist with the 501 game is that the scoring will not start until you throw a double. When you are trying to hit a double, the double 20 is the two most coveted target as they score you the most points (40). If you are playing in teams, only one player of your team needs to hit the double. Once a player has thrown a double, the scoring starts. The double and the following darts scores are counted for every player in the team.

Scoring Down in 501

After hitting the first double, the objective is to score as many points as possible and get down to zero. For the pros this can be done in 9 darts, usually by targeting triple 20. Scoring a triple 20 will get you 180 points, the highest score point in a single round. If you are having trouble scoring a triple because of one of your darts in the way, you can go for triple 19 instead. You can switch to other targets, too, when your score gets low enough, you to throw for a double and win the 501 darts game.

Doubling-out in 501 Darts Game

Doubling-out is important to win the game, but it is not as easy as doubling-in is. In doubling-out, you have to precisely score the double points that will get you directly to the score of zero; scoring more than the required will get you busted, and your turn will be over. The center bull is the highest score to aim for while doubling out because it is worth 50 points. You can also go for double 20 if you require less than a 50 because double 20 is worth 40 points.

Scoring 501 Darts

One person is assigned to do the scoring in 501 darts. The person appointed for this task is called the scorer, marker or chalker. The scoreboard gets divided into two halves which have the scores of each team on either side. After three darts have been thrown, the chalker notes down the total score of the dart and subtracts it from the total score from which the game had started. The chalker should be very attentive because he is the one that keeps track of the score, turns, and what’s happening in the game, like which number has been hit and by whom.

501 Darts Variations

Though there are variations in the game depending upon the players you are playing with, you can still make changes according to your convenience. The popular variation to the rules of the game is the option to double-in. There is no need to double-in in a professional darts game before starting to subtract from the score. This is done to increase the pace of the game. If you watch a match, the players directly begin to score the points as soon as possible.

501 Darts Tips

1. For amateur players, doubling-in is recommended on the sides (11 or 6). Overthrowing or dropping your dart brings a good chance that your dart will hit the double directly, which is either above or below.
2. If you are entirely new to the game and not able to hit the targets correctly, then you can aim for triple 14, 11, 9, 12, or 8 are all around here and are said to be achieved quicker than trying for a triple 20.
3. Always try to plan earlier when you are about to double-out. Though 32 is a magic number, you can also work by scoring 16, and then you are left with double 8, which is just adjacent to it. Hit the single 8, and then you are left to score a double 4 and so on, right down to double 1. The strategies depend on the player, but you can still choose from these options.
4. If you are stuck on an odd number and need to double-out, aim for the bottom of the board (7, 19, 3, 17). If you do not bust, it will bring you back to an even number which will help you double-out easily.
5. Volunteer to do the scoring. Keeping an eye on the score will help you strategize better, and you will manage to win easily.
6. Setting your darts and managing your game will help you get to your targets easily.

501 can be a challenging game (especially for beginners) however the game is a great way to gauge how much your darts have improved. Keep practicing your doubles and triples and who know you could find your way onto the PDC tour one day in the future or at the very least beat your friends in 501!

An intelligent purchase is what lasts long and doesn’t trouble you as much. You must know everything about the darts before making an efficient and worthy purchase. This article will help you choose among the best darts available in the market, and you will also be able to decide which dart will suit you best.

CUESOUL 30/28/26 Grams Tungsten Steel Tip Darts

These darts can be a perfect choice for a beginner looking to improving their skills in the game. They are an ideal combination of a reasonable price and fantastic quality. The kit consists of various extras, including six flights, a point sharpener, six shafts, and a case. This amalgam will keep you satisfied for a long time until you are ready to upgrade. The darts are the right weight, plus they are center-weighted, which makes it easier for a beginner to control them and make a perfect throw.

Pros and Cons

The pros are that this kit includes everything a beginner requires. The centered weight makes it easier for the beginner to control, and the precision gets better. The tips are durable. The grip is mesmerizing for beginners, and they will find it very easy when attempting the shot. The shafts are conspicuously solid; thus, it is tough to beat the price.

The con is that the flights are not that good in quality, but it would still be a worthy purchase for a beginner.

Viper Blitz 95% Tungsten Steel Tip Darts

The Viper Blitz Tungsten Steel Tip Darts also make an excellent option for a beginner to practice. They are available in all weights, and the center of attraction is that they are built with the highest quality tungsten. The darts are also fitted with locking holes to ensure a tighter fit, which enhances stability and performance. As they are a bit expensive, this choice is for the beginner who wants to make a good purchase and even has a reasonable budget.

Pros and Cons

The pros are that it comes with an aluminum case which increases its safety. It is a great deal if you are fond of large darts. As discussed, they are made of the highest quality tungsten. The grip is quite good. The stability is increased because of the locking holes. It includes extra flights.

The cons include that the price might trouble you as a beginner. Also, they would be commendable if they came with replacement shafts.

Ignat Games Steel Tip Darts

The Ignat Games Steel Tip Darts are underrated because of their qualities and yet can’t get enough attention. Although it was designed for professionals, it still has enough capability to help a beginner become a professional. It has got strategically knurled brass barrels with a medium-weight design which offers perfect grips and a comfortable feel for any player determined to win.

Pros and Cons

The pros are that the kit includes a tips and tricks book, which is quite helpful for beginners. It is said to be great for any player because the knurled surface makes the darts easy to grip. It is loaded with highly heavy-duty barrels.

The cons include that the shafts might break if the dart falls on the floor from bounce-outs, and the case is not very trustworthy in holding the darts in place.

CC-Exquisite Professional Steel Tip Darts Set

The extras that this set provides are unbeatable in this whole list of darts for beginners. It comes with remarkable durability and a good grip on the dart. The barrel is strategically knurled for greater control, and flights are added in 12 different forms in this set.

Pros and Cons

This product doesn’t have any cons because all it has to offer is greatness. It comes with additional 6 barrels, 12 shafts, 12 flights, and 12 rubber-o-rings which is extremely good for anyone looking out for the best deals.

Uzopi Steel-Tipped Darts

It is a high-quality product at a low price. The brass quality is super fine and can be used to play darts either casually or for practicing. It is a fantastic product for this price.

Its barrel texture is made of knurled brass E-Z grip, which provides tighter control and consistency. These are a bit heavier than others available in this price range. That is why it is on this list; it would make an awesome product if you are not willing to spend much on the darts.

Pros and Cons

The pros are that they are incredibly cheap and hence, a great deal. The dart is made of good material, so it is very durable too.

The cons are that the dart unscrews very quickly; after the first two or three throws, you can feel a slight wobble which can be fixed by retightening it.

There are innumerable darts available in the market, but to make sure you make a perfect purchase, look at the product’s quality and not the price because making a good purchase will not always only mean that you will get it at a low price.

Dart size, build quality, flight quality, durability; these factors should, foremost, be looked at. Getting a good dart set will help you increase your skills and save your time regretting your earlier mistakes.

England

Being the birthplace of modern darts and the epicenter for the major darts tournaments, the most popular country that darts is played in is the England. Home to darts royalty such as Phil “The Power” Taylor (16 time world champion), Eric “The Crafty Cockney” Bristow (5 time world champion) and Trina “Golden Girl” Gulliver (10 time women’s world champion), England is the major darts powerhouse.

England is home to the major darts organisations the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the World Darts Federation (WDF) as well as large tournaments (and some of the 5 biggest darts tournaments worldwide) such as the respective PDC and WDF world championship, the UK Open, World Matchplay and Grand Slam of Darts to name a few.

The highest amount of darts players (both social and professional) are from England and the United Kingdom.

Netherlands

Which nation is stronger in darts, England or the Netherlands? The Dutch have the best player in the world, Michael Van Gerwen, does this mean the Dutch beat the Poms in a match play teams event? Following the trailblazing Raymond van Barneveld’s inspiration to an entire country, the sport became the second most famous after football, a phenomenon seen only in Germany after that. Michael Van Gerwen has taken all before him and will go down as one of the all time greats before his career is over. With the famous Ahoy venue hosting Dutch Premier League darts getting great crowds it’s clear that the Netherlands will be providing top class darts players for some time yet.

Scotland

Home of the Scotland Open, Scottish darts may not have the same depth as Wales, Belgium, or Australia, but with a plethora of world-class competitors, Scotland is close to the world’s top in darts.

Birthplace to one of the most popular and talented players in the history of Darts, Jocky Wilson, Scotland has always been a hotbed of talented players.

The biggest two Scottish darts stars are World Cup champions, Gary Anderson and Peter Wright.

But there are other incredible players further down the rankings. Outside of Anderson and Wright, John Henderson is one of the top 32 players in the world, and the immensely famous Aberdeen player is the best of the rest.

Other Scottish stars include the seasoned Robert Thornton, Ross Montgomery, Cameron Menzies, and Ryan Hogarth, who are fringe players in the professional system, indicating a less dominant future for Scotland.

Australia

Darts became famous in Australia after Queenslander Tony David won the BDO World Championship in 2002, defeating top thrower Mervyn King in the final. Since then, the country has been improving. Simon Whitlock, Paul Nicholson, and Kyle Anderson have gotten the most coverage, although Nicholson, who was born in Newcastle, England, has since lost his Australian citizenship.

Although Whitlock and Anderson remain Australia’s top two players, new faces have emerged in recent years, including the charismatic Damon Heta, astute campaigners Peter Machin and Justin Thompson, and the exuberant Corey Cadby, who, amid controversy, has obvious potential and may be the sport’s future star.

The United States

Home of the US Darts Masters (pre COVID) and with an estimated 17 millions players, The USA is home to one of the biggest darts playing population in the world.

The three major darts organisation in the USA are the American Darters Association (ADA), the American Darts Organisation (ADO) and the National Dart Association (NDA)

Home of the previous PDC tournaments the Las Vegas Desert Classic and the US Open, the biggest US darts tournament is the US Darts Masters which should be up and running now that entertainment venues are continuing to open up in the US.

Wales

Darts in Wales is thriving right now, and that may all be thanks to Leighton Rees, the sport’s first true winner. Rees, a Glamorgan native, won the World Championship in 1978, and Wales has since produced some outstanding athletes. Richie Burnett is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, but he has back faded from the professional ranks; Mark Webster and Martin Phillips are recent successes.

However, it is the latest crop that has earned Wales third-place standing. Gerwyn Price is making headlines at the Professional Darts Championship, while Jonny Clayton, Jamie Lewis, and Nick Kenny are joining him on the professional tour as very capable and explosive players. Wayne Warren is the World Champion of the BDO (the small brother organisation compared to the PDC) while Jim Williams is the number 1 in the BDO.

All of these significant players played in the recent BDO World Championship final and are considered the sport’s best athletes.

Belgium

While seeing players like Eric Clarys in the 1980s, it was two brothers who have been the true pioneers of Belgian darts in recent years. Since 2011, Kim and Ronny Huybrechts have shone in PDC tournaments, even reaching the World Cup final as a team in 2013.

Geert de Vos, Mario Vandenbogaerde, and Mike de Decker are among a slew of young and recent Belgian darts players, but Dimitri Van den Bergh stands head and shoulders above the rest. Van den Bergh, ranked number 29 in the world, is a gifted player who loves playing in televised tournaments. His biggest challenge in breaking into the top tier of the sport seems to be his non-televised style, where he fails to bring his best game.

Practice With Purpose

Practice is the only key to success but practicing without purpose is a foolish act. Drive brings you the right motivation, consistent effort, and patience. There are ways in which you can practice that will have fruitful results. You can try limiting the number of darts you throw and achieving a particular score with that number of darts only. You can also try aiming at the triple 20, all even scores, or anything that has continuity to bring accuracy to your performance.

The goal here becomes even easier to achieve when you know that you’re improving with time and practice. By creating hurdles for yourself, you can soon learn how to overcome them. You never achieve success because of exceptionally hard work but because of consistency and goal setting, which matter the most.

Stay Still While Throwing

When you are learning about the game’s basic technicalities, the thrower must be aware of his body during the throw. If you are in reasonable control of yourself, you will be wise enough to throw the darts with better accuracy. Body control and posture matter a lot because it determines how focused your dart will be according to how focused your body is.

For a perfect throw, there should be no bouncing, swinging, or swaying. Many people forget about being calm and can get in awkward postures under pressure, and they make mistakes because the body and the mind don’t communicate well. Many players close their eyes before throwing or raising an elbow, swinging their knee, lifting their back leg, and so on. Not everyone is aware that body posture can make a big difference in their performance. To make sure that something like your body posture or the way you are throwing the dart doesn’t hamper your performance, you must be relaxed and calm to get in a perfect position.

Eliminate Variables

Any game like darts entirely depends on consistency. Not ignoring the fact that accuracy is still needed, the foremost requirement is consistency. Consistency means the way you throw darts, and the way you perform should always be the same and even improve, nothing less than that. Accuracy should also not be compromised, but when it comes to consistency, nothing else matters. Once you get to know your highs and lows, you will be able to work on bettering yourself, and the doors of success will open wide. You will then be able to easily conquer the hurdles that come your way. Being a great player requires an innumerable number of hours of practice before stepping into the real world of competition.

Compete Against Better Players

It is imperative to focus on getting to the better version of yourself; you can only achieve this by challenging yourself to limits that you are afraid to surpass. The main reason you are motivated when you play with opponents that are better than you is that you will lose until you choose not to; you will have to practice the impossible shots, overcome the never-ending fear, defeat anxiety, and improve for good.

Comparing and competing with someone who has greater skill and form than you only forces you to get better because you don’t have much choice other than winning or improving. Eventually, when you get defeated a lot, you will have enough time to analyze the areas of improvement or how you can ensure your victory.

The choice of better players also matters because if you’re competing with someone who is already way out of your reach, you’ll have to strive to reach his level first. In the process, you will attain the consistency and the hard-working style to help you achieve your desired goal.

Stance Improvement

The technique of throwing a perfect dart lies in the stance. One must be aware of his posture, technique, speed, and consistency in the throw. A proper stance is defined by a shoulder that remains still. After aiming at your dart score, your upper body movements will help you attain the planned path for your target. In addition to this, most of the player’s body weight must be on the front foot, keeping in mind that you should not raise your foot while throwing the dart. The instability can be avoided if you have reasonable body control and your stance is perfect. The stance can only be improved by multiple throws and keeping an eye on your balance.

The ideal stance is said to be when the player faces the target and aims for it directly while standing in front of it. Your standing position also matters because the weight instability can deviate the dart from reaching its target.

Target can be achieved with great accuracy if you practice a lot and make sure that your stance is perfect because once you achieve perfection within yourself, it would not be a difficult task to achieve your desired target with perfection.

Next time you are down at your local club or pub and would like to play some darts, check out these games for you and your friends to play.

1. Cricket

Skill level required: Low

Cricket is known to be one of the best dart games because it can be played one vs. one or in a team of two vs. two. It’s a fun game if played with partners. Cricket is also called American Cricket, and it is won by being the first player that closes all the numbers in play while being even or topping the table by a lead.

How to Play

The play numbers are 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bull. The bull means hitting the bull’s-eye by hitting the center of the board. You are supposed to score three of each number in order to close it. The ways to score are either by scoring three singles in a row, a double, or a triple at once.

The benefit of this game is that you can close the numbers irrespective of the order unless you added an extra rule of not doing so. You can also hit the still open points for your opponent and score the same if you close them. The trick to winning this game is maintaining the lead throughout the game. Also, if you’re playing it with a kid or just for fun, you can rule out the scoring, i.e. you can play without the scores just for fun.

2. The 01 Games (301 and 501)

Skill level required: Medium

These two are international standards in a dart game if you’ve watched a league or so. This game is usually played popularly between professional dart throwers, but none can restrict you from playing it casually too. The rules of this game are not very tough and the game itself is simple enough it’s the finishing strategies require a bit of skill and knowledge of your board and math skills. The games 301 and 501 are often played one vs. one or as a team of two.

How to Play

Each player or team has to begin from a score of 301 or 501, depending upon where you want to start and how long you wish to play. The aim of the game is to get to the score of 0 while finishing on a double.

The catch of the 301 game is that you can’t actually start subtracting from the very first shot because you must hit a double of any number before subtracting. So, to get in the game, there’s a bit of a struggle.

This is not the case with 501 game because it starts straight away, even if you score a single.

3. Around the World

Skill level required: Low

This is one of the more simple darts games and can be played by yourself or with many.

The number of players doesn’t matter in this game which also adds to its popularity. This is a great game to start learning about the darts board, finding out which areas you prefer to aim for and have more success with.

How to Play

The players work their way around the dartboard in numerical sequence to achieve the scores. You have to start from 1 and go all the way up to 20 then go for the green bull then red bull to win the game. Alternatives include going back down to how you started or you could also go around the board in doubles or triples.

Around the world can also be played as a warm-up session for the 01 games as it can be a great loosener and you get to target all of the board.

4. Legs

Skill level required: Low

The aim of this game is that you must hit the highest possible score in each turn. It is similar to the 01 games, except the doubling-in and out doesn’t count or are not included. Similar to other games on this list is that any number of players can play.

How to Play

Each player is given three legs on the scoreboard. Now, they’re supposed to hit on the highest number possible on the board turn-wise. If the following person is unable to hit a score equal to or greater than the previous one, he will lose a leg. If you want to mix it up a little you can also shuffle the order of the players after each round.

5. Killer

Skill level required: Medium

Killer is a great dart game and can be played with three or more players. You must hit only doubles in this game. The more players you have, the more fun that can be had in this game. As this game only uses doubles it is a harder game for beginners to get into. If you have only just started darts it’s probably best if you practice with Around the World and move up from there once your skill level improves.

How to Play

Choose any random number by hitting the board, but with your non-shooting hand- this is what makes it even more exciting and fun. Then, you’ve to score double the number you just hit. This will make you a killer, and you can kill your opponents by scoring doubles of their numbers. Each player is given three lives, and each double will cost one life to your opponent.

Hopefully you have some fun trying and playing the above darts games. Who knows after a few years you might be playing at one of these big tournaments?

Obviously for a better experience make sure you have quality darts equipment and if you need a hand selecting these check out our ultimate darts guide for your darts selection.

Have fun and go play some darts!

There are several other dart competitions too. We have outlined five of them with their respective prize money.

1. Partypoker.com World Grand Prix

The main darting competition is the World Grand Prix, played each October annually in Dublin. Hardcore fans of darts pinpoint the Grand Prix as one of their year’s favorite events, perhaps just because it takes place in one of the world’s most thrilling cities. It’s first to a certain number of sets seems to be the tournament structure, with the knockout rounds being famously short, offering the occasional surprise along the way. The tournament’s biggest twist, something which gives it a dash of authenticity, is that each leg must start with the double hit, something known as the “double in, double out” style (reflecting the fact that, as with any darts game, the player must finish on a double or the bulls-eye). Event organizers decided to boost the field size from 32 to 64 in 2016, and the championship has continued to flourish, so much so that there is now a total prize of £500,000. Although darts are increasing at all levels of the game, it is the very apex of the match where most attention is concentrated. Television coverage is on the rise, as is attendance at the major darts world tournaments. The PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) has many prestigious tournaments, including tennis and golf, called “majors.” They have the most coverage and bigger prize money pools for the players to compete for.

2. PDC World Championship

The second of the new 2010 tournaments was open to all darts players between 18 and 21, from both the BDO and PDC. The final was shown live on Sky Sports at Alexandra Palace before the World Championship final. The PDC Championship is the most prestigious darts competition on the globe. The intensity is unmatched, and even the best darts players in the sport will struggle on the Alexandra Palace stage, with an estimated £2.5 million on offer in the tournament. The PDC World Title winner would need to have a quiet Christmas and New Year, but with £500,000 given to the top player, that’s a small sacrifice. The defending world champion is Peter Wright, but will he maintain his title at the end of the year?

3. Ladbrokes.com World Championships

Naturally, the highest-profile event in the darting timeline is the World Championships, held during the festive Christmas season at the Alexandra Palace in London. With the competition concluding in the New Year, it’s the first major of each calendar period. It has increased in popularity year after year. It has also become the flagship competition of world darts, played out in a legs and sets format (where the first player on three legs takes a set, an extremely traditional method of major tournaments). The new champion is Adrian Lewis, an Englishman. Lewis has won the last two tournaments, taking prize money of £200,000 on both instances.

4. Grand Slam of Dart

The Grand Slam, introduced in 2007, was the first tournament held in the U.K. to feature players from the PDC and BDO, two separate organizations. For the previous two years, players who had reached the association’s major tournaments’ finals were invited to participate in the Grand Slam. It is held for over nine days and seen live on Sky Sports. In November, the Grand Slam of Darts is conducted, and it is commonly the last major tournament before the PDC World Championship. This is one of the most successful darts betting competitions and is also a good predictor of the World Championship. The Grand Slam of Darts is challenged by some of the best darts players of all-time, with £125,000 open to the winning player. In both of the last two editions, Gerwyn Price has emerged victorious, and he may be the one to beat later this year.

5. The Dart Premier League

The Premier League, the newest of the dart majors but perhaps the most successful, is one of the most enjoyable dart tournaments. Premier League Darts Finals Night is up there with the darts calendar highlights, with £250,000 open to the winning team. Five-time Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen will be a favorite choice ahead of the tournament’s business finale. Every year, only eight players compete for the title. Four wildcards are joined by the top four in the PDC Order of Merit (the table where players are classified by prize money won in a year). The tournament format is a round-robin league table, with all eight teams competing twice over 14 weeks in the English spring, on consecutive Thursday nights at different arenas in the United Kingdom, followed by a playoff series with the top four. Every match is a best-of-14 leg match.

So, there you go. If you’re talented, take a swing at this.