Fives

Accumulate points by throwing three-dart totals that are divisible by five. Each qualifying round scores points equal to the three-dart total divided by five. The first player to reach exactly 51 points wins the game.

Two or more players may compete. Each player begins with a score of 0. Write all player names on the scoreboard with a starting tally of zero beside each.

The full standard dartboard is in play — all single, double, and triple segments as well as the outer bullseye (25) and inner bullseye (50) are valid targets. No special equipment beyond a regulation dartboard and a set of three darts per player is required.

To determine throwing order, each player throws a single dart at the bullseye; the player whose dart lands closest throws first. Play then proceeds in clockwise order (or as agreed upon before the game begins).

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. After all three darts have been thrown, the raw point values of the three darts are summed. Standard dartboard values apply:

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

If the three-dart total is divisible by 5, the player scores points equal to that total divided by 5. If the total is not divisible by 5, the player scores zero for that round — the turn is wasted.

Missed-board rule: If any of a player's three darts misses the board entirely (landing off the scoring surface), the entire round is voided and the player scores zero for that turn, regardless of what the other darts hit or whether the total would have been divisible by five.

Bust rule: A player's accumulated score may never exceed 51. If a round's points would push a player's total above 51, the turn is a bust: the score reverts to what it was before that turn began, and play passes to the next player. For example, if a player sits on 48 points and throws a three-dart total of 20 (which would award 4 points, bringing the total to 52), that turn is void and the player remains at 48.

Only three-dart totals divisible by 5 earn points. The round score is calculated as:

Round score = three-dart total ÷ 5

• Three-dart total of 25 (e.g., single 5, single 10, single 10) = 5 points
• Three-dart total of 45 (e.g., triple 15) = 9 points
• Three-dart total of 60 (e.g., single 20, single 20, single 20) = 12 points
• Three-dart total of 100 (e.g., triple 20, single 20, single 20) = 20 points
• Three-dart total of 180 (three triple-20s) = 36 points — the maximum possible round score

A three-dart total that is not divisible by 5 — for example, 61 (triple 20 + single 1) — scores 0 points. The accumulated score is simply the running sum of all qualifying round scores throughout the game.

The first player to reach exactly 51 accumulated points wins the game. The winning round must satisfy all standard conditions: all three darts must land on the scoring surface of the board, and the three-dart total must be divisible by five, yielding the precise number of points needed to reach 51. Any round that would push a player's total beyond 51 is a bust and does not count.

In casual play, the game is typically decided in a single leg. For extended sessions, players may agree to play a match of multiple legs (e.g., best of 3 or best of 5) before the game begins.

Fifty-One by Fives: This is the most common formal name for the standard version described above, emphasizing the target score of 51. Fives, 5s, and All Fives are all widely used alternate names for the same game.

Alternate target scores: Some groups play to a different point total, such as 61 or 101, using identical divisibility-by-five mechanics. A higher target produces a longer game, which can be useful for larger groups or for players who want more practice rounding their totals to multiples of five.

No-bust variant: In some casual settings, the requirement to finish on exactly the target score is dropped — a player simply needs to reach or exceed the target to win. This removes the strategic tension of the closing rounds but speeds up play.

No void for missed board: Some house rules omit the penalty for a dart that misses the board, counting only the darts that land on the scoring surface. Under this relaxed rule, a player whose first two darts total 25 and whose third dart misses the board would still score 5 points (25 ÷ 5). Clarify which rule is in effect before play begins.

Target the 20/5 corridor: The 20 and 5 segments sit adjacent on the board. Hitting any combination of singles, doubles, or triples in this area naturally produces totals divisible by 5 — for instance, single 20 + single 20 + single 5 = 45 (9 points), or triple 20 + single 5 + single 5 = 70 (14 points). This is the most reliable zone for scoring.

Exploit the 10/15 corridor: On the opposite side of the board, 10 and 15 are also adjacent and both divisible by 5. Triple 15 alone is worth 45, and single 10 + single 10 + single 15 = 35 (7 points). If you are more comfortable with this region, it is equally productive.

Plan your closing rounds carefully: As you approach 51, calculate the exact round score you need and work backward to the required three-dart total. For example, if you are on 42, you need 9 more points — a three-dart total of exactly 45. Triple 15 with two misses into non-scoring adjacent segments is risky; three single 15s (also 45) is a safer route.

Keep the board in play — avoid busts and voids: A dart that flies off the board voids your entire round, making accuracy more important than ambition. Resist the temptation to throw at high-risk trebles when controlled, moderate scoring will keep you accumulating points steadily. Consistency beats occasional brilliance in Fives.

Track your opponents' scores: Because the bust rule resets a player's turn, a rival sitting on 48 or higher is in a precarious position — they need a very specific total. If you are slightly behind but have a cleaner path to 51, the pressure is on them, not you. Knowing the scores lets you calibrate risk accordingly.