Golf Darts

Golf Darts simulates a round of golf on a standard dartboard. The objective is to complete 9 or 18 holes with the lowest total stroke count. Each hole corresponds to a numbered segment on the dartboard, played in sequential order. As in real golf, the player who finishes the round with the fewest strokes wins.

Golf Darts requires a standard dartboard, a set of three darts per player, and two or more players. Before play begins, prepare a scorecard listing each player's name across the top and the hole numbers down the side — 1–9 for a 9-hole game, 1–18 for a full 18-hole game, or 1–20 for an extended 20-hole variant.

Determine throwing order by having each player throw a single dart at the bullseye; the player closest to the bull throws first. This order remains fixed throughout the round. Each player will throw up to three darts per hole, and scores are recorded on the scorecard after every hole, exactly as one would mark a golf scorecard.

Play proceeds hole by hole in ascending order. Hole 1 corresponds to segment 1 on the dartboard, Hole 2 to segment 2, and so on. On each hole, every player throws up to three darts at the target segment for that hole.

Only the last dart thrown counts for the player's score on that hole. Critically, a player is not required to throw all three darts. After any dart, the player may elect to stop and accept the result of that dart as their score for the hole. This creates the central risk-and-reward decision of the game: a player who lands a treble on their first dart (2 strokes) must decide whether to throw again in pursuit of the double (1 stroke), knowing that a miss could result in 4 or 5 strokes instead.

Stroke values are determined by where the counting dart (i.e., the last dart thrown) lands relative to the target segment for the current hole:

• Double ring of the target number = 1 stroke (a hole-in-one)
• Triple ring of the target number = 2 strokes
• Single bed of the target number (large or thin) = 3 strokes
• Any other number on the board = 4 strokes
• Miss the board entirely = 5 strokes

Only darts that land in the correct numbered segment (the segment matching the current hole number) can score 1, 2, or 3 strokes. A dart landing anywhere else on the board — regardless of whether it hits a double, triple, or single of a different number — scores 4 strokes.

Example: On Hole 7, a player's first dart lands in the single 7 (3 strokes). Wanting a better result, the player throws a second dart, which lands in the triple 7 (2 strokes). Feeling ambitious, the player throws a third dart aiming for the double 7, but it drifts into single 15. Because only the last dart counts, the player records 4 strokes for the hole — a costly outcome compared to the 2 strokes they would have had by stopping after the second dart.

Example: On Hole 3, a player's first dart hits the double 3. That is a hole-in-one (1 stroke). The player wisely elects to stop and records 1 stroke for the hole, keeping their remaining two darts in hand.

After each hole, record the player's stroke count on the scorecard. The stroke values are summarized as follows:

• 1 stroke: Double ring of the target number (e.g., double 12 on Hole 12)
• 2 strokes: Triple ring of the target number (e.g., triple 12 on Hole 12)
• 3 strokes: Single bed of the target number — either the large or thin single area (e.g., single 12 on Hole 12)
• 4 strokes: Any segment on the board other than the target number (e.g., hitting single 20 on Hole 12)
• 5 strokes: Missing the scoring area of the board entirely

At the conclusion of the round, sum each player's strokes across all holes. For example, in a 9-hole game, if a player records 1, 3, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1, 3, their total is 22 strokes. The minimum possible score in a 9-hole game is 9 (a hole-in-one on every hole), and the maximum is 45 (5 strokes on every hole).

The player with the lowest total stroke count after all 9 or 18 holes is the winner. In the event of a tie, players proceed to a playoff: tied players play additional holes (continuing sequentially from the last hole played, or replaying Hole 1) until one player records a lower score on a single playoff hole, breaking the tie.

In group or league settings, multiple rounds may be played, with cumulative stroke totals across rounds determining the overall champion.

9-Hole Golf Darts: The standard short format, using segments 1–9. Ideal for casual pub play or when time is limited, a 9-hole round typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on the number of players.

18-Hole Golf Darts: The full-length format, using segments 1–18. This mirrors a standard round of golf and is favored in more competitive settings.

20-Hole Golf Darts: An extended variant using all numbered segments 1–20. This format ensures every segment on the board is used and adds two additional holes to the 18-hole game.

Fat and Thin Singles: Some variants distinguish between the large single bed (closer to the outside of the board) and the thin single bed (between the triple ring and the bullseye). Under this rule, hitting the large single scores 3 strokes while the thin single scores 4 strokes, rewarding greater precision.

Team/Scramble Format: Borrowed from golf, teams of two or more players each throw at the same hole, and the team records only the best individual score for that hole. Par values may also be assigned per hole for handicap play, allowing players of different skill levels to compete on more equal footing.

Master the risk-and-reward decision: The choice of whether to stop or throw again is the defining strategic element of Golf Darts. As a general guideline, if your first or second dart lands in the triple (2 strokes), strongly consider stopping. The probability of improving to a double (1 stroke) is often outweighed by the risk of landing off-target and recording 4 or 5 strokes instead.

Practice doubles on low numbers: The double beds for segments 1–5 are physically small because the double's width is constant but represents a tiny scoring area on the narrow end of the board. Dedicated practice on these targets will pay dividends in the early holes, where many players lose strokes.

Play conservatively with a lead: If you are ahead on the scorecard, there is little reason to gamble. Accepting a single (3 strokes) is far safer than risking a 4- or 5-stroke hole in pursuit of a 2. Protect your lead by taking the reliable score.

Know when to be aggressive: Conversely, if you are trailing in the later holes, you may need to take risks — throwing a second or third dart in hopes of upgrading from a single to a treble or double. Calculated aggression on the final few holes is the primary way to mount a comeback.

Use the first dart as a sighter: On holes where you are less familiar with the segment's position, treat your first dart as a ranging throw. Observe where it lands relative to the target, adjust your aim, and commit fully on darts two and three. This approach minimizes wasted strokes on unfamiliar segments.