Darts
Classic pub game, classic fun. SideQuest has a dartboard ready for you – no booking required, just walk in and play.
Playing Darts at SideQuest
Our dartboard is set up in a dedicated spot so you can play comfortably without getting in anyone's way. Whether you fancy a casual game of 501 or a proper tournament with friends, the board is yours.
Game Formats & Rules
501 / 301
The classic pub darts format. Each player (or team) starts with 501 points (or 301 for a shorter game) and takes turns throwing three darts per round. After each turn, subtract your total score from your remaining points. The goal is to reach exactly zero – but the final dart must land in a double or the bullseye (this is called "double out"). If your score goes below zero or reaches exactly one, it's a bust – your turn ends and your score resets to what it was at the start of that round.
Quick summary:
- Start: 501 (or 301)
- Subtract scores each round
- Must finish on a double or bullseye
- Bust = score resets for that turn
Around the Clock
A great warm-up game and a solid way to practise hitting every part of the board. Players take turns throwing up to three darts per round, aiming to hit each number in order from 1 to 20. You must hit a number to move on to the next – you cannot skip. The first player to hit all 20 numbers wins. For an extra challenge, agree to finish on the bullseye.
Quick summary:
- Hit numbers 1 through 20 in order
- Each dart counts individually – no need to throw all three
- Optional finish: bullseye after 20
- No scoring, just sequence progress
Cricket
A tactical game that rewards both accuracy and strategy. The active numbers in Cricket are 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and bullseye. To "close" a number you must hit it a total of three times (a single counts as one, a double as two, a treble as three). Once you've closed a number, any additional hits score you points – but only while your opponent hasn't closed it yet. Once both players have closed a number, it's out of play. The winner is the first player to close all their numbers while having an equal or greater score than their opponent.
Quick summary:
- Numbers in play: 15–20 and bullseye
- Hit a number 3 times to close it
- Score points on closed numbers until your opponent closes them too
- Win by closing all numbers with a score ≥ your opponent's
Mickey Mouse
Similar to Cricket but more forgiving and ideal for mixed-skill groups. The numbers in play are 12 through 20 and the bullseye (more targets means more chances to score). The same closing mechanic applies – three hits to own a number, then you can score on it until your opponent closes it. First to close all numbers with the higher or equal score wins.
Quick summary:
- Numbers in play: 12–20 and bullseye
- Same closing rules as Cricket
- More numbers = more strategic options, more beginner-friendly
- Good for groups of 3 or 4 players too
Scorekeeping Apps
No pen and paper? These free apps handle the maths for you:
- Darts Scoreboard (iOS / Android) – clean, minimal interface supporting 501, 301, Cricket and more; great for beginners
- Darts Match (iOS / Android) – covers all major formats, tracks statistics over time, and supports multiple players
- My Darts (Android) – lightweight with quick game setup and a handy checkout guide for 501/301
- Dart Counter (iOS / Android / Web) – popular in the community, supports online play and detailed stats; web version usable straight from your browser without installing anything
Free to Use
Darts are free to use while you're enjoying drinks at the bar. Just ask at the bar for a set of darts and you're good to go.