Below is a selection of popular dart games and the typical range of players each can accommodate. Some games can be played solo (great for practice) but also work with multiple players. Others really shine with two or more. I’ve grouped them by minimum number of players so it’s easier to see which games fit 1 player, 2 players, 3 players, etc. (all the way up to 20). Where a game can be played by a broad range (e.g., 1 to 20 players), I’ve noted it as well.

Games for 1 Player (can also accommodate more)

These are often practice-oriented games but can be just as fun with friends. If you have extra players, simply rotate turns in the same way.

1. Around the Clock (Around the World)
   • Players: 1–20
   • Overview: You must hit the numbers on the board in sequence (1 through 20, then bull).
   • Notes: A classic solo practice game, but works with any number of players taking turns.
2. Halve-It
   • Players: 1–20
   • Overview: A points-based game with specific target segments each round. Missing the target halves your total points.
   • Notes: Excellent for practicing accuracy. Any number can play by taking turns.
3. Chase the Dragon
   • Players: 1–20
   • Overview: Players must hit a sequence of doubles and trebles in a particular order.
   • Notes: Great for building precision. Perfect for solo, but can easily include multiple players.
4. Bermuda Triangle
   • Players: 1–20
   • Overview: Each round targets a specific sector; miss and your score is halved.
   • Notes: Another fun solo challenge or a group competition.
5. Round the Clock (variation of Around the Clock)
   • Players: 1–20
   • Overview: Similar to Around the World, but you might include doubles, trebles, or bull as required hits in sequence.
   • Notes: Ideal as a single-player practice but can work with a large group too.

Games for 2 (or More) Players

These games are commonly played head-to-head or in larger groups/teams. Technically, you can also do them solo, but they’re more fun competitively.

1. 301 / 501 / 701 / 901 (x01 Games)
   • Players: 2–20 (teams or individuals)
   • Overview: Each player/team starts with a fixed score (301, 501, etc.) and subtracts points from hits. The goal is to reach exactly 0.
   • Notes: The professional standard. Can be played 1v1 or with multiple players/teams.
2. Cricket
   • Players: 2–20 (or 2–4 is most common)
   • Overview: Players compete to “close” numbers 20 down to 15 and the bull, scoring points on numbers only you’ve closed.
   • Notes: Very popular in casual and league play. Works well in teams or individually.
3. Gotcha!
   • Players: 2–20
   • Overview: Similar to x01 but instead of starting with a total you’re trying to climb (e.g., first to exactly 301). If you hit the same total as an opponent at any point, you knock them back to zero.
   • Notes: Great party game with lots of “take that!” moments.
4. Shanghai
   • Players: 2–20
   • Overview: Players throw at each number in sequence (1 through 7, 1 through 9, or 1 through 20—depending on your rules). Highest total wins, or a “Shanghai” (single, double, and triple of the same number in one turn) can instantly win.
   • Notes: Very flexible for small or large groups.
5. Baseball
   • Players: 2–20
   • Overview: The dartboard numbers 1–9 represent the “innings.” Each inning, you aim at that number, and your hits count as “runs.”
   • Notes: Straightforward, easy to learn, and works for many players.
6. Split Score
   • Players: 2–20
   • Overview: You must hit specific targets each round. If you miss, your score splits (or reduces) in some fashion.
   • Notes: Another variation on accuracy-based games. Works well with 2+ people.

Games for 3 (or More) Players

While you can adapt these for fewer players, they’re best when you have at least three.

1. Cut-Throat Cricket
   • Players: 3–20
   • Overview: A twist on Cricket where scoring points adds them to opponents’ totals. Lowest score at the end wins.
   • Notes: Especially fun (and chaotic) with larger groups.
2. Killer
   • Players: 3–20
   • Overview: Each player starts with 5 lives. You first have to hit your “own number” (assigned or chosen). Once you become a Killer, you aim to hit opponents’ numbers to remove their lives.
   • Notes: Great party-style elimination game, usually recommended for 3+.
3. Round Robin Knockout
   • Players: 3–20
   • Overview: Each player competes head-to-head in short knockout rounds, and the winner progresses.
   • Notes: More of a format than a specific set of rules—perfect for a group tournament.
4. Hare and Hounds
   • Players: 3–20 (often 2–4, but can be expanded)
   • Overview: One player is the “hare,” starting ahead on the board sequence; others (the “hounds”) start behind. The hounds try to catch the hare before reaching the end.
   • Notes: Fun chase-style game that’s more interesting with more players.

Quick Reference by Minimum Players

• 1 Player (also fun with groups):
  • Around the Clock, Halve-It, Chase the Dragon, Bermuda Triangle, Round the Clock (variation)
• 2+ Players:
  • 301 / 501 (x01), Cricket, Gotcha!, Shanghai, Baseball, Split Score
• 3+ Players:
  • Cut-Throat Cricket, Killer, Knockout / Round Robin, Hare and Hounds

Most of these can handle up to 20 players if you’re willing to rotate turns (and wait for each person to throw). For very large groups, team play is often more practical (especially in x01 or Cricket).

Tips for Larger Groups (10–20 Players)

• Team Formats: Split everyone into teams of 2–5 players. This cuts down on waiting time.
• Shorter Variations: Reduce the target score in x01 (e.g., 201 or 301 instead of 501) or shorten the sequence in Around the Clock (e.g., just 1–10 instead of 1–20). Or reduce it to a 1 dart knockout match!
• Elimination Rounds: Use quick knockout or bracket-style formats to keep the pace lively.