Knockout

Knockout (also known as Elimination) is a multiplayer elimination game in which each player must match or exceed the score set by the previous player's three-dart turn. Failing to do so earns a strike (also called a mark). Accumulate three strikes and you are eliminated from the game. The last player still standing wins.

Knockout requires a minimum of 3 players and is best enjoyed with 4–8 players. A standard dartboard and a scoreboard (or paper) are needed. Write each player's name on the scoreboard with space to record up to three strikes beside each name.

Determine throwing order by any agreed method — for example, each player throws one dart at the bullseye, with closest to the bull throwing first and the remaining order determined by proximity. The first player in the rotation then establishes the opening target score by throwing three darts with their non-dominant hand. This ensures the initial target is intentionally modest, giving the game a fair and accessible starting point.

Play proceeds in the established throwing order. Each player throws three darts per turn and totals their score using standard dartboard values. That total is then compared against the current target — the score posted by the previous player.

• If the player's three-dart total is equal to or higher than the current target, they survive the round. Their total now becomes the new target that the next player must match or beat.
• If the player's three-dart total is lower than the current target, they receive one strike. The target remains unchanged (it stays at the score set by the last player who successfully met or beat it), and play passes to the next player.

For example, suppose the current target is 45. The next player throws single 20, single 14, and single 18 for a total of 52. Because 52 is higher than 45, the player survives and the new target becomes 52. The following player then throws single 11, single 5, and single 12 for a total of 28. Because 28 is less than 52, that player receives one strike and the target remains at 52.

When a player accumulates three strikes, they are eliminated and take no further turns. Play continues in rotation, skipping eliminated players, until only one player remains.

Edge case — opening turn: Because the first player sets the target with their non-dominant hand, there is no previous target to beat. The total thrown with the non-dominant hand simply becomes the first target for the second player in the order.

Standard dartboard point values apply to every dart thrown:

• Single segment: face value (1–20)
• Double ring (outer narrow): 2× face value (2–40)
• Triple ring (inner narrow): 3× face value (3–60)
• Outer bullseye: 25 points
• Inner bullseye: 50 points

A player's score for the turn is simply the sum of all three darts. For example, if a player hits triple 19 (57), single 5 (5), and double 10 (20), their turn total is 82. That total is compared directly against the current target to determine whether the player survives or receives a strike.

The maximum possible three-dart total is 180 (three triple-20s), though in practice, targets in Knockout tend to hover in a much lower range, particularly after a player strategically posts a conservative score.

The game continues until all players but one have been eliminated by accumulating three strikes. The last player remaining is the winner.

In casual or tournament settings where multiple games are played, players may agree to a match format — for example, best of 3 or best of 5 games — to determine an overall champion.

No Weak-Hand Opener: Rather than having the first player throw with their non-dominant hand, the first player simply throws normally with their dominant hand. Their three-dart total becomes the opening target. This variant can produce a higher initial target and a more challenging start for the second player.

Sudden Death Knockout: Instead of a three-strike elimination system, the player with the lowest score in each complete round is immediately eliminated. This speeds the game up considerably and adds dramatic pressure every round.

Progressive Knockout: A structured variant in which the target score increases by a fixed amount each round (for example, the target rises by 10 points per round regardless of what players actually score). Players who fail to meet the escalating target receive a strike. This variant removes the strategic element of setting low targets and rewards consistently high scoring.

Beat the target — nothing more: When the current target is low, resist the temptation to post a massive score. If the target is 30, scoring 35 keeps you safe while leaving a manageable target for the next player (who may be your closest rival). Setting the bar at 120 only helps the player after your rival, who benefits from your rival's likely failure.

Consistency beats occasional brilliance: Knockout rewards players who can reliably hit moderate totals over many turns. A player who averages 50–60 per turn will outlast a player who alternates between 100s and 20s. Focus on repeatable, comfortable targets like the 19s or 20s singles area rather than risky triple attempts.

Watch the scoreboard — know who has strikes: Keep track of how many strikes each opponent has. If the player immediately after you already has two strikes, you can afford to post a higher target to pressure them into elimination. Conversely, if a strong player follows you, a modest target may be wiser than one you barely achieved.

Leverage the non-dominant hand opener: If you are the first player and must throw with your non-dominant hand, aim for the centre of the board rather than specific segments. The bullseye region and the dense cluster of segments around it give you the best chance of posting a reasonable — but not overwhelming — opening target.