Darts Game Modes Explained

The classic – count down to zero

Each player starts with a fixed score (usually 501) and throws three darts per visit. Every hit is subtracted from the remaining score. Whoever reaches exactly zero first wins the leg – under Double-Out, the final dart must land on a double or the bullseye. If a throw misses this condition or takes the score below zero, the entire visit is a "bust" and does not count. See every finish in the checkout chart →

Close numbers instead of scoring points

Played using only the numbers 15 to 20 plus the bull. Every hit counts as a "mark" – three marks on a number (e.g. three single hits, or one hit on the triple) "close" it. If a number is closed for you but not for your opponent, further hits add that segment's value to your score. Whoever closes all numbers first and holds the highest score wins.

In Cut-Throat Cricket, the logic reverses: further hits on a number you have closed but your opponent has not add points to your opponent's score instead – whoever has the lowest score at the end wins.

In order from 1 to 20

You must hit the numbers 1 through 20 (usually finishing on the bull) in exactly that order before moving on to the next. Depending on the variant, any hit on the current number counts (single, double or triple alike), or the harder "doubles only" rule is played. Whoever gets all the way through first wins – also a great solo drill for accuracy across the whole board.

Instant win with single, double and triple

Over 20 rounds, players aim at the numbers 1 through 20 in sequence – round 1 targets the 1, round 2 the 2, and so on. Any hit on the current number scores its full segment value (single, double or triple). If you hit a single, double and triple of the same number in a single visit, you have scored a "Shanghai" and win instantly – regardless of score. Without a Shanghai, whoever has the most points after 20 rounds wins.

A race around the board – hunter vs. hunted

A classic two-player duel with swapping roles. The "fox" starts at 20 and must hit the double, then the single of that number to advance to the next (19, 18...). After three darts, it is the "hound"'s turn: they start two numbers behind and only need to hit the doubles of each number in order to catch up – letting them close the gap faster. If the hound hits the double of whichever number the fox is currently on, the fox is caught. If the fox instead makes it all the way around the board, the round ends. Roles then swap – whoever got further wins.

Score points – or lose half of everything

Players agree on a sequence of target segments beforehand (e.g. specific numbers, doubles, triples or the bull). Each round, you throw at the current target: hits add their value to your score, but if you miss the target completely with all three darts, your entire score so far is halved. Whoever has the most points after all rounds wins – a game mode where a single bad round can turn everything around.

Defend your number, hunt the rest

Each player is randomly assigned their own number via a practice throw. To become a "killer," you must first hit the double of your own number – after that, you can attack other players' doubles to take away their lives (usually 3 lives per player at the start). Watch out: as a killer, you lose a life yourself if you accidentally hit your own double again. Whoever has lives remaining last wins.

The doubles training camp

A pure doubles training game, developed by former world champion Bob Anderson. You start with 27 points and throw three darts at Double 1, then Double 2, and so on up to Double 20, finishing on the bullseye. Every hit adds the double's value to your score (e.g. Double 6 = 12 points per hit); if all three darts miss the target completely, the double's value is subtracted once. If your score drops to zero or below, you are eliminated.