Aim for Fun at Denham Bowls Club: Join Us for Darts!
If you’re looking for a great way to relax, have fun, and enjoy some friendly competition, then Denham Bowls Club has just what you need. We’re inviting all dart enthusiasts—whether you’re a pro or just starting out—to come and play darts with us, completely free of charge!
At Denham Bowls Club, we play a variety of classic dart games, including 501, 301, Cricket, and Around the Clock. Whether you’re strategizing your next move in Cricket or aiming for the elusive bullseye in 501, there’s a game for everyone. You can bring your own darts if you have a favorite set, or feel free to use our house darts.
And what’s a game of darts without a refreshing drink? Our bar is fully stocked, so you can enjoy a pint, a glass of wine, or your favorite soft drink while you play.
We’re also excited to announce that we’ll be hosting Darts Tournaments in the near future (dates to be announced). It’s the perfect opportunity to test your skills, compete with others, and maybe even walk away as the club champion!
So why wait? Head over to Denham Bowls Club, grab a drink, and throw some darts with us. Whether you’re in it for the competition or just a bit of fun, there’s always a great time waiting for you here!
A Guide to Popular Darts Games: 501, 301, Cricket, and More
Darts is a versatile and engaging game that can be enjoyed in various formats, each offering its own unique challenge and excitement. Whether you’re playing in a pub with friends or competing in a league, understanding the different types of darts games can enhance your experience and keep things interesting. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most popular darts games, including 501, 301, Cricket, and Around the Clock, providing you with a summary of how each game is played and what makes it fun.
1. 501 and 301: The Classic Games
Overview: 501 and 301 are the most widely played darts games, particularly in competitive settings. Both games follow similar rules, with the main difference being the starting score.
- Objective: The goal in both 501 and 301 is to reduce your starting score to exactly zero, with the final dart required to land on a double (or the bullseye, which counts as a double 25).
- Gameplay:
- Players start with a score of 501 or 301.
- Each player takes turns throwing three darts per round, aiming to subtract the total scored from their current score.
- The game ends when a player reduces their score to exactly zero, finishing with a double. If a player’s score goes below zero or they fail to finish on a double, the turn is void, and their score remains the same.
- Strategy: Players often aim for high-scoring areas like treble 20 (worth 60 points) to reduce their score quickly. As the score gets lower, aiming for specific doubles becomes crucial.
- Why It’s Fun: The combination of high scoring and the precise requirement to finish with a double makes 501 and 301 challenging and thrilling, especially when games come down to the wire.
2. Cricket: The Strategic Showdown
Overview: Cricket is a strategic darts game that involves closing out specific numbers on the dartboard while also outscoring your opponent. It’s particularly popular in social settings and leagues.
- Objective: The goal in Cricket is to “close” the numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye by hitting each of them three times, while also scoring points by hitting closed numbers that your opponent hasn’t closed yet.
- Gameplay:
- The numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye are in play.
- Players take turns throwing three darts per round, aiming to hit each number three times to close it.
- If you hit a number more than three times before your opponent has closed it, you score points equal to that number.
- The game ends when all the numbers and the bullseye have been closed by one or both players. The player with the most points wins.
- Strategy: Players must balance closing numbers with scoring points. Deciding when to close a number or when to continue scoring on an open number adds a layer of strategy that can shift the momentum of the game.
- Why It’s Fun: Cricket combines precision and strategy, offering players the chance to outthink and outmaneuver their opponents. It’s a game where comebacks are always possible, making it exciting until the very end.
3. Around the Clock: A Test of Consistency
Overview: Around the Clock is a straightforward and fast-paced darts game that tests your ability to hit specific targets in sequence.
- Objective: The goal is to hit every number on the dartboard in order, starting from 1 and progressing to 20, and finishing with the bullseye.
- Gameplay:
- Players take turns throwing three darts per round, aiming to hit the numbers in sequential order, starting with 1.
- A player must hit each number in sequence before moving on to the next. For example, you must hit 1 before you can aim for 2.
- The first player to hit all numbers from 1 to 20, plus the bullseye, wins the game.
- Strategy: Since you can’t skip numbers, consistency is key. Missing a number means you’re stuck on that target until you hit it, so focus and accuracy are crucial.
- Why It’s Fun: Around the Clock is a great game for beginners and experienced players alike. It’s easy to understand and helps improve accuracy, making it a perfect warm-up game or a quick match among friends.
4. Other Popular Darts Games
Shanghai:
- Objective: Players aim to hit the same number on each turn, moving through numbers 1 to 7 (or 1 to 20, depending on the version). A “Shanghai” is hitting a single, double, and treble of the same number in one turn, which immediately wins the game.
- Why It’s Fun: The game encourages players to aim for different areas of the board, and the chance of hitting a Shanghai keeps the game thrilling.
Killer:
- Objective: Each player chooses a number and tries to become a “killer” by hitting the double of that number. Once a killer, the player aims to hit opponents’ numbers to reduce their lives. The last player standing wins.
- Why It’s Fun: Killer is competitive and unpredictable, with alliances and rivalries forming as players try to knock each other out.
Halve-It:
- Objective: Players aim for specific targets on each round, such as treble 20, bullseye, or double 16. Missing the target results in halving the player’s score. The highest score at the end of all rounds wins.
- Why It’s Fun: Halve-It adds pressure with the risk of losing half your points, making every shot count.
Conclusion
Darts is a game with endless variations, each offering its own blend of challenge, strategy, and fun. Whether you’re honing your skills with 501, outmaneuvering your opponent in Cricket, or testing your consistency in Around the Clock, there’s a darts game for every occasion and skill level. Exploring these different games is a great way to keep your darts sessions fresh and exciting. So, grab your darts, step up to the oche, and enjoy the variety and thrill that these classic games have to offer!
Happy throwing!