How to Play Tic Tac Toe Darts Game?

Key Takeaways

• The game of tic tac toe darts is a variation to the classic game
• Number of players: The game is designed to be played by two players
• Fun game for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced
• The aim of the game is to close off the target numbers by getting 3 hits
• When a player closes three numbers in a row on the Tic Tac Toe grid, they win the game

What is Tic Tac Toe Darts?

You may have played the classic version of tic-tac-toe growing up, and if you did, it will be a little easier to understand the darts version. 

Tic-tac-toe darts is a variation of the original family favorite game and is very easy to play.

The practice game works on the accuracy of your throw, along the same kind of lines as games like, for instance, mulligan darts.

The traditional game uses a 3 x 3 x 3 grid, and you will use the same kind of grid for the darts game. 

• Think of the tic-tac-toe grid as if it was placed over the dartboard 
• The numbers it would cover on the board are the active or ‘target’ numbers in the game
• These are 12, 20, 18, 11, Bullseye, 6, 7, 3 and 2
• No other numbered sections in the game of tic-tac-toe are playable 

Players need to hit three numbers in a row and given the nature of the game, there can be a lot of draws as players have the opportunity to stop players getting a ‘line’ and winning. 

What is the Objective of Tic Tac Toe Darts?

The objective of the game is to close off three numbers in a row, on the tic tac toe grid. 

How to Play Tic Tac Toe Darts?

Before you begin the game, you need to decide who goes first, you or your opponent. 

The most popular way is to throw closest to the bullseye, but you can use any method that satisfies both players, even a coin toss.

You will then need to draw out 3 game grids on the scoreboard or on a piece of paper.

• One grid is needed for each player to keep track and mark their own scores
• A main grid is used to score the game overall and is shared by both players

Numbers in the game are closed off on the grid by drawing an X or an O in the correct square.

• Drawing an X represents one player
• O represents the other player

What are the Tic-Tac-Toe Darts Rules?

• Both players have three darts per round and players alternate throws
• The target numbers in the game are 12, 20, 18, 11, Bullseye, 6, 7, 3 and 2
• To win the game, three of the target numbers must be closed in a straight line either horizontally or vertically
• It takes three hits, by the same player, to close a number
• Singles are counted as one hit
• Doubles are counted as two hits
• Triples are counted as three hits

How to Score Tic Tac Toe Darts?

Scoring a game of tic-tac-toe is not very difficult, as there is no counting or running total as there is in the likes of scram darts.

It is also made easier because the grid to keep track of closed numbers is the same 3 x 3 x 3 grid used in the classic game.

• When an open number has been hit during the game, the player that scores the hit, needs to mark a ‘/’ in the corresponding number on their own grid
• Each player can try to close the same number, until it is closed and no longer playable
• When a player gets three hits, mark either an ‘X‘ or an ‘O‘ on the main scoring grid in the appropriate square

An example of how the scoring can look in a game, can be seen below.

You can see the winner of the tic tac toe game closing three numbers in a row on the main game grid.

You can see an example of all three grids in action below, where the players are marking their own grid and then the main game grid as and when a number has three hits.

Tic-Tac-Toe Darts Strategy and Tips

Tic tac toe is a game of accuracy and consistency, so skill levels of players are a factor and can affect how you approach the game.

The obvious tip is to shoot for triples and try to close a number with one dart, however, this is easier said than done. 

The thing about this game, is that strategies and approach can change drastically depending on how the game is going. 

Strategies for Skilled Players

If you are an accomplished thrower, you shouldn’t have too much trouble closing out numbers. If you like strategic games, you should try warfare darts and prisoner darts, which are loads of fun.

• Playing aggressively and starting at one of the corner numbers is a good strategy to go with
• If you manage to close the corner, move into the center square and close that
• This should leave you in a great position to win the game

Strategies for Beginners

If you are only new to the game, you should play less on the front foot and take a defensive approach. 

• Look to stop the other player at every opportunity 
• If the other player is trying to close one of the corners, try to close off the center of the grid before they can