Types of Darts Games: Which One Should You Play?

Last updated 9 November 2026

Darts is far more than 501. Different games suit different groups: some are built for two serious players, others for a crowded game room where half the players have never thrown before. Use this page to pick one, then follow the links for the full rules.

Compare the games

Game	Best for	How long it runs	Skill it trains
501 / 301	Two players or teams; the classic format	Until someone hits exactly zero	Scoring and finishing
Cricket	Two players or teams who like tactics	Until one side closes everything and leads	Trebles and decision-making
Around the Clock	Beginners and mixed abilities	Until someone reaches 20	Accuracy across the board
Killer	Three or more players; parties	Until one player survives	Doubles under pressure
Shanghai	Any group that wants a fixed format	20 rounds, or an instant win	Hitting a specific number
Halve It	Groups that enjoy a sting in the tail	9 rounds	Consistency
Baseball	Quick games with any number of players	9 innings	Low numbers, doubles and trebles
High Score	Warm-ups and simple contests	10 rounds	Pure scoring
Bob's 27	Solo doubles practice	21 targets	Doubles

How to choose

You are playing with beginners

Start with Around the Clock. The aim is obvious, anyone can make progress, and nobody needs to do any arithmetic. High Score is another good choice, since every dart counts towards something and a bad throw is quickly forgotten.

You have one opponent and want a proper match

Play 501 for the traditional test of scoring and finishing, or Cricket if you would rather out-think your opponent. Cricket also rewards a player who can hit trebles even if their doubles are poor.

You have a group of three to six

Killer creates the most drama, as players tend to gang up on whoever is winning. Halve It keeps everyone in the game until late on, because one bad round can undo a big lead.

You are practising alone

Play Bob's 27 for doubles and High Score for trebles. Our practice routines combine them into a structured session.

You only have ten minutes

301 is much quicker than 501. Baseball is also short, with just nine rounds that each use a single number.

New to darts?

Read darts for beginners for how the board and scoring work, and the glossary if someone at the board has just shouted “madhouse”.