Discover other game modes: Around the Clock, Shanghai, Killer and more.
501 is king, but it isn't the only game on the board. Every pub darts crowd has a couple of alternative formats they wheel out for practice nights, big groups, or when someone's been throwing 501 for three hours straight and needs a change of pace. Here are the five that come up most.
The best practice game there is
The classic drill for anyone learning to use the whole board — not just camp on the treble 20 and hope.
Hard mode: only doubles or trebles count. Turns a warm-up into a proper workout — you'll spend twenty minutes on double 3 alone.
The pub party game for three or more
Get four or five mates round a board with a few pints and this is the game to play. Grudges get held, alliances get formed, and someone always gets knocked out on double 1.
Seven rounds, sudden-death finishes
Fast, punchy, and one perfect visit can end the game before it's over.
A Shanghai: if in the same visit you hit the single, double and treble of the current number, you win the whole game on the spot. That's where the name comes from — and where the reputation comes from too.
Miss the target and pay for it
A brutal little format where every round has a set target and missing it costs you dear. Ideal for players who need to get used to pressure.
The punishment: miss the target with all three darts and your entire running total gets cut in half. Round it down. Weep quietly.
The easy-going format
The simplest game there is — perfect for beginners and a great warm-up before a real 501.
| Game | Best for | Players | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around the Clock | Practising the whole board | 1-4 | Beginner |
| Killer | Big groups, a few pints in | 3-6+ | All levels |
| Shanghai | Quick games with drama | 2-4 | Intermediate |
| Halve-It | Handling pressure | 2-4 | Intermediate+ |
| High Score | Warm-ups and beginners | 1+ | Beginner |
Don't get stuck on 501. If you're throwing with a mixed group of mates, Killer wins every time. If you're on your own and want to actually improve, Around the Clock is the best coach you'll get for free.
Score Darts tracks scores for you. Focus on your target.
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