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Killer darts: rules for the pub classic

Everyone gets their own number and three lives — and everyone wants yours.

In short

In Killer every player gets their own number and three lives. Hit the double of your own number and you become a killer — from then on you can hit the others' doubles to take their lives. The last player with lives left wins.

How it is played

1

Everyone throws one dart with their weaker hand — whatever it hits becomes their number. Numbers already taken are thrown again.

2

Everyone starts with three lives (two for a short round, five for a long one).

3

To become a killer you must hit the double of your own number. Before that you cannot touch anyone.

4

As a killer, every double you hit on someone else's number takes one life from that player.

5

A player with no lives left is out. The last player still holding lives wins.

Common house rules

A widespread rule says a killer loses that status again by hitting their own double a second time, which reins in dominant players. Some groups allow singles instead of doubles, which speeds the game up a lot. With big groups, two lives each keeps it moving.

Where it usually goes wrong

Two things reliably cause arguments. First, you must be a killer yourself before you can take lives — a double on someone else's number before that does not count. Second, agree up front whether the bull can be drawn and whether hitting your own number costs you a life.

Playable in SmartDart?

No — Killer is not a mode in SmartDart. For groups of three or more, run a tournament instead: enter the names, pick a format, and play round robin or a knockout bracket.

Frequently asked questions

It gets interesting from three, and works well with four to eight. With two there is no real appeal, since there are no alliances and no order to play with.

So that the number really is random. With your throwing hand everyone would aim at a good segment — the 20, or whatever sits closest to their usual routine.

That is a house rule. It is usually left out, because its double is too hard for most players. If you do allow it, give the bull player one life fewer.

More rules

501 & 301Around the ClockShanghaiBoard setupCricket

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