Bowls Darts

Bowls Darts simulates the classic game of lawn bowls on a standard dartboard. One player throws a single dart to establish a target number — the jack — and then both players throw their darts, attempting to land as close to that target number as possible. The player whose dart finishes nearest to the jack scores points for each of their darts that is closer to the jack than the opponent's best dart, mirroring the proximity-scoring system of lawn bowls. The first player to reach the agreed target score wins the match.

Bowls Darts is played between 2 players (or 2 teams). Each player uses a standard set of three darts and a standard dartboard is required. A scoreboard should be prepared with a column for each player's cumulative point total.

Before play begins, agree on a target score — 21 points is the most common choice. Determine who will throw the jack in the first end; this is typically decided by each player throwing one dart at the bullseye, with the closest throw earning the right to set the jack first. The jack-throwing duty alternates between players after each end.

Each end proceeds in two phases: the jack throw (one dart), followed by the scoring throws (3 darts per player). Ensure both players understand the proximity-scoring method before the first end begins.

Play is organized into a series of ends. Each end follows this sequence:

• Setting the jack: The designated jack thrower throws one dart at the board. Whatever single number the dart lands in becomes the jack for that end. For example, if the dart lands in the single 14 segment, the jack is 14.
• Scoring throws: Both players then take turns throwing their 3 darts, aiming to land as close to the jack number as possible.

Determining closeness: Closeness is measured by the numerical difference between the segment number your dart lands in and the jack number. Only the face value of the segment matters — singles, doubles, and triples all count as the same number for the purpose of proximity. For example, if the jack is 14 and you hit single 15, double 15, or triple 15, your distance is 1 in each case. If you hit segment 11, your distance from a jack of 14 is 3.

Hitting the jack number exactly gives a distance of 0, which is the best possible throw in any end.

After both players have thrown all three darts, the end is scored (see Scoring below). The jack-throwing duty then passes to the other player, and a new end begins.

Bowls Darts uses the same counting system as lawn bowls. After both players have thrown, identify the closest dart to the jack from each player. The player whose single nearest dart is closer to the jack than the opponent's nearest dart wins the end and scores points.

The winning player earns 1 point for each of their darts that is closer to the jack than the opponent's closest dart. A player can therefore score 1, 2, or 3 points in a single end.

Example: The jack is 14. Player A throws darts landing on 14, 15, and 18 (distances of 0, 1, and 4). Player B throws darts landing on 11, 17, and 20 (distances of 3, 3, and 6). Player B's closest dart is distance 3. Player A has two darts closer than distance 3 (the dart at distance 0 and the dart at distance 1), so Player A scores 2 points for that end. Player A's third dart (distance 4) does not score because it is not closer than Player B's best dart (distance 3).

Example of a maximum end: If Player A lands all three darts on or very near the jack (e.g., distances 0, 0, 1) while Player B's nearest dart is at distance 2, Player A scores 3 points because all three of Player A's darts are closer than Player B's best.

If both players' closest darts are at the same distance from the jack, that tied dart is disregarded and the next-closest darts are compared, continuing until the tie is broken or no darts remain — in which case the end is scoreless and a new end is played.

The first player to reach the agreed target score — typically 21 points — wins the match. Points accumulate across ends, and there is no requirement to reach the target exactly; exceeding it is permitted.

As an alternative format, players may agree to play a set number of ends (for example, 10 or 15 ends) with the highest cumulative score at the conclusion declared the winner. In the event of a tie after the final end, one additional sudden-death end is played to determine the winner.

Exact Number Only: A stricter variant in which only darts that land on the exact jack number score a point. Proximity is irrelevant — you either hit the jack or you do not. This dramatically increases difficulty and typically results in lower-scoring matches.

Weighted Scoring: Rather than the standard bowls-style counting, hitting the exact jack number scores 3 points, while hitting a number immediately adjacent to the jack on the dartboard (the two numbers physically next to it on the board) scores 1 point. All other darts score nothing. This variant rewards pinpoint accuracy with a bonus.

Moving Jack: If any player hits the jack number exactly during their scoring throws, the jack moves to a new number — typically determined by the next dart thrown or by a fresh jack throw. This variant adds unpredictability and can shift the advantage mid-end.

Team Play: Teams of 2 or more players per side each throw 3 darts, increasing the total number of darts per end and creating more complex scoring scenarios. The bowls-style counting method still applies — each dart closer than the opposing team's nearest dart earns 1 point.

Practice the whole board: Unlike most dart games that reward mastery of the 20 or 19 segments, Bowls Darts demands accuracy across all 20 numbers. Dedicate practice time to hitting specific single segments around the entire board — the jack can land anywhere, and you must be ready to pivot to any target.

Use the jack throw strategically: When it is your turn to set the jack, choose a number you are confident hitting. If you consistently group well around the 16 segment, aim there. Setting the jack on a number you practice frequently gives you an immediate edge over an opponent who may be less comfortable with that area of the board.

Secure the nearest dart first, then push for bonus points: Your priority with your first dart should be landing as close to the jack as possible — ideally on the jack number itself. Once you have established a strong nearest dart, use your remaining darts to pile on additional scoring darts inside your opponent's best distance, maximizing your point haul for the end.

Know your dartboard geography: Proximity in Bowls Darts is measured by numerical difference, not physical position on the board. The number 6 is physically adjacent to 13 on the board, but numerically they are 7 apart. Conversely, 14 and 15 are numerically close but may be on opposite sides of the board. Think in terms of numbers, not board position, when planning your throws.

Watch your opponent's darts before throwing: If your opponent throws first in a scoring round and lands far from the jack, you can afford to be conservative — a single dart reasonably near the jack may be enough to win the end. If your opponent lands close, you know you must take greater risks to score.