How To Play Baseball Darts Game

Below is my personal take on Baseball in darts—how I first discovered it, what makes it fun, my own tips from playing with friends, and some handy ways to balance skill levels.

My Introduction to Dart Baseball

I remember stumbling onto Baseball when a group of us were looking for something more thematic than just hitting numbers at random. One friend mentioned a dart variant called “Baseball,” and I admit I was skeptical—“How do you combine America’s pastime with a dartboard?” But once we played, it quickly became one of my favorites. It’s fast, easy to grasp, and each “inning” feels like its own mini-challenge.

How Baseball Works

Objective
- Just like real baseball has nine innings, Dart Baseball typically has nine rounds (or “innings”). Each inning corresponds to a number on the dartboard (Inning 1 = Number 1, Inning 2 = Number 2, …, Inning 9 = Number 9).
- Some people extend it to 10 or even 12 innings, but nine is the classic version.
Gameplay
- In each inning, you only score by hitting that inning’s number. For example, in the 1st inning, every dart that lands on the “1” segment scores “runs.”
- Singles, doubles, and trebles have different run values:
  - Single = 1 run
  - Double = 2 runs
  - Treble = 3 runs
- You get three darts per inning. Total up the runs from your three darts and add them to your overall score.
Scoring and Winning
- After nine innings (rounds), whoever has the highest total runs is the winner.
- There’s no “busting” or finishing double to worry about. You just tally up runs inning by inning.
Common Variations
- Extra Innings: If the group wants a longer game, they might extend it to 12 innings, targeting numbers 1–12.
- Bullseye Bonus: Some players use the 9th inning (or an extra 10th) to target the bullseye for a higher risk/reward round.

My Personal Experiences

Nailing a Perfect Inning
One of my best moments was when I scored 9 runs in a single inning by hitting a treble, another treble, and a single. My friends immediately started calling me the “Slugger of the Oche.” It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s a huge rush.
Sudden Comebacks
What I love about Dart Baseball is the comeback potential. You might be trailing by several runs, but if you snag a couple of trebles in a later inning (like 7, 8, or 9), you can surge ahead. I’ve seen players go from dead last to first place in the final inning by hitting a treble or two.
Thematic Nights
Sometimes we’ll actually wear baseball caps, play some classic stadium tunes in the background, and shout “Strike!” or “Home run!” for dramatic effect. It might sound cheesy, but it adds to the fun atmosphere.

Strategy & Tips

Aim for Consistency
- I’ve noticed that consistently hitting singles (1 run each dart) across multiple innings can add up. Sure, trebles are great, but they’re also riskier. If you’re struggling, focus on at least getting singles—every run counts.
Identify Your Strong Numbers
- We all have certain segments we’re better at. If you know you’re strong on, say, the “5” or the “7,” you can use that inning to go for trebles. This can be your “power inning.”
Warm Up on High-Value Innings
- Some folks skip warming up on 1–3. Instead, they practice on the 7, 8, 9 segments. Since those are the innings that often decide the game, it’s smart to be accurate there.
Don’t Get Discouraged Early
- Missing the 1, 2, or 3 in the first few innings isn’t the end of the world. Because the runs are typically small, you can make a big comeback in the later innings—especially if you catch a double or treble.

Handicap Ideas

For those times when skill levels vary, here’s how I keep Baseball fun for everyone:

Different Inning Targets
- Let beginners only play innings 1–5, while advanced players play 1–9. If the advanced players miss in the later innings, they don’t score—giving novices a smaller, more manageable range to focus on.
Bonus Re-Throw for Newbies
- If a beginner misses the board entirely, allow them a “mulligan” once or twice per game. It reduces frustration and keeps them in the running.
Team Pair-Ups
- Team a newcomer with a seasoned player. Each team shares an inning total by combining their runs. It’s also a great way for the experienced player to offer throwing tips.
Base Score Advantage
- Give novices a small lead at the start—like 5 or 10 runs—so they aren’t overwhelmed if they blank an early inning.
Power-Up Inning
- Allow beginners to choose one inning (like the “9th inning stretch”) to double or triple their total runs for that inning. More experienced players stick to standard scoring.

Why I Love Baseball (in Darts)

Baseball is super easy to explain to newcomers—each inning corresponds to the number you’re aiming for, and you get three “at-bats” (darts) to rack up runs. The structure keeps the game rolling at a good pace, and the single/double/treble scoring feels perfectly in tune with the baseball theme (like singles, doubles, and triples in real baseball).

I also enjoy how it encourages practice on different sections of the board. In something like 501, you might just pound away at the 20s, but in Baseball, you need to adjust your aim to a new target each inning. That challenge makes you a more well-rounded dart thrower over time.

Finally, the camaraderie factor is huge. There’s nothing like a group of friends cheering when someone hits a clutch treble in the 9th inning or groaning together when you miss by a whisker. It’s a fun, competitive spirit that doesn’t take itself too seriously.