Darts is more than just throwing small arrows at a board. It is a game of focus, patience, control, and smart thinking. While many people know popular dart games like 301 or Cricket, there is another exciting and fun game called Nine Lives Darts.
Before you start playing, it is important to understand the basics like How to aim with darts and explore some Best dart Games for Beginners so you can improve faster and play with more confidence.
Nine Lives Darts is perfect for beginners, families, friends, and even experienced players. The rules are simple, but the game becomes more challenging as it goes on. Each player starts with nine lives, and every mistake costs one life. Once your lives are gone, you are out of the game.
This is a great game for:
Family game nights
Friendly competitions
Office break-time fun
Beginners learning darts
Experienced players wanting a new challenge
In this complete guide, you will learn how to play Nine Lives Darts step by step in easy, simple English.
Objective of Nine Lives Darts
The main goal of Nine Lives Darts is very simple:
Be the last player who still has at least one life left.
Players must hit the numbers from 1 to 9 in correct order on the dartboard.
If you miss your current target number in one full round (3 darts), you lose one life.
If all 9 lives are gone, you are eliminated from the game.
The last remaining player is the winner.
This game is a perfect mix of:
Skill
Accuracy
Focus
Strategy
Pressure
Why Nine Lives Darts Is So Fun
Nine Lives Darts is enjoyed by many people because:
✅ It is easy to learn
✅ Anyone can play it
✅ It is fast and exciting
✅ Every turn feels important
✅ It is perfect for 2–6 players
✅ It makes people more focused
Unlike some dart games that use complex scoring systems, Nine Lives Darts simply uses numbers and lives, which makes it simple and very fun.
What You Need to Play (Equipment)
You only need a few simple items:
A standard dartboard (numbers 1–20 with bullseye)
Three darts for each player
A notebook / scoreboard / whiteboard
A pen or marker
2 to 6 players
You don’t need any expensive equipment. A basic dartboard and a few darts are enough.
Player Setup
Here is how you set up the players correctly:
Number of players: 2–6 players
Starting lives: 9 lives each
Starting number: All players begin at number 1
Turn order: Decide by coin toss or who hits closest to the bullseye first
After that, players take turns in the same order throughout the game.
Rules of Nine Lives Darts (Step by Step)
1. Numbers Must Be Hit in Order
Players must hit the numbers in this exact order:
1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 9
If you don’t know how the numbers are arranged on the dartboard, you can read this simple guide:
How Many Numbers Are There On A Dartboard
You cannot skip any number.
Only your current target number matters.
Example:
If your target is 3 and you hit 6, it does NOT count.
2. Three Darts Per Turn
Each player gets 3 darts in one turn.
If you hit your target with the first dart, the next two darts can be used for the next number
If you hit your target with the second dart, the third dart is for the next number
If you miss all three darts, you lose one life
Example
You are on number 4:
Dart 1 → Miss
Dart 2 → Hit 4 ✅
Dart 3 → Try for number 5
You do not lose a life in this case.
But if all three darts miss → Lose 1 life
Losing Lives
You lose one life when you:
Do not hit your target number in 3 throws
When your lives reach 0, you are:
❌ Out of the game
❌ Eliminated
❌ No longer playing
This makes every turn very important.
How Scoring Works in Nine Lives Darts
This game is NOT about total points.
It is all about progress and survival.
Important rules:
✔ Only your target number counts
✔ Double or triple of the same number still counts
✔ Wrong number gives no benefit
✔ If the dart falls or bounces out, it is a miss
If your darts keep bouncing out of the board, this guide will help you fix it:
How To Stop Your Darts From Bouncing Out Of The Board
It is best to keep track of:
Each player’s lives
Each player’s current number (1–9)
This makes the game smooth and easy to follow.
How the Game Ends
The game continues until only one player still has at least one life left.
That player is the winner.
If two players reach the last number at the same time, you can use a special tie-break rule like:
How To Play Sudden Death Darts: Master the Ultimate Challenge
This adds more fun and excitement to the ending.
Best Strategies to Win Nine Lives Darts
Winning this game is not just about luck. It needs smart thinking and control.
1. Focus on Accuracy, Not Speed
Do not rush your throws. Take your time, breathe, and aim carefully.
Accuracy is much more important than speed.
2. Practice Difficult Numbers
Many players struggle with numbers like:
5, 7, and 8
Practice these numbers more often to improve your success rate.
3. Slow Down Near the End
Numbers 6–9 are the hardest.
This is where most players lose their lives.
Stay calm. Slow down. Focus more.
4. Keep a Consistent Throw
Stand in the same place
Hold the dart the same way
Use the same strength
Look only at the target
Consistency improves accuracy.
5. Observe Your Opponents
If your opponent feels pressure and starts missing, stay calm.
A calm player always wins against a nervous one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes if you want to win more games:
❌ Throwing too fast
❌ Getting angry after missing
❌ Forgetting your target number
❌ Wasting lives early
❌ Only aiming at bullseye
Remember, every life is very important.
Fun Variations of Nine Lives Darts
To make the game more exciting, try these fun versions:
Team Nine Lives
Players work in teams and share lives.
Reverse Mode
Play from 9 to 1 instead of 1 to 9.
Sudden Death
Pick one number. First to hit it wins.
Bullseye Bonus
If you hit the bullseye, you can skip one number.
Time Attack
Each player has only 30 seconds to throw.
These rules make the game more intense and fun.
Who Can Play Nine Lives Darts?
This game is perfect for:
✔ Kids (with adult supervision)
✔ Teenagers
✔ Adults
✔ Families
✔ Friends
✔ Office workers
✔ Beginners
✔ Professional players
Anyone can learn this game in just a few minutes.
Benefits of Playing Nine Lives Darts
Playing regularly can help you:
✅ Improve concentration
✅ Increase patience
✅ Train hand-eye coordination
✅ Reduce stress
✅ Improve strategic thinking
✅ Build stronger focus
✅ Have fun and relax
It is good for both the mind and the body.
Recommended Reading
How To Play Around The Clock Darts
How To Play Cricket Darts: Expert Tips to Master the Game
How To Play Bobs 27 Darts: Master the Game with Expert Tips
Final Conclusion
Nine Lives Darts is a simple, exciting, and challenging dart game for people of all skill levels. With only nine lives, every throw matters. It teaches focus, patience, and smart decision-making.
All you need is a dartboard, some darts, and a few friends. Then the adventure begins.
Set up your board, invite your friends, and start your Nine Lives Darts challenge today.
Who knows? You might become the next Nine Lives Champion