Everybody wants to be better at darts, and getting better comes through practice. But just mindlessly throwing darts at the board is not going to get you as far along as if you put a plan behind your training.

There are many different dart games out there, but not all are best for beginners. Of course, if you can throw a dart at the board, you can play, but some games require skill that a new player does not possess.

I have put together a list of some the best dart games that help new players learn their way around the board, improve accuracy, and most importantly, have fun.

I give a brief overview of each game, but if you are interested, you can follow through to the full article for each game which will break things down in more detail and offer tips to play.

I also list the reasons why I believe the game is suitable for beginners, so if you have something specific you are looking to improve, you can choose the game that is right for you.

I hope you find this list helpful in deciding what to play. In no particular order, this is my list of the five best dart games for beginners.

Baseball Darts

How To Play Baseball Darts

What is Baseball Darts?

Not to be confused with Dartball, baseball darts can be played on a regular board. It is an around the board type variant that has you aiming at different numbers each round or in this case, “inning.”

Why Baseball Darts is Good For Beginners?

Baseball darts focuses on the numbers 1 to 9. These are numbers that are not usually a desired target in most games. Not only does baseball allow you to focus on these often ignored numbers; but for a beginner, it helps them learn where these numbers are on the board.

Baseball also focuses on a specific number each round with extra point for hitting a double or triple, so while your focus can be on the triple, you are still rewarded for a miss into the single.

It is also easy to handicap, so if you are playing with several people, you can set things ups, so the odds are even or favor the newbie.

Learn The Full Rules of Baseball Darts



501 Darts

What it is 501 Darts?

501 is the most popular dart game being played throughout the world. Each team or player starts with a fixed score of 501 points and the darts they throw determine how main points are removed from that score. The first to zero wins. Of course, there are a few other rules that come in to play that make things more interesting.

Why 501 Darts is Good For Beginners?

501 is good for beginners because it is the most popular dart game played. Becoming familiar with the rules of 501 will ensure you can pick up a set of darts and start playing with anyone, anywhere.

There is also a focus on high scoring areas, as well as doubles. A concentration on these targets will improve aim and help to develop knowledge of the mathematics of the board.

Learn The Full Rules of 501 Darts



Around The Clock

What is Around the Clock?

Around the Clock or Around the World is a game where you a start by throwing at the number one then move on to two after a successful hit, then three and so on until you reach 20, then the bull.

Why Around the World Darts is Good For Beginners?

Around the world, darts is the ultimate game for beginners because it uses every space on the board. It is the best tool to help you learn your way around the dart board. As you get better, you can increase the difficulty by moving on to doubles or triples.

It also benefits from not having to keep score. You just need to remember what number you left in the last round.

Learn The Full Rules of Around the Clock Darts



Hare And Hounds Darts

How To Play Hound and Hare Darts

What is Hare And Hounds Darts?

Each play starts near the top of the board but not on the same number (usually 5 and 20). Each player then takes turns throwing at their target number, and if they hit, they can move on to the next number to the right. The hare is the person in the lead (farthest right). It is their job to keep ahead of the hound (farthest left).

Why Hare And Hounds Darts is Good For Beginners?

This is another one of those games that can help learn where everything is on the board because it uses every spot except the bullseye and no score is needed to be kept.

It is like Around the Clock darts with a cat-and-mouse style chase, which adds an interesting element of suspense. It can be great fun when played with multiple hares.

Learn The Full Rules of Hare & Hound Darts



Killer Darts

How to play killer darts

What is Killer Darts?

Each player is assigned a number on the board then the other players take turns trying to eliminate them by hitting their number. In standard play, you have to hit the double multiple times to out the player, but the rules can be changed according to skill level.

Why Killer Darts is Good For Beginners?

While aiming for the doubles can help increase precision, this one made the list mostly for the fun factor. If you have several people, Killer darts is the most fun you will have playing darts, and I believe that making darts fun for beginners will help to increase interest in the sport.

Learn The Full Rules of Killer Darts


As you can see, there is a pattern here with some of the games; most are “around the board” style variants. When you’re beginning to play, you want something that is going to help you learn your way around the board, get better at those key high-scoring areas, and have fun while you’re at it.

While I have only listed five games here, there are dozens to choose from each with their own strategies and specializations. If you are looking for other games to play, you can check out our full list of dart games.

Also, check out our beginners guide to steel tip darts for a full list of everything you want to make your dart corner awesome.

I would also be excited to hear what you think. Did I miss a game that should have made the list? Let me know in the comments below.