Killer
Everyone first throws to get their number (1 to 20, one per player). Then hit the double of your number to become a “killer”. A killer takes a life from the player whose double they hit, but loses one when hitting their own. The last player standing wins. In DartCV each player has 1 to 5 lives (3 by default).
Shanghai
One round per number, 1 to 7 (or 1 to 20). Only the round’s number scores. Single, double and treble of the same number in one visit is a “Shanghai”, an instant win. Otherwise the highest total wins.
Golf
9 or 18 holes: hole 1 is played on the 1, hole 2 on the 2, and so on. A treble is 1 stroke, a double 2, a single 3 and a miss 5. As in golf, the lowest total wins. In DartCV the best dart of the visit counts, and a treble ends the hole.
Halve-It
One set target per round: 15, 16, any double, 17, 18, any treble, 19, 20 and the Bull. Darts that hit the target score their points. No hit in the visit: your score is halved. Start on 40 points; the highest total wins.
Solo practice routines
- Around the Clock: hit 1 to 20 in order, as fast as you can.
- Bob’s 27: start on 27 and aim at every double from D1 to D20 then the Bull; each hit scores, each missed visit costs the double’s value.
- 121 Checkout and Random Checkout: string checkouts together to work on your doubles.
- 99 Darts and JDC Challenge: scoring and accuracy routines over a set number of darts.
Playing alone?
For 501 or Cricket, DartCV has bots from “first time” to “TV pro”. A real opponent without leaving home.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good darts game for a group of beginners?
Killer and Shanghai: the rules take a minute to explain and everyone stays in the game until the end.
What is the best game to practise alone?
Around the Clock for accuracy, Bob’s 27 for doubles, and 501 against a bot for the full game.
How many players for Killer?
Two or more, and it is more fun with four or more.