Baizewick guide
Darts games to play at home: cricket, killer and more
501 is the classic, but it is hard work for beginners. These games are quicker, suit groups and mixed abilities, and are a good way to practise.
Cricket
Cricket uses only the 15 to 20 and the bull. Each player tries to hit each of those numbers three times to close it. A single counts as one hit, a double as two and a treble as three. The outer bull counts one and the inner bull two.
Once you have closed a number, any further darts on it score points until your opponent closes it too. The winner is the first to close every number with at least as many points as the other player.
Around the clock
Hit 1, then 2, and so on to 20, and finish on the bull. Any part of the number counts. It is a good first game for children and new players because every dart has a clear target.
For a harder version, every number must be hit in the doubles ring.
Killer
Killer suits three or more players. Each player throws one dart with their weaker hand to get their own number. Players then try to hit the double of their own number to become a killer.
A killer can aim at other players’ doubles. Each hit removes one of that player’s lives, usually three. The last player with lives left wins. Many households play their own variations, so agree the rules first.
Shanghai
Play seven rounds, numbered 1 to 7. In round one only the 1 scores, in round two only the 2, and so on. Doubles and trebles count.
If you hit the single, double and treble of the round’s number in one visit, that is a Shanghai and you win straight away. Otherwise the highest total wins.
Halve-it
Agree a list of targets, such as 20, any double, 19, any treble and the bull. Everyone throws at the same target each round. Miss with all three darts and your total score is halved.
It rewards steady accuracy, which makes it good practice for 501.
301
A shorter version of 501, played the same way from 301. Some players require a double to start scoring as well as to finish, which makes it a good doubles workout.
Which game for which group
| Game | Players | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Around the clock | 1 or more | Beginners and children |
| Cricket | 2 or teams | Tactics and trebles |
| Killer | 3 or more | Parties and groups |
| Shanghai | 2 or more | Quick games |
| Halve-it | 1 or more | Accuracy practice |
| 301 and 501 | 2 or teams | The standard match game |
Common mistakes
- Letting children play with steel-tip darts unsupervised. A soft-tip board is safer for mixed ages.
- Standing in the throwing lane while someone else throws.
- Not agreeing house rules before a game starts.
Questions
What is the easiest darts game for children?
Around the clock: hit each number from 1 to 20 in order. Any part of the number counts. A soft-tip board is the safer choice for children.
How do you close a number in cricket?
Hit it three times. A single counts as one hit, a double as two and a treble as three.
What is a Shanghai in darts?
Hitting the single, double and treble of the target number in one visit. In the game of Shanghai, it wins immediately.