The 10 Best Darts Games to Play with Friends | Oche

Darts is at its best with a few people around the board. The classic 501 is great, but it’s only the start — there are dozens of games that suit different group sizes, skill levels and moods. Here are ten of the best, with quick rules and a note on who each one suits. Every one of these can be scored automatically in the Oche app so nobody has to chalk.

1. 501

The headline game. Both players start on 501, subtract each turn, and race to finish on a double. It’s the format used on television and in leagues, and it’s the benchmark every player measures themselves against. Full rules are in our 501 guide, and the X01 scorer handles the maths for you. Best for: one-on-one and serious play.

2. Cricket

The most popular pub game after 501. Players race to “close” the numbers 15 through 20 and the bull by hitting each three times, scoring points on numbers they’ve closed but their opponent hasn’t. Tactical and swingy — see how to play Cricket and the full Cricket rules. Best for: two players who want strategy, not just scoring. Score it in the Cricket app.

3. Killer

The ultimate group game. Each player is assigned a number and must first “become a killer” by hitting its double, then knock out opponents by hitting their numbers. Last player standing wins. Brutal and brilliant with a crowd — full Killer rules here, and the Killer scorer tracks every life. Best for: three or more players.

4. Around the Clock

The perfect starter game. Hit 1, then 2, then 3, all the way up to 20 — no scoring, no doubles, just accuracy. It builds board familiarity fast. See Around the Clock rules and the ATC scorer. Best for: total beginners and warming up.

5. Shanghai

A fast, lucky-dip game played across rounds 1–7 (or 1–20). Each round you aim at that number, scoring single, double and treble. Hit a “Shanghai” — single, double and treble of the same number in one visit — and you win instantly. Rules in our Shanghai guide and the Shanghai scorer. Best for: mixed-ability groups who want quick rounds.

6. Halve It

A nerve-shredder. Each round targets a specific number or shot, and missing it halves your score. One bad round can wipe out a big lead, which keeps everyone in the game. See the Halve It rules and the Halve It scorer. Best for: groups who like drama.

7. Bob’s 27

A doubles-only practice game that’s secretly great fun competitively. You start on 27 and work through every double from D1 to D20, adding hits and subtracting misses. Bust if you drop to zero. It’s covered in our Bob’s 27 article and the Bob’s 27 scorer. Best for: players wanting to sharpen doubles.

8. Halve It’s cousin: High-Low

A simple call game — players alternate trying to score higher (or lower) than the previous throw. No board setup needed beyond agreeing the rule each round. Best for: quick, low-stakes fun between legs.

9. Legs (Elimination)

Each player throws three darts; whoever scores lowest in a round loses a life. Lose all your lives and you’re out. It’s pure pressure scoring and works with any group size. Best for: larger groups wanting a fast knockout.

10. Round the World Doubles

Around the Clock’s tougher sibling — hit the double of each number from 1 to 20 in order. It’s a brilliant way to make doubles practice feel like a game. Best for: intermediate players grinding their finishing.

Pick a game and start

The best game is whichever fits your group right now: 501 for a proper duel, Killer or Cricket for a crowd, Around the Clock to bring beginners in. Whatever you choose, the Oche app scores it automatically across every format, so you spend the night throwing instead of arguing about the maths. Browse all the game rules to learn a new one, or if you’re playing solo, our practice games guide has you covered.