Your Beginner's Guide to the Most Popular Dart Games (with Free Scoring Sheets!)
- josh96237
- Nov 1
- 4 min read
Darts is one of those timeless games that anyone can enjoy — whether you’re hanging out at the bar, setting up a board at home, or joining a friendly league. It’s a game of skill, strategy, and precision, but most importantly, it’s just plain fun.
If you’re new to darts and want to learn the most popular ways to play, this guide covers three beginner-friendly dart games you can start with today: 501, Cricket, and Around the World (also known as Round the Clock). Each of these games teaches you something different about throwing darts, keeping score, and building accuracy — and we’ve included access to free printable scoring sheets to make it even easier.
1. 501 (The Classic Darts Game)
If you’ve ever watched professional darts on TV, this is the game they’re playing. 501 is the official tournament format and a favorite among both casual and competitive players.
Objective
Every player starts with 501 points. The goal is to reduce your score to exactly zero, and the final dart must hit a double or bullseye to win the game.
How to Play
Each player throws three darts per turn.
Subtract the total score of your darts from your starting score.
If your score goes below zero, your turn doesn’t count, and your score resets to what it was before you threw.
You must finish the game by hitting a double (for example, a double 20 to close out at exactly zero).
Example Scoring
Bullseye = 50 points
Outer Bullseye = 25 points
Single 20 = 20 points
Double 20 = 40 points
Treble 20 = 60 points
Pro Tip for Beginners
If you’re just starting out, aim for consistent single or treble 20s instead of chasing bullseyes. Once you get comfortable, practice finishing with doubles — that’s where games are won and lost.
Quicker Variations: 301 and 101
If you love 501 but want a faster-paced version, try these shorter darts games:
301 — Same rules as 501, but you start with 301 points instead. It’s perfect for shorter matches or practice sessions. You can still play “double-out” if you want to stick with tournament rules, or drop that requirement to make it beginner-friendly.
101 — The speed version of 501. Great for warm-ups, teaching new players, or quick one-on-one duels. Most people play it without the double-out rule, so the goal is simply to reach zero.
These faster versions help new darts players learn scoring, practice accuracy, and build confidence before moving up to the traditional 501 format.
Why 501 Is a Must-Try
It’s the purest test of skill in darts. You’ll sharpen your math, accuracy, and composure — all while playing the same format used by world champions.
2. Cricket (The Strategy Game)
Cricket adds a layer of strategy to darts that makes it incredibly fun and competitive. Instead of reducing your score, your goal is to close certain numbers on the board and rack up points while your opponent tries to do the same.
Objective
To win, you must hit the numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye three times each. Once a number is “closed,” you can keep scoring points on it until your opponent closes it too.
How to Play
You can only score on numbers 15–20 and the bullseye.
Each number must be hit three times to close (for example, hitting a single 20 three times, or a triple 20 once).
The inner bullseye counts for 50 points, and the outer bullseye counts for 25.
Once both players close a number, no one can score on it again.
The player who closes all numbers and has equal or higher points wins.
Example Scoring
Single 20 = 20 points
Double 20 = 40 points
Treble 20 = 60 points
Pro Tip for Beginners
Start by closing your higher numbers first — 20, 19, and 18 — since they give the most points. Keep an eye on your opponent’s progress and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Why Cricket Is So Popular
Cricket is one of the most interactive darts games out there. It’s all about balance — knowing when to play defensively by closing numbers and when to go on the offensive to build a lead. That combination of skill and strategy makes it a hit in both bars and home game rooms.
3. Around the World (Round the Clock)
Looking for a simple, fast-paced game that helps improve your accuracy? Around the World, also known as Round the Clock, is perfect for beginners who are still learning how to aim and throw consistently.
Objective
The goal is to hit every number on the dartboard — from 1 to 20, in order — and finish with a bullseye.
How to Play
Players take turns throwing darts, trying to hit each number in sequence.
You can’t move to the next number until you’ve hit the current one.
There’s no scoring; it’s all about accuracy and progression.
The first player to hit all numbers and finish with a bullseye wins.
Pro Tip for Beginners
Use Around the World as a warm-up game before diving into 501 or Cricket. It trains your eyes and hands to focus on different parts of the dartboard, helping you build consistency and confidence.
Why Beginners Love It
No math, no complex rules — just pure darts practice in a fun, low-pressure format. It’s also great for group play or teaching kids how to throw darts.
Final Thoughts: Level Up Your Darts Game
Whether you prefer the precision of 501, the strategic depth of Cricket, or the simplicity of Around the World, these three dart games are essential for anyone starting out. They’ll teach you the fundamentals of scoring, aiming, and strategic play — the core skills every great darts player needs.
To make things even easier, we’ve included free printable darts scoring sheets for each game. Print them out, grab your darts, and challenge your friends to see who can hit the bullseye first.
The more you play, the sharper your aim gets — and before long, you’ll be nailing doubles and trebles like a pro. So grab your darts, set up your board, and start your journey toward mastering the art of the perfect throw.
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