Count-Up

Accumulate the highest possible score over a fixed number of rounds. Each player begins at zero and adds to their cumulative total with every dart thrown. In the standard 8-round format, the theoretical perfect score is 1,440 (eight rounds of 180). Count-Up is the simplest scoring benchmark in darts — there are no special targets, no subtraction, and no required doubles. Whoever has the most points at the end wins.

Count-Up requires 2 or more players, a standard dartboard, and three darts per player. All players begin with a score of 0. On the scoreboard, write each player's name with space to record eight individual round scores and a running cumulative total.

The standard format is 8 rounds (24 darts per player). Before play begins, determine throwing order — typically by each player throwing one dart at the bullseye, with the closest to the centre throwing first. Agree on whether you are playing the fixed-round format or a target-score variant (see Variations) before the first dart is thrown.

Players take turns throwing three darts per round. After each visit, the total of all three darts is added to that player's cumulative score. Standard dartboard segment values apply throughout:

• Single segment – face value (1–20)
• Double ring (outer narrow ring) – 2× face value
• Triple ring (inner narrow ring) – 3× face value
• Outer bullseye (25 ring) – 25 points
• Inner bullseye – 50 points

The entire board is in play every round — there are no restricted segments and no required targets. A dart that misses the scoring area (lands outside the outer wire or bounces out) scores zero for that throw; the remaining darts in the round are still thrown as normal.

There are no bust or penalty rules in the standard fixed-round format. Every point scored counts, and no score can be voided. Play continues for the agreed-upon number of rounds (typically 8). All players must complete the same number of rounds to ensure fairness.

Standard dartboard point values apply to every dart:

• Single: 1–20 points (face value of the segment)
• Double: 2–40 points (2× the segment number)
• Triple: 3–60 points (3× the segment number)
• Outer bull: 25 points
• Inner bull: 50 points

Every dart contributes to the player's running total. For example, if a player throws triple 20 (60), single 20 (20), and triple 19 (57) in a single round, that round scores 137 points. The maximum score for any single round is 180 — three triple-20s. Over 8 rounds, the theoretical maximum cumulative score is 1,440 (8 × 180).

As a practical benchmark, a club-level player averaging 60 per round will finish with a total of 480; an experienced player averaging 80–100 per round will finish in the range of 640–800.

After all 8 rounds have been completed by every player, the player with the highest cumulative score wins. In the event of a tie, a tiebreaker is typically played: each tied player throws one additional round of three darts, and the highest single-round score breaks the tie. If still tied, additional tiebreaker rounds are thrown until the tie is resolved.

All players must complete the same number of rounds regardless of score. There is no early elimination — every player throws all 24 darts.

Target-Score Count-Up: Instead of a fixed number of rounds, players race to reach a predetermined target — commonly 300, 500, or 1,000. The first player to reach or exceed the target wins. To maintain fairness, all players should complete the same number of turns; if the leading player reaches the target, the remaining players in that round still throw, and the highest score among those who met or exceeded the target prevails.

Bust-Rule Count-Up: When playing to an exact target score, an optional bust rule may be applied. If a player's round total would cause their cumulative score to exceed the target, that round's score is nullified (recorded as zero) and the player's total remains unchanged. The player must hit the target exactly on a subsequent round.

Extended Rounds: Some formats use 10 rounds (30 darts) instead of 8, raising the theoretical perfect score to 1,800.

Handicap Count-Up: To balance games between players of different skill levels, weaker players may begin with a bonus starting score (e.g., a beginner starts at 100 while an experienced player starts at 0). The handicap amount should be agreed upon before play.

800 Count-Up: An alternate name sometimes used to describe the 8-round format, reflecting a strong target benchmark of 800 points (an average of 100 per round). This is commonly seen on electronic dart machines such as DARTSLIVE, where 8-round Count-Up serves as a standard skill-rating game.

Target the triple 20 for maximum scoring: The highest possible three-dart score (180) comes from three triple-20s. Even when you miss the triple, single 20s (60 per round) provide a solid baseline. If you are comfortable with the top of the board, stay there — consistency on treble 20 is the fastest path to a high total.

Consider the treble 19 as a safer alternative: If your darts frequently drift left or right of triple 20, the area around the 19 segment offers better "miss value." Misses from triple 19 tend to land in the 7 or 3 segments — not ideal — but the adjacent single 19 still scores well. For less experienced players, the slightly larger landing zone around 19 can yield a higher average than erratic attempts at 20.

Prioritize consistency over big rounds: One round of 140 followed by three rounds of 30 averages only 57.5 per round. Steady scoring — say, 80 per round across all 8 rounds — produces 640 and will often beat a player who is streaky. Focus on repeatable, controlled throws rather than forcing maximum-effort shots.

Use Count-Up as a personal benchmark: Track your 8-round total over multiple sessions to measure improvement. Record your average score per round (total ÷ 8) as a single-number indicator of your current form. A rising average over weeks is the clearest sign of genuine progress at the oche.