Lawn Darts Rules: How to Throw, Score & Stay Safe
Lawn darts is a backyard toss game where you lob weighted darts underhand toward a target ring on the grass. Land inside the ring, score points, first to 21 takes the bragging rights. Commissioner's heads-up first: the old metal-tipped Jarts were banned in the US back in 1988, so this whole guide is built around the modern soft-tip and weighted-base sets that are legal and a lot friendlier to bare feet.
What you need
- A modern soft-tip or weighted-base lawn dart set (4 darts, usually 2 colors)
- Two target rings, one for each end of the playing field
- A flat, open patch of grass with nothing breakable nearby
- A scorekeeper or a phone to track points to 21
How to play lawn darts
- Set up the two ringsPlace the two target rings on the grass facing each other. Most sets space them roughly 25 to 40 feet apart, so check your set's instructions for the exact distance and mark each throwing line beside a ring.
- Split into teams and pick colorsPlay one-on-one or two-on-two. Each player or team takes one color of darts. In doubles, partners stand at opposite rings so the game flows back and forth.
- Throw underhand onlyStanding at your throwing line, toss the dart underhand in a gentle arc toward the far ring. No overhand chucking, ever. The goal is a soft, lobbed landing inside the ring.
- Both players throw, then scoreEach player throws all their darts (usually two each) at the opposite ring before anyone walks down to check. Wait until all darts have landed before stepping onto the field.
- Tally the round and clearCount up who landed inside the ring, apply cancellation scoring, record the points, collect the darts, and throw back the other direction.
- Race to exactly 21Keep alternating ends until a player or team reaches 21. If you overshoot 21, your house rules decide whether you bust back or just need to hit 21 on the nose, so agree before you start.
Scoring
- A dart that lands and stays inside the target ring scores 3 points; a common variation gives 1 point for a dart that lands closest to the ring without going in.
- Use cancellation scoring: if both teams land the same number of darts in the ring that round, those points cancel and nobody scores.
- Only the team with more darts in the ring scores, and only for the difference.
- First player or team to reach 21 wins. Many sets require hitting 21 exactly, with a bust sending you back to your previous total if you go over.
- Darts that land outside the ring score nothing, no matter how close they look.
Distance & setup
Fun variations
- Singles vs doubles: one-on-one for a quick duel, or two-on-two with partners at opposite rings for a longer match.
- Closest-dart scoring: award 1 point for the dart nearest the ring when nobody lands inside.
- Kids' version: move the rings closer together and shorten the toss line so younger players can reach the target.
- Tournament style: play best of three games to 21 and rotate fresh teams in after each match.
Lawn Darts rules FAQ
Are lawn darts illegal?
The traditional metal-tipped lawn darts, often called Jarts, were banned from sale in the United States in 1988 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Canada banned them too. Those heavy metal-spiked versions are not legal to sell. Modern soft-tip and weighted-base lawn dart sets are legal, widely available, and what we recommend for any backyard.
How far apart should lawn dart rings be?
It depends on your set, but most place the two target rings roughly 25 to 40 feet apart. Always check the instructions that came with your set, since spacing is designed around the weight and feel of those specific darts.
How do you score lawn darts?
A dart that lands and stays inside the ring is usually worth 3 points. Scoring is cancellation style, so if both teams land in the ring, matching darts cancel out and only the leading team scores the difference. First to exactly 21 wins.
How do you throw a lawn dart?
Always throw underhand in a gentle, lofted arc toward the far ring. Never throw overhand or sidearm. The dart should come down softly and stick or settle inside the target. Underhand keeps the toss controlled and safe for everyone around.
Are soft-tip lawn darts safe for kids?
Soft-tip and weighted-base sets are much safer than the banned metal versions and are generally fine for kids 8 and up with adult supervision. Keep everyone clear of the landing area while darts are in the air, and make sure no one walks down the field until all darts have landed.
Ready to play?
Grab a set and start your league this weekend. We ranked the best lawn darts sets for every budget.
See our top lawn darts picks → Printable rules card