How to Play Killer Darts

Objective

Killer is a fun, social darts game for 3 or more players. Each player is assigned a number, then tries to become a "Killer" by hitting their own number. Once a Killer, you eliminate other players by hitting their numbers. The last player standing wins.

Setup

Each player throws one dart with their non-dominant hand (weak hand) at the board. The number they hit becomes their assigned number for the game. No two players can share the same number. Each player starts with a set number of lives (typically 5).

• •3+ players (works best with 4-8)
• •Each player gets a unique number (1-20)
• •Numbers are assigned by throwing with your weak hand
• •Each player starts with 5 lives (or 3 or 7, depending on house rules)

Phase 1: Becoming a Killer

Players take turns throwing 3 darts at their own number. Each hit adds marks: a single = 1 mark, a double = 2 marks, a treble = 3 marks. You must land on exactly 5 marks to become a Killer — overshooting bounces back!

• •Single hit on your number = 1 mark
• •Double hit = 2 marks
• •Treble hit = 3 marks
• •You must reach exactly 5 marks to become a Killer
• •Overshooting bounces back from 5: e.g. 4 marks + double (2) = 4→5→4, stays at 4
• •Example: 3 marks + double (2) = exactly 5 → Killer!

Phase 2: Eliminating Opponents

Once you're a Killer, you throw at other players' numbers to remove their lives. Doubles and trebles do extra damage. A single hit removes 1 life, a double removes 2, and a treble removes 3.

• •Hit another player's number: single = 1 life removed, double = 2, treble = 3
• •When a player's lives reach 0, they are eliminated
• •You can target any player who still has lives

Hitting Your Own Number as Killer

If a Killer accidentally hits their own number, their marks are deducted and they lose Killer status. They must earn their way back to exactly 5 marks again. For example, a Killer who hits a treble on their own number drops from 5 to 2 marks.

Winning

The last player standing (with lives remaining) wins the game. Games are typically fast and exciting, especially as the number of surviving players decreases.

Tips

Killer is as much about strategy as it is about accuracy.

• •When throwing for your number with your weak hand, aim for an easy-to-hit area of the board
• •Become a Killer as fast as possible — trebles on your number are ideal
• •Target players who are close to becoming Killers to slow them down
• •Be careful not to accidentally hit your own number once you're a Killer
• •In larger groups, sometimes it's better to let others fight while you conserve lives