How To Play “Chase The Dragon” Darts Game

Here’s my take on Chase the Dragon, along with how I usually play it, some stories from my own experiences, and tips to handle different skill levels.

My Introduction to Chase the Dragon

I remember the first time I tried Chase the Dragon—I was looking for a new way to practice doubles and trebles without slogging through the usual routine of “Around the World.” A friend suggested this game, promising it would sharpen my focus on those smaller, more precise segments. He was right! It became an instant favourite in our little darts circle. Even today, whenever my group wants a challenge beyond simple scoring games, we’ll say, “Let’s chase the dragon tonight.”

How Chase The Dragon Darts Game Works

Objective
The main idea is to hit a specific sequence of doubles or trebles in ascending order (commonly doubles or sometimes trebles, depending on which variation you choose). For doubles-focused play, you’d aim at Double 1, then Double 2, Double 3, and so on. If you’re doing trebles, it’s Treble 1, Treble 2, etc.
Setup
- We typically decide whether we’re focusing on doubles or trebles before we start.
- Everyone starts at the same place (Double 1 or Treble 1).
Turns
- Each player gets three darts per turn. If you hit your current target (say Double 1), you move on to Double 2 within the same turn. If you manage to hit Double 2 in that same turn, you jump to Double 3, and so on.
- Whatever target you finish on is where you pick up next time it’s your turn.
Winning
- The typical “end” is reaching Double 20 or Treble 20. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can tack on a Double Bull or Treble Bull as the grand finale.
- The first player to complete the final target in the sequence is the winner.

My Experiences Playing

First Time Surprises
My first time chasing the dragon, I underestimated how tough it was to consistently hit doubles in ascending order. I soared through Double 1, Double 2, and Double 3 but got stuck on Double 4 for about three turns—meanwhile, a friend leapfrogged me straight to Double 9!
What I Learned
I realized that once you master the early doubles, you start building confidence—and muscle memory—for the rest of the board. It’s also a humbling game because one missed target can stall you while someone else streaks ahead.
Favorite Moment
One memorable night, I somehow pulled off hitting Double 15, Double 16, and Double 17 all in one turn. My friends still joke that I used up all my “dart luck” in a single round because I immediately got stuck on Double 18 for what felt like an eternity afterwards.

Tips & Tricks

Practice Your Stance and Release
“Chase the Dragon” forces you to move around the board a lot. I like to practice my stance for each segment before I even take my turn—it gets me comfortable with the new throwing angle.
Aim for Singles to Adjust
Sometimes, if my throw is off, I’ll use my first dart to “find” the single segment of that number, just to gauge my aim. Then I’ll adjust my second or third dart for the double/treble. It’s better to land a single and correct your aim than to waste all three darts wildly.
Break it into Smaller Goals
If you’re struggling with, say, Double 6, focus on just hitting that number’s segment (even a single) to zone in. Once you see where your dart lands, fine-tune your angle and power.
Stay Positive
It’s easy to get frustrated if you’re stuck on a particular double (we’ve all been there!). But remember, the game can turn around quickly, especially if someone else suddenly struggles on Double 15 or so. Keep your focus and composure.

Handicap Ideas for Mixed Skill Levels

Over the years, I’ve played with both seasoned dart players and friends who are just starting to throw. Here are a few adjustments we’ve used to keep it fair and fun:

Shorter Sequence for Beginners
- Let newer players “chase” through Double 1 to Double 10, for instance, while advanced players must go all the way to Double 20 (or beyond). Both groups can still throw in turn, but the newbies have fewer targets to tackle.
Allow Singles for Novices
- If a beginner is having a tough time, let them count any hit on that number (single, double, or treble) to advance, while more seasoned players must nail the exact double or treble. It keeps them from getting totally stuck on one segment for too long.
Extra Dart
- For brand-new players, sometimes I’ll allow a fourth dart on each turn. If they hit the required segment, they move on just like everyone else, but that extra dart can really ease frustration.
Start Partway Through
- Advanced players can start at, say, Double 5 or Double 10, while beginners start at Double 1. This offsets the advantage of skill by giving them more “distance” to cover.
Team Play
- Pair a newbie with an experienced player. They alternate throws toward the same target sequence. It fosters coaching and keeps the pace lively.

Why I Love It

“Chase the Dragon” is one of those games that constantly challenges your precision and adaptability. You’re not just settling into a groove on 20s—each turn forces you to relocate your aim and refine your throw. It also turns into a lively competition when someone leaps ahead or when there’s a dramatic comeback from behind.

It’s an excellent way to practice doubles (or trebles, if you choose that version) in a more dynamic format than simply drilling them in isolation. Every time I play, I come away feeling more confident about hitting those narrower segments during other darts games (like “Cricket” or “x01” formats).