How to Play Darts: Aim, Score, Subtract
Practicing addition & subtraction certainly isn't everyone's idea of a good time, but when you can turn learning math into a game, then it becomes something else altogether.
Darts is a game that's scored backward, so to calculate your points you have to subtract. Not only are you learning how to play darts on the Coolmath Games version of Darts, but you are also honing in on your math skills. This version of darts combines the traditional aiming game with a timid math segment to help you work on your addition & subtraction (and win some extra perks!).
Take a look below for an explanation about how to play darts, along with some tips for first time players.
What Is Darts?
Darts is a traditional game from England. It was first played in the early 1800s. Today, darts is a game where each player takes turns throwing darts, or sharp projectiles, at a board to score points.
The basic darts rules are easy to understand, although there are plenty of variations. Let's dive into the basics of 301.
How to Play Darts
Learning how to play darts is super easy! Darts is usually a two-player game, although you can have as many as you want. In traditional Darts, some people like to play in teams. In our game, you can play against the computer or you can play against other players online.
Each player gets three darts. On their turn, they throw all three darts.
Get to Zero
The point of the game is to get to zero first. Every player starts with 301 points, and then you subtract your points at the end of the round. If you get the math wrong, you lose a dart for the next round.
Each of the 20 dart board sections is worth a different number of points. The section of the board your dart lands on awards you that many points. You’ll have to add up all the points each of your darts land on then subtract that number from your score.
Any darts that land on the thin, outer red or green box in any of the sections gets a double score. Any darts that land on the thin, inner red or green box in any of the sections gets a triple score.
The outer bullseye is worth 25; the inner bullseye ("double bull") is worth 50.
Controls
To throw your dart, first click to stop the dart moving back and forth. Click and drag to set the angle and power of your dart, then let go to watch the dart fly.
Tips for Beginners
If you've never played our darts game before, having some helpful hints will get you started. Here are some things to try as you play your first game.
Line It Up
Take your time lining up your shot. Follow the angle so you can see where your dart will land, and don't let go until you're sure it's right.
Use the Right Power
Just like in real life darts, our darts won't need a lot of power to stick to the dartboard. Be sure you don't put too much force behind the throw. At the same time, you don't want to throw too lightly and have your dart fall short.
Learn From Your Mistakes
Do you have what it takes to get to zero first? Learn from the mistakes you make and use those lessons to improve your game for the next time you play. Be sure you calculate carefully so you don't lose a dart on the next round.
More Games to Play
With the tips above, you have everything you need to know how to play darts and get started! Remember to get your math skills ready too. You can play darts against a friend, computer or random opponent on your desktop computer or mobile device.
Check out some of our other numbers games to work on your math skills. Penalty Kick Online is a multiplayer game similar to darts where you solve math equations to score big.