How To Play Gotcha Darts (Detailed Guide) – Rules, Tricks & Scoring Tips

Darts is a very diverse game with so many ways to play it that you never get bored of it. In case you want to challenge your accuracy, precise aim, and swiftness, the dart is the best game. It channels your reflexes and makes them sharp. You either play darts full tavern-style or go digital. The most interesting thing about darts is that it does not have limited rules or regulations. There are only a few things such as “gotcha darts rules” that you need to follow. And “gotcha darts” is the most fun way to play darts.

The Starter of the “Gotcha darts”:

Players from the UK and N. America play pre-game target shots like a tradition. It is like a game opener. Gotcha darts are played with only three darts in each player’s hands and a bull’s eye as a target. No more than three shots are allowed per player. However, the number of players is not limited. The same goes for the length of the game. The game can go on unless someone achieves the set target. The numbers of targets are once again a matter of choice. Players decide the target among themselves and that decides how long the game might go on. 

As explained earlier, it’s tradition for every player to achieve the target score before the game begins. Once the game begins, it only ends when the players get their scores dropped in half. 

Setting an Objective/target:

Once the traditional score is achieved, you set one target. Make sure it’s not too high to achieve or else all your friends and you’ll be stuck going round and round with the target, but not achieving it. Setting up a target as high as 500 is too much. An ideal suggestion is to set 301 as being an odd number, the probability of anyone achieving it immediately drops, and most importantly, do not forget the number of players you’ve got. 

More players mean everyone getting their next shot pretty late and that can add boredom or kill the vibe when the game is on for too long and no one can score it. So, 501 or 500 becomes a little too much. You can for sure go for it if it’s a couple of people playing and doesn’t want the game to be over before it even starts. How many people are playing and who gets their turn when helps you decide the target score. 

Also, how efficient your opponents are. If you’re all pros, go ahead with 501 or even 701, but if you are all playing it at beginners or immature level, better be safe than sorry. Do not set a score that drains stamina and suspense out of the game. 

 “Killing” to Spice Up The Game:

Games are fun and totally innocuous especially when you’re playing games like Gotcha Darts. They help us experience different brain chemicals that later on become good memories. Since darts is such a diverse game, here’s something that can totally spice up the arena. Since we were talking about the boredom that more players can create, “Killing” is what can bring competition and a sense of connectivity in the arena. That is the most enjoyable part of “Gotcha darts.” Killing is a tactic in which one person has to score exactly the same score as his/her opponents. Once you score exactly equal to your nemesis while chasing the target, their score drops to zero. That’s the most interesting part of Gotcha Darts.

That’s a lot of fun! It won’t stop the game from ending if someone else scored the set target but it will for sure bring some “Ouch” and “Ohhh” kind of expressions. Since every single player has three dots, starting from zero is a real bummer. In order to save yourself from being killed, score the highest possible so your lead is difficult to follow.

And if no one can chase your score they can’t kill you on the scoreboard either. The front runner (The first person to open the game) is considered safe from “Killing” as you get to score first, but that does leave a target on your back. Nothing personal, but it does drive a lot of expressions and make the game so much fun.

How to Recover if Get “Killed” while Playing Gotcha Darts:

Tragedy can be tragic or semi-tragic depending on at what point it happens. If it’s the beginning of the game, well, you’ve still got chances. Just target the highest possible numbers and catch up. You can never tell who can turn the table all of a sudden. Just never lose heart and enjoy the game. Even if it happens when your opponent is pretty close to achieving the target, you can probably try “killing” them on the scoreboard and even the account with Gotcha Darts.

This will prolong the game a little. It will give you an opportunity to win and add a lot more fun to it compared to winning it without any obstacle or resistance. Besides, you can always check how resilient you are.

Who gets busted?

Apart from the winner, everyone! So, no matter if you’ve killed your nemesis or scored second best if you didn’t reach the desired score first, you’re busted. Now that you are going for another match, everyone’s back to square one. You all start from zero and then compete to reach the set score.

Can you quit mid-game?

If your opponent can try to save your skin, make a quick fake call and run. Otherwise, No escape! Gotcha darts are slightly brutal when it comes to rules. You cannot quit mid-game and escape (especially if your friends are also slightly brutal about rules). Gotcha darts is a game that can go on for hours. That is why it’s highly suggested to set the score while looking at the clock. If you’re hanging out for hours, go ahead and take a big shot. But if you’re on the clock but don’t want to miss the fun, set an achievable target. Quitting mid-game is neither good for your reputation nor for your skillset, precision, and confidence.

Keep an eye on the chart/ scoreboard

Gotcha darts are fun and they can carry you away if the game is lit and in the middle of cliffhangers. Place the chart somewhere within your peripheral vision. Keep an eye on the score that will determine where you stand and where you need to hit to win the game. It also keeps you informed of your lead and if there’s an opponent trying to kill you on the chart. Enjoy the vibe of the game but do stay focused on the chart as it’s also a test of your sports reflexes.

Best Places to Play Gotcha Darts are?

Well, we found it intriguing that you can sit in our solitude yet disease to go for a dart match online on your phone. There are some really good apps available for that. However, if you want to enjoy the presence of some of your favorite people, either invite them to your place or look for a nearby bar where you can all catch up.

Whether you choose a physical place or catch up online, gotcha dart is a very fun activity and it tests several skills and helps you train your brain into discipline and concentration. While throwing darts, along with speed, your time is also measured. So, you get to perform under pressure and discipline your thoughts into focusing on the target. Darts are healthy for the brain and mind. Good for chemical balance in the rain and training the mind into discipline. Have good company around and you can enjoy it for hours.