Discover Hare and Hounds, a dynamic two-player darts game where one player, the ‘hare,’ races around the board while the other, the ‘hound,’ chases to catch them. It’s a simple, sequence-based game with no complex scoring, making it perfect for beginners, families, and a fantastic way to practice hitting a variety of numbers under pressure. The goal for the hare is to complete a full circuit before being caught, while the hound aims to close the gap and land on the same number as the hare.
Forget complex checkouts and intricate scoring; Hare and Hounds offers a refreshing change of pace for darts enthusiasts. This engaging two-player game is all about a thrilling chase around the dartboard, making it incredibly easy to learn yet surprisingly intense to play.
How to Play Hare and Hounds Darts
The premise is straightforward: one player takes on the role of the ‘hare,’ aiming to complete a full circuit of the dartboard. The other player is the ‘hound,’ whose mission is to catch the hare before they finish their journey. There’s no traditional scoring; success hinges on hitting your target numbers in sequence.
Setting Up the Chase
- Decide Roles: First, determine who will be the Hare and who will be the Hound.
- Starting Positions: The Hare begins on the number 20. The Hound starts one step behind, on the number 5.
- The Path: Both players move clockwise around the dartboard, following the physical numerical order (20, 1, 18, 4, 13, 6, 10, 15, 2, 17, 3, 19, 7, 16, 8, 11, 14, 9, 12, 5).
Gameplay Mechanics
On your turn, you throw three darts. The objective is simple: hit your current target number before moving to the next one.
- Hitting Your Target: If your first dart hits your target number, you can immediately use your second dart to aim for the next number in the sequence. If that hits, your third dart can be used for the number after that, and so on.
- Missing Your Target: If you fail to hit your current target number with all three darts, you must stay on that same number for your next turn.
- What Counts as a Hit: For the basic version of the game, any part of the required numbered segment counts – whether it’s the single, double, or treble section. Hitting a double or treble does not allow you to skip extra spaces; it simply counts as hitting the number, and you move one position forward.
Winning the Game
The tension builds as the gap between the players narrows or widens:
- Hound Wins: The hound wins if they land on the number currently occupied by the hare. This means the hound has successfully ‘caught’ the hare.
- Hare Wins: The hare wins if they complete a full circuit of the board (returning to, or passing, their starting number 20) before being caught by the hound.
It’s always a good idea to agree beforehand exactly what constitutes completing the circuit and how a ‘catch’ is defined, to avoid any disputes during a close game.
Strategy and Practice Benefits
While seemingly simple, Hare and Hounds quickly becomes a game of nerve and precision. The absence of traditional scoring means every dart thrown is crucial to maintaining your lead or closing the gap.
Tips for the Hare
As the hare, you start with an advantage. Your primary goal is to maintain and extend that lead. Consistency is key. Hitting your target with the first or second dart allows you to advance quickly, putting more pressure on the hound. Don’t get complacent; a few missed turns can quickly erode your lead.
Tips for the Hound
Starting behind means every dart counts even more for the hound. Focus intensely on each target. Treat every number as if it were a crucial match-winning double. Minimizing wasted darts is paramount to closing the initial distance and eventually catching the hare.
Enhancing Your Darts Skills
Hare and Hounds is an excellent practice tool because it forces you to hit every number on the board. Unlike games like 501 where you might repeatedly target 20 or 19, this game ensures you practice hitting less common segments like 13, 6, 11, and 9. This comprehensive practice helps improve your overall board coverage and accuracy.
Making the Game More Challenging
Once you’ve mastered the basic game, you can introduce variations to increase the difficulty:
- Single Section Only: Require players to hit only the single section of each number. Doubles and trebles would no longer count as a hit, demanding greater precision.
- Double to Finish: For the hare to win, they might need to hit a double on their final number to complete the circuit.
For practice sessions, consider playing multiple rounds and swapping roles after each game. This gives you experience playing under different types of pressure: protecting a lead as the hare and aggressively chasing as the hound. It’s this dynamic interaction with an opponent that makes Hare and Hounds far more engaging and beneficial than simply throwing darts around the board alone.
So, gather a friend, agree on the rules, and get ready for a thrilling chase around the dartboard. Hare and Hounds is truly perfect for beginners, children, and families looking for an accessible yet exciting darts experience!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
