How to Play Lawn Darts

By Jaques of London · Est. 1795 · Updated 2026-08-17

Lawn Darts is an outdoor throwing game for two to four players in which large, weighted darts are lobbed in a high arc towards a target ring laid flat on the ground. It combines the competitive satisfaction of darts with the open-air appeal of garden games such as boules, and a round moves quickly enough to keep all ages engaged.

The game is typically played on a flat lawn or any firm open surface with enough clear space between the two rings. Its straightforward rules mean beginners are scoring within minutes, yet the skill ceiling is high enough to reward regular players who develop consistent arc and release technique.

A little history

The exact origins of Lawn Darts are unclear. A form of the game was traditionally played in parts of the United States and the United Kingdom from at least the mid-twentieth century, drawing on the much older concept of throwing weighted implements at a ground target. Various safety concerns over the years led to regulatory restrictions on metal-tipped versions in several countries, and modern sets typically use plastic tips. The broadly familiar rules governing scoring and the 21-point target appear to have become standardised through popular use rather than through any single governing body.

Setting up

1. Choose a flat, open playing area clear of bystanders, ideally a firm lawn.
2. Place the two target rings on the ground, parallel to each other, approximately 8 metres (about 25 feet) apart. Adjust slightly for younger or less experienced players.
3. Divide players into two teams: one versus one, or two versus two.
4. Each team takes two darts of their designated colour. Teams stand behind or alongside their own ring and throw towards the opposite ring.

How to play

1. Decide which team throws first, typically by coin toss or mutual agreement.
2. Both players on the throwing team stand at or behind their own ring and take it in turns to throw their two darts towards the far ring. In a two-versus-two game, one player from each team stands at each ring; players throw from their end towards the far ring where their teammates stand.
3. Throw each dart in a high, looping arc so that it descends steeply and sticks into the ground near or inside the target ring. Flat, low throws are unsafe and should not be used.
4. All four darts are thrown before any scoring takes place: team one throws both darts, then team two throws both darts.
5. Score the round. A dart that lands completely inside the target ring scores 3 points. A dart that lands touching or leaning against the ring but not fully inside scores 1 point. Darts outside the ring score nothing.
6. Only the team with the higher score in a given round actually scores points. This is called cancellation scoring. If both teams score equally in a round, no points are awarded to either side.
7. Collect the darts. The team that did not score (or scored fewer points) throws first in the next round.
8. Continue playing rounds until one team reaches exactly 21 points.

Winning and scoring

The first team to reach exactly 21 points wins the game. Only the leading team scores in each round under cancellation rules, so the maximum a team can gain in one round is 6 points (two darts inside the ring at 3 points each). If a team's score would exceed 21 with the points earned in a round, those points are not counted and the team stays on their current total. Play continues until a team lands precisely on 21.

The fine points

The most common dispute involves whether a dart is fully inside the ring or merely touching it. The standard ruling is straightforward: if any part of the dart's point or shaft touches the ring itself, it scores 1 point rather than 3. Only a dart whose contact with the ground is entirely within the interior of the ring counts for 3. If players cannot agree after looking from ground level, a neutral observer's call stands, or the dart is ruled a 1-point score as the safer judgement.

A second frequent question concerns darts that move after landing, either falling over or being disturbed by a later dart. The ruling is that only the final resting position at the end of the round counts. A dart knocked into the ring by a later throw scores 3 points; one knocked out of the ring scores nothing. Darts that fall over but remain in place are judged on the position of their tip at ground level.

How to win more often

• Develop a consistent release point. Repeatable technique matters far more than power; a smooth, identical motion every throw gives you a predictable arc.
• Aim for the centre of the ring rather than the near edge. Darts frequently drift a little in flight, and targeting the centre gives you the most margin for error while still landing inside.
• In cancellation scoring, your second dart can be used defensively. If your first dart is already inside the ring, use your second to try to knock your opponent's highest-scoring dart clear rather than gambling on a second 3-point throw.
• Watch your opponent's arc and adjust. If their darts consistently fall short or long, note the pattern and use it to plan your own throws, particularly when throwing first in a round.
• When you are close to 21 and need an exact score, prioritise the 1-point ring touch over the riskier 3-point centre shot if the arithmetic works out. Staying alive in the game is worth more than an overshoot that resets your scoring for the round.

Variations

Singles Play

With just two players, each stands at opposite ends of the pitch alongside one ring. Each player throws from their end, aiming at the far ring where their opponent stands. All other rules remain the same. This format is quicker and places greater emphasis on individual consistency over tactics.

Team Play (Two versus Two)

The standard four-player format. Teammates stand at opposite ends so each player throws towards the ring defended by the opposing teammate. Partners alternate throwing in a round. Communication between teammates about which dart to target for cancellation purposes is permitted and adds a tactical layer.

Bust Rule Removed

Some players prefer not to apply the exact-21 rule. Under this variation, the first team whose cumulative score reaches or exceeds 21 at the end of any round wins outright. This speeds the game up considerably and suits younger or more casual players who find the exact-score requirement frustrating.

Extended Target Distances

Experienced players sometimes increase the pitch length to 10 or even 12 metres to raise the difficulty. Scoring and all other rules remain unchanged. This variation rewards players who have mastered the standard distance and are looking for a sterner test of arc control and consistency.

Lawn Darts: frequently asked questions