How to Run a Christmas Darts Tournament (at Home or Down the Pub)

The World Championship takes a break from 24 to 27 December, which leaves a gap that needs filling. Why not run your own? A family or pub darts tournament is easy to organise and gets everyone involved, even the people who've never thrown a dart.

1. Pick a format

4 to 8 players: a straight knockout works best. Draw names out of a hat and play quarter-finals, semis and a final.

8 to 16 players: start with groups of four where everyone plays each other, then the top two from each group go into a knockout. Nobody goes home after one game.

Short on time? Play 301 instead of 501. The legs are much quicker.

2. Set the match length

• Early rounds: best of 3 legs
• Semi-finals: best of 5 legs
• Final: best of 3 sets (first to three legs per set), just like Ally Pally

3. Level the playing field

If you've got a mix of regular players and complete beginners, use handicaps so everyone has a chance:

• Let beginners start on a lower score, such as 301 while the regulars start on 501.
• Allow beginners to finish on any number rather than a double.
• Kids can stand a step closer to the board.

4. Make it feel like the real thing

• Walk-on music: let each player choose a song and make an entrance. It's the best bit.
• A caller: give someone the job of shouting the scores. "One hundred and eightyyyy!"
• Stage lighting: a Dartboard LED Light makes your board the centre of the room.
• A proper scoreboard: the Light Up Scoreboard means everyone can see the scores from the sofa.
• A draw sheet: write the bracket on a big sheet of paper and stick it on the wall.

5. Have spares ready

A tournament means a lot of darts thrown, and something always breaks. Keep a Player's Essentials Pack on hand for snapped shafts and blunt points, and some spare flight rings for flights that keep falling out.

6. Give a prize worth winning

Everyone plays harder with something on the line. A darts-themed prize, like a Quarter Dartboard Dart Holder or a Darts Gift Pack, makes a great trophy. Add a booby prize for whoever finishes last.

New to darts?

Brush up on the basics first with 501 rules and our darts jargon guide. Free UK delivery on every order. Game on!