The Most Popular Dart Game, Ranked

Choose the dart game you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 18, 2024 06:35
Gathering friends for a game of darts often leads to debates about which variation to play, as everyone has their preferred game that they claim reigns supreme. A comprehensive ranking, based on community votes, could easily settle these friendly disputes and help new players understand which games are currently capturing players' interests. By allowing dart enthusiasts to vote for their preferred games, not only does each participant contribute to a collective wisdom, but they also help cultivate a broader appreciation of the nuances and fun that each dart game offers. This active participation ensures that the rankings reflect real-time preferences and keep the community engaged and informed about popular trends.

What Is the Most Popular Dart Game?

  1. 1
    44
    votes

    501

    The most popular dart game where players start with a score of 501 and have to reach zero by hitting doubles or triples.
    501 is a popular dart game played by two players or teams. The objective of the game is to be the first player or team to reach exactly zero points by subtracting their scores from 501. Players take turns throwing three darts each and deduct the score they achieve from their starting score. The game requires both skill and strategy as players must aim for higher scoring segments of the dartboard to quickly reduce their score without going bust (ending their turn without reducing their score). If a player or team finishes on a score greater than zero, their turn ends and their remaining score is preserved for the next turn. The game is typically played on a standard dartboard with numbered segments ranging from 1 to 20, a bullseye, and various scoring areas.
    • Number of Players: Two
    • Starting Score: 501
    • Dartboard Segments: 1-20, Bullseye
    • Darts per Turn: 3
    • Scoring Method: Subtracting achieved score from 501
  2. 2
    23
    votes
    A game where players have to hit certain numbers and close them out before their opponent in order to score points.
    Cricket is a popular bat-and-ball sport played between two teams, each consisting of eleven players. It is commonly referred to as a gentlemen's sport with a rich history and a strong following in countries like India, England, Australia, and Pakistan. The game primarily takes place on a grass field, known as a cricket ground, where the two teams take turns batting and bowling. The objective is to score more runs than the opponent by hitting the ball and running between two sets of wooden wickets.
    • Number of players: 11 players per team
    • Playing surface: Grass field
    • Equipment: Ball, bat, wickets, protective gear
    • Scoring system: Runs, wickets, overs
    • Match format: Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
  3. 3
    26
    votes
    A game where players have to hit each number on the board in order, starting with 1 and ending with 20.
    Around the Clock is a popular dart game where players aim to hit each number on the dartboard in sequential order, starting from 1 and ending at 20. The objective is to complete this circuit in the fewest number of darts possible.
    • Game Type: Dartboard Game
    • Number of Players: Single or Multiple
    • Equipment Required: Dartboard and Darts
    • Objective: Hit each number on the dartboard in sequential order, starting from 1 and ending at 20
    • Scoring: 1 point for hitting the required number, 0 points otherwise
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    A game where players take turns hitting certain numbers and trying to avoid hitting the "killer" number, which changes each round.
    Killer is a popular dart game that requires players to eliminate specific target numbers. It is played by multiple participants and provides a fun and competitive experience for dart enthusiasts.
    • Number of Players: 2 or more
    • Objective: Eliminate target numbers in the fewest turns
    • Target Numbers: All numbers from 1 to 20, doubles, and triples
    • Elimination Rules: Players take turns throwing three darts and attempt to hit their target numbers. Once a player hits a target number, they 'kill' it, and subsequent hits on the same number yield no points. The game continues until one player eliminates all their target numbers first.
    • Scoring: Each hit on a target number counts towards elimination points. The player who eliminates all their target numbers first and has the highest total score wins the game.
  5. 5
    13
    votes

    301

    Similar to 501, but with a starting score of 301 instead.
    301 is one of the most popular dart games played worldwide. It is a game that requires players to start with a score of 301 and reduce it to zero as quickly as possible. Players take turns throwing three darts each, attempting to hit the target and subtract the value of each successful throw from their initial score. The first player to reach exactly zero, finishing with a double or the bullseye, wins the game.
    • Starting score: 301
    • Number of players: 2 or more
    • Target: Standard dartboard
    • Throws per turn: 3
    • Subtracting score: Value of hit segment
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    A game where players have to hit certain numbers in order and then hit the bullseye to score points.
    Shanghai is a sprawling metropolis situated on the eastern coast of China. With its iconic skyline featuring towering skyscrapers and historic landmarks, Shanghai is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The city seamlessly blends modernity with traditional Chinese culture, providing a unique and captivating experience for locals and visitors alike.
    • Population: Over 24 million people
    • Area: Approximately 6,340 square kilometers
    • Skyline: Famous for its stunning skyline views, dominated by iconic buildings such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower
    • Bund: The Bund waterfront area showcases a collection of colonial-era buildings, offering a glimpse into Shanghai's past
    • Yu Garden: A traditional Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    A game where players take turns hitting certain numbers and trying to avoid hitting the number that their opponent has "gotchaed."
    Gotcha is a highly popular and engaging dart game that is commonly played in pubs and bars. The game was created by the renowned dart manufacturer, Winmau. It offers a combination of strategy, skill, and precision, making it enjoyable for both casual players and enthusiasts alike.
    • Number of players: 2 or more
    • Dartboard type: Standard
    • Number of darts per turn: 3
    • Objective: To accumulate the highest score possible by hitting specific target areas on the dartboard
    • Target areas: Double 16, Double 10, Double 7, and Bullseye
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    A game where players take turns hitting certain numbers and trying to score the exact amount of points needed to "halve" their score.
    Halve-It is a popular dart game that tests a player's accuracy and ability to consistently hit specific targets. The game involves scoring points by hitting different sections of the dartboard in a progressive manner.
    • Number of Players: 2 or more
    • Dartboard: Standard 20-segment dartboard
    • Starting Score: 301 or 501
    • Target Sections: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, Bullseye
    • Order of Targets: Players must hit the required target segments in ascending order (20, 19, 18, etc.)
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    A game where players have to hit certain numbers and score exactly five points in order to win.
    Fives is a popular dart game that was invented in the United Kingdom. It is played on a standard dartboard and requires players to score points by hitting specific areas of the board. The game is versatile and can be played by people of all skill levels.
    • Number of Players: 2 or more
    • Dartboard: Standard dartboard with numbered sections
    • Scoring System: Players aim to hit specific numbers and multiply their score based on their accuracy
    • Objective: Score the highest points by hitting targeted numbers
    • Gameplay Style: Turn-based, where each player takes turns throwing three darts
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    A variation of 501 where players have to hit a double to start and then hit a double to finish.
    Double In/Double Out is a popular dart game where players must start and finish by hitting a double segment on the dartboard. The objective is to score points by hitting different segments on the board and reach zero points before the opponent does.
    • Starting: Players must start the game by hitting a double segment.
    • Finishing: Players must finish the game by hitting a double segment.
    • Scoring: Players accumulate points based on the segment they hit on the board.
    • Scoring Zones: Different segments on the board carry different points.
    • Double Ring: Hitting a double ring doubles the score of the respective segment.

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Ranking factors for popular dart game

  1. Number of players
    Consider how many people can play the game at once, as a game that accommodates a larger group may be more popular.
  2. Simplicity and ease of learning
    A game that is easy to learn and understand will likely be more popular than a more complex game because it is accessible to a wider range of players.
  3. Skill and strategy
    A game with a balance of skill and strategy will appeal to both beginner and experienced players, making it more popular.
  4. Excitement and entertainment value
    A popular dart game should be engaging and fun to play, keeping players entertained and wanting to play again.
  5. Variety and replayability
    A game that offers a variety of outcomes and ways to play will generally be more popular because it allows for greater replayability.
  6. Popularity of the game
    Consider how well-known the game is amongst the dart players community, as this will influence its popularity.
  7. Availability and accessibility
    The game should be readily available and easy to set up, making it more appealing to a wider audience.
  8. Time required to play
    A popular dart game should be played within a reasonable amount of time, allowing for quick games and preventing players from losing interest.
  9. Customization and adaptability
    A game that can be easily tailored or adapted to suit different skill levels or preferences may be more popular.
  10. Tradition and history
    A game with a rich history or strong association with certain regions or cultures may have greater popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular dart game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or darts is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1575 views
  • 147 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each darts once every 24 hours. The rank of each darts is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular dart game

Darts is a popular game enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels worldwide. It is a game that involves throwing small arrows, known as darts, at a circular board, called a dartboard, typically made of sisal or cork. There are many variations of dart games, but the most popular ones include 501, Cricket, and Around the Clock. Each game has its own set of rules and objectives, making it unique and challenging. Whether you are playing for fun or competing in a league, darts is a game that offers endless entertainment and excitement. So, what is the most popular dart game? Let's take a closer look.

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