How to Play Killer Darts
Killer is a pub darts elimination game that works with 2 to 20 players. The rules take about two minutes to explain and the games can go on for a lot longer than that.
What You Need
A standard dartboard, some darts, and between 2 and 20 players. Any pub dartboard will do.
Setting Up
Each player throws one dart with their non-dominant hand. Wherever it lands is their number for the whole game. Two players on the same number? The second one throws again.
How Scoring Works
Hit your own number to score points:
• Single: +1 point
• Double ring: +2 points
• Triple ring: +3 points
You cap out at 3 points. If you hit someone else's number, they get the points, not you.
Becoming a Killer
Hit 3 points on your own number and you become a Killer ⊕. Now the game flips: hitting another player's number takes points away from them. Hitting your own number costs you points and can drop you out of killer status.
Elimination
A player is out when their score goes below 0. Only killers can do this. If you are not yet a killer, your throws can only give points to others, not take them.
How to Win
Last one standing wins. With 4 to 6 players expect somewhere between 20 and 40 minutes. With 2 it can be done in five. Great for a round between pints.
Tips
Go after fresh killers
Players who just became killers are fragile. One or two hits and they drop back out of killer status, which buys you breathing room.
Learn where numbers sit on the board
20 sits between 1 and 5. 19 is between 7 and 3. Knowing this helps you read where a stray dart is likely to end up, yours or someone else's.
The triple ring is your best friend early on
One clean triple on your first throw and you're already a killer before most people have even scored. Worth practising.
Questions people actually ask
Does it work with just 2 players?
Yes, perfectly fine. Games are shorter since there's nowhere to hide, but it makes for a decent head-to-head. First to push the other below 0 wins.
What if I hit a number nobody has?
Nothing happens. The dart counts for nothing and play moves on.
Can a killer go out by hitting their own number too many times?
Yes, but only if you go strictly below 0. If you're on 3 points and hit your own triple, you drop back to 0 and lose killer status but you're still in. You'd need to hit yourself again to actually go out.
How long does a game take?
No fixed limit, games end when one player is left. Five players who know the rules usually finish in around 25 minutes. Complete beginners might take a bit longer.
Do I need an account?
No. Free, no sign-up, no app to install. Open it in your browser, start a game, share the QR code.