Picture this, you and your friends, a dartboard, a few drinks and a game that combines skill, luck and just the right amount of chaos. Enter the darts drinking game, where missing a double might cost you more than just a lost round and hitting a bullseye could make you a legend (or just really tipsy).

Let’s be honest, the more drinks you have, the harder darts becomes. What starts as a game of precision and skill quickly devolves into a comedy show. Watching someone confidently step up to the oche, aim for a triple 20 and then send their dart sailing into the wall? Priceless. You remember Michael, the guy who struggles with counting? Well, add a few drinks to the mix and his math skills go from questionable to downright absurd. “Wait, I hit 17 and then… uh… do I drink or do you?” Classic Michael. By round three, Michael’s aim is as steady as a toddler on roller skates and the laughter is louder than the thud of darts hitting the floor. The beauty of darts drinking games is that they’re equal parts competition and chaos. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who thinks “bullseye” is a type of pasta, there’s a place for you in this glorious mess.

But don’t worry, we’ve got the rules covered (and a backup plan for people like Michael). Let’s dive into the fun!

Darts, drinks and Disasters, How to Survive a Night of Bullseyes and Bad Decisions (Without Becoming Michael)

Drinking games are all fun and games, until someone forgets the game entirely. One minute you’re hitting bullseyes and the next, you’re arguing with the wall about why it’s being so “uncooperative.” To survive the night without becoming that friend (you know, the one who ends up face-down on the couch), here are some pro tips to keep you upright, coherent and at least somewhat competitive.

First, hydrate like a champion. For every drink, have a sip of water. It’s not just about staying upright, it’s about keeping your dignity intact. No one wants to be the person who swears they’re fine, only to wake up the next morning with a dartboard-shaped imprint on their forehead. Hydration is your secret weapon against the inevitable wobble that sets in after your third drink. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you’re not the one trying to convince everyone that you “totally meant to hit the wall.”

Next, snack like it’s your job. Keep a stash of chips, pretzels or even a pizza nearby. Drinking on an empty stomach is a shortcut to disaster and no one wants to see Michael attempt a triple 20 while his stomach growls louder than his confidence. Food is the glue that holds your night together. It soaks up the alcohol, keeps your energy up and gives you something to do while you wait for your turn. Plus, there’s nothing funnier than watching someone try to throw a dart with one hand while holding a slice of pizza in the other.

Play at your own pace. If your dart-throwing arm starts to wobble like a Jenga tower, take a break. There’s no shame in pacing yourself, just ask Michael, who once declared, “I’m fine,” right before throwing his dart into the floor and then tripping over the dog. The key is to know your limits. If you’re starting to see double, maybe sit out a round or two. No one’s judging you (except maybe Michael, but he’s in no position to judge anyone).

And finally, keep score or at least try to. Even if it’s just a casual drinking game, tracking your score adds an extra layer of challenge. Plus, it’s hilarious when someone (cough, Michael, cough) starts insisting they’re “definitely winning” without knowing the actual numbers. Michael’s scoreboard is just a series of question marks and tally marks, no one knows what’s happening, least of all him. Keeping score also gives you something to argue about, which is half the fun. Just don’t let Michael be in charge of the scorekeeping. Trust me on this one.

When in Doubt, Make Up Rules

The beauty of this game is that you can modify the rules to fit your group’s vibe. Here are a few bonus rules to spice things up and keep the laughs coming.

The triple trouble rule, if you hit a triple, you can assign a drink to another player. This one is perfect for those moments when you’re feeling particularly competitive (or vindictive). Just be careful, what goes around comes around and Michael never forgets.

The reverse Uno card rule, if you hit the exact same number as the person before you, they have to take your drink. It’s like Uno, but with more darts and less dignity. This rule adds an extra layer of strategy (and chaos) to the game. Suddenly, hitting a 17 isn’t just about points, it’s about revenge.

The redemption shot rule, if someone keeps missing (looking at you, Michael), give them one last chance to land a bullseye to skip their next drink. Spoiler, they’ll probably miss again, but it’s the thought that counts. This rule is perfect for those moments when someone’s having a rough night and needs a little encouragement. Or, you know, when you just want to watch them fail one more time.

The Michael clause, if someone miscounts their score three times in a row, they have to take an extra drink. Sorry, Michael, but rules are rules. This one is self-explanatory. We’ve all been there, staring at the scoreboard like it’s written in hieroglyphics. But when it happens three times in a row? That’s a drinking penalty.

The floor is lava rule, if your dart bounces off the board and lands on the floor, you have to take a drink. This rule is great for keeping the game moving and adding a little extra pressure. Plus, it’s always funny to watch someone scramble to retrieve their dart before it “counts.”

Final thoughts, aim for fun, dodge the chaos and always blame Michael

Whether you’re here for the darts or just the drinks, the darts drinking game guarantees a good time. Just remember, know your limits, drink responsibly and don’t let Michael be in charge of the score. The best thing about darts? Even if you miss the board, at least you still have a drink in your hand.

Darts drinking games are the perfect blend of competition, camaraderie and chaos. They bring people together, create unforgettable memories and give you endless material for inside jokes. Whether you’re playing with friends, family or that one coworker who always takes things too seriously, there’s something magical about the combination of darts and drinks.

So grab some darts, gather your friends and may the best (or luckiest) player win. And if all else fails, just blame Michael. He won’t remember anyway.

Darts fever, because why not practice more, aim higher and laugh louder!

Eric Bristow, The Crafty Cockney: “I’ve got the greatest job in the world. I throw darts for a living and drink beer for a living.”