Bingo Darts

Complete a bingo-style card of randomly assigned dartboard numbers by hitting each target three times to "mark it off." The first player (or team) to close every number on their card calls Bingo and wins the game.

Bingo Darts blends the luck-of-the-draw excitement of bingo with the skill of darts. Because each player's card is different, every game creates a unique tactical challenge — you may be chasing tricky targets your opponents never have to touch.

Two or more players (or teams) may compete. Each player receives a personal set of target numbers drawn from 1–20. The size of the card is agreed upon before play: 5 numbers for a quick game, up to 9 numbers for a longer contest. Targets are typically randomized — electronic dartboards generate them automatically, while on a bristle board players may draw numbered slips from a hat or use a random-number app.

Prepare a scoreboard with each player's name and their assigned numbers arranged in a grid (bingo-card style). Beside each number, leave space to record up to 3 marks. Determine throwing order by having each player throw one dart at the bullseye; the closest dart throws first, with play proceeding clockwise thereafter.

Before the first dart is thrown, all players must agree on the variant in use: free-play (targets may be closed in any order) or sequential (targets must be closed in the order listed on the card). This choice significantly affects strategy and should be announced clearly.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. On each turn, a player attempts to hit one or more of the target numbers on their personal bingo card. Only darts that land in a segment matching one of the player's own assigned numbers count; all other hits are ignored for that player.

Each target number must accumulate three marks to be closed (marked off). Marks are earned as follows:

• Single segment – 1 mark
• Double ring (outer narrow ring) – 2 marks
• Triple ring (inner narrow ring) – 3 marks (instantly closes the number)

Excess marks on a number that is already closed do not carry over to other numbers. For example, if a target has 2 marks and the player hits a double (2 marks), the number is closed with 3 marks total — the extra mark is simply lost.

Free-play variant: A player may work on any of their assigned numbers in any order during any turn. For instance, a player whose card includes 14, 7, and 20 could throw one dart at each of those numbers in a single visit.

Sequential variant: A player must close their numbers in the exact order listed on their card. Only hits on the current target number earn marks; darts landing in a later target are wasted. Once the current number is closed, the next number on the card becomes active immediately — even within the same turn. For example, if your first target is 18 and you hit triple 18 with your first dart (closing it instantly), your second and third darts may now be thrown at your next listed target.

The bullseye (inner and outer) does not serve as a target number in standard Bingo Darts unless it has been explicitly included in a player's assigned numbers by the randomization method. Darts that miss the board or bounce out score no marks.

Scoring in Bingo Darts is a mark-tracking system rather than a point-accumulation system. Each assigned number on a player's card progresses from 0 marks to 3 marks (closed):

• Hit single 14 → 1 mark on 14
• Hit double 14 → 2 marks on 14
• Hit triple 14 → 3 marks on 14 (closed in one dart)

A practical example: suppose your card includes the numbers 5, 11, and 18. On your first visit you throw single 18 (1 mark on 18), double 18 (2 more marks on 18 — now closed at 3), and single 11 (1 mark on 11). Your scoreboard now shows 18 closed, 11 with 1 mark, and 5 still at 0 marks.

There are no bonus points for closing numbers quickly, and there is no point-scoring element against opponents (unlike Cricket). The sole objective is to reach 3 marks on every assigned number as fast as possible.

The first player to close all of their assigned target numbers wins the game and calls "Bingo!" A number is closed once it has accumulated 3 or more marks. The winning dart is the dart that closes the final number on the player's card.

If two players close their final number during the same round (possible only if the trailing player finishes on the same turn number as the leader), the player who threw first in that round is declared the winner, since they achieved the result with fewer total darts thrown. In team play, the same principle applies — the team whose member finished first in throwing order wins.

Free-Play Bingo: The standard and most popular variant. Players may close their assigned numbers in any order, allowing maximum tactical flexibility. Recommended for casual and pub play.

Sequential Bingo: Players must close numbers in the specific order listed on their card. This variant raises the difficulty considerably, as a player may be stuck on a troublesome number (such as a low single they rarely practice) while opponents race ahead.

Short-Form Bingo (5-number card): Each player receives only 5 target numbers. Games typically last 10–15 minutes, making this ideal for quick matches or warm-up rounds.

Long-Form Bingo (9-number card): Each player receives 9 target numbers. This extended format rewards consistency across the entire board and is better suited to experienced players or team events.

Shared-Number Bingo: All players receive the same set of target numbers, removing the luck-of-the-draw element and making the contest a pure race of skill. This variant plays similarly to Cricket but without the point-scoring mechanic.

Hunt for triples first (free-play): In free-play mode, review your card and identify numbers where you are most confident hitting the triple ring. A single triple dart closes a number instantly — turning a potential nine-dart task into a one-dart job. If your card includes 20 or 19, start there if those are your strongest triples.

Prioritize difficult numbers early: It is tempting to close easy targets for quick satisfaction, but leaving your weakest number for last can stall a game when pressure is highest. Attack unfamiliar segments while you are relaxed and save reliable numbers for the finish.

Use doubles as a two-mark shortcut: If a number already has one mark, a single double closes it. Aim for the double ring rather than throwing three cautious singles — this is often a faster path, especially on numbers in the lower half of the board where the single segments are narrower.

In sequential mode, commit all three darts: Because you cannot work on future numbers until the current one is closed, throw all three darts at your active target each visit. Splitting focus gains you nothing in sequential play. Concentrate on grouping tightly around the required segment.

Know your card, not your opponent's: Unlike Cricket, you gain no advantage from hitting your opponent's numbers. Ignore what others are throwing and stay locked on your own targets — pace and accuracy on your card are the only things that matter.