Want to level up your darts game, especially your doubles? Darts practice partner games double your efficiency by simulating real match pressure and targeting specific skills. This article explores several effective games and drills you can use with a practice partner to improve your double-hitting accuracy and overall darts performance.
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Why Practice with a Partner for Double Outs?
Practicing alone has its benefits, but when it comes to mastering doubles, a partner can provide invaluable feedback and create a more competitive environment. Partner practice adds an element of pressure that solo sessions often lack, forcing you to perform under simulated match conditions. This is especially critical for double outs, where nerves can easily get the better of you.

Here are some key reasons why practicing with a partner is essential for honing your double-hitting skills:
- Increased Pressure: A real opponent introduces pressure that mimics match play.
- Immediate Feedback: Your partner can observe your technique and provide valuable suggestions.
- Competitive Spirit: The desire to win against your partner will push you to perform better.
- Variety: Playing different games keeps your practice sessions engaging and prevents boredom.
- Strategic Thinking: You’ll need to develop strategies to outsmart your opponent and capitalize on their weaknesses.
Top Darts Practice Partner Games for Doubles
Now, let’s dive into some of the most effective darts practice partner games double designed to improve your double-hitting accuracy and overall game strategy:
Around the Board Doubles
This classic drill focuses on hitting every double on the dartboard, starting with double 1 and progressing to double 20. Both players take turns attempting to hit the current double. The first player to successfully hit all the doubles wins.
- Rules: Players take turns throwing three darts at the required double. If a player hits the double, they move on to the next one. If they miss, it’s the next player’s turn.
- Variations:
- Reverse Order: Start with double 20 and work your way down to double 1.
- Random Order: Pick doubles randomly to increase the challenge.
- Score Tracking: Award points for each double hit and subtract points for misses.
- Benefits: Improves accuracy on all doubles and reinforces muscle memory.
Killer Doubles
Killer is a popular game that adds an element of elimination and strategy. Each player chooses a number (between 1 and 20) that isn’t already taken. To become a “killer,” you must hit your chosen double. Once you’re a killer, you can target your opponents by hitting their chosen double. If an opponent’s chosen double is hit while they are a “killer” they lose a life. Players start with a set number of lives (usually three). The last player with lives remaining wins. You may also like to read about Darts Variants Fun Games.
- Rules:
- Each player chooses a number.
- Hit your chosen double to become a “killer.”
- As a killer, hit opponents’ doubles to eliminate their lives.
- Last player with lives wins.
- Variations:
- Number Restrictions: Limit the numbers players can choose from.
- Life Adjustments: Change the number of starting lives.
- Benefits: Improves accuracy under pressure and develops strategic thinking.

Shanghai Doubles
Shanghai Doubles is a variation of the classic Shanghai game, but focuses solely on hitting the single, double, and triple of a specific number in a single round. Each player takes turns throwing three darts at a specific number, attempting to score the highest possible total. The game progresses through each number from 1 to 20. The player with the highest score at the end wins.
- Rules:
- Players take turns throwing three darts at a specific number.
- Attempt to hit the single, double, and triple of that number.
- Game progresses through numbers 1 to 20.
- Highest score wins.
- Variations:
- Limited Rounds: Play only a set number of rounds instead of going through all numbers.
- Score Multipliers: Award bonus points for hitting specific combinations.
- Benefits: Improves accuracy on singles, doubles, and triples, and develops strategic scoring.
Double Trouble
In this game, players take turns throwing three darts with the sole objective of hitting any double. Each double hit scores one point. The first player to reach a predetermined score (e.g., 20 points) wins. The focus is solely on consistency and accuracy in hitting any double on the board. It is a great choice for forgotten pub dart games.
- Rules:
- Players alternate turns.
- Three darts per turn, aiming for any double.
- 1 point per double hit.
- First to predetermined score wins.
- Variations:
- Specific Double Bonus: Assign extra points for hitting a specific double.
- Minus Points: Deduct points for hitting singles or triples.
- Benefits: Enhances general double accuracy and builds confidence.
99 Darts to Double Out
This drill simulates a realistic leg of darts where you must finish on a double. Both players start with 99 points and take turns throwing three darts. The goal is to be the first to reduce your score to zero by hitting a double to finish. This game highly emphasizes double outs.
- Rules:
- Start at 99 points.
- Players take turns throwing three darts.
- Reduce score to zero with a double.
- First to zero wins.
- Variations:
- Starting Score: Adjust the starting score to make it easier or more challenging.
- Required Double: Specify a particular double that must be hit to finish.
- Benefits: Provides realistic match practice and develops finishing strategies.

Tips for Effective Partner Practice
To maximize the benefits of darts practice partner games double, consider these tips:
- Set Realistic Goals: Don’t try to become a pro overnight. Focus on gradual improvement.
- Warm Up Properly: Before starting practice, warm up your arm and shoulder muscles.
- Focus on Technique: Pay attention to your stance, grip, and throwing motion.
- Analyze Your Results: Track your scores and identify areas where you need improvement.
- Stay Positive: Don’t get discouraged by misses. Learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.
- Communicate with Your Partner: Discuss strategies and provide feedback to each other.
- Vary Your Practice: Don’t stick to the same games all the time. Mix things up to keep it interesting.
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to improving your dart game.
Incorporating Related Keywords to Improve Your Game
To further refine your darts skills, consider exploring these related keywords:
- Darts Checkout Charts: Use checkout charts to plan your finishing strategies.
- Dart Stance and Grip: Experiment with different stances and grips to find what works best for you.
- Dart Throwing Technique: Focus on developing a smooth and consistent throwing motion.
- Mental Game of Darts: Learn to manage your nerves and stay focused under pressure.
- Dartboard Setup and Maintenance: Ensure your dartboard is properly set up and maintained for optimal performance.
- Improve Dart Accuracy: Implement drills and techniques to enhance your overall accuracy.

Advanced Strategies for Double Outs
Once you’ve mastered the basics of hitting doubles, you can start incorporating more advanced strategies into your game. These strategies can help you improve your finishing percentage and gain a competitive edge:
- Targeting Specific Doubles: Practice hitting specific doubles that are strategically advantageous, such as the double 20, double 16, and double 8.
- Setting Up Doubles: Learn to set up your next shot so that you have a good chance of hitting a double on your next visit to the oche.
- Calculating Outs: Develop the ability to quickly calculate the best possible out shot based on your current score.
- Understanding Probabilities: Consider the probabilities of hitting different doubles and make strategic decisions based on those probabilities.
The Mental Game and Double Outs
The mental aspect of darts is just as important as the physical skill. When it comes to double outs, the pressure can be immense, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Here are some tips for staying calm and focused under pressure:
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help you manage your nerves.
- Visualize Success: Before throwing, visualize yourself hitting the double you’re aiming for.
- Stay Positive: Even if you miss, don’t get discouraged. Stay positive and focus on the next shot.
- Develop a Routine: Create a pre-throw routine that helps you focus and stay consistent.
- Learn from Your Mistakes: Analyze your mistakes and use them as learning opportunities.

Finding the Right Darts Practice Partner
The success of your partner practice depends heavily on the quality of your practice partner. Here’s what to look for in a good darts practice partner:
- Similar Skill Level: Ideally, your partner should be at a similar skill level as you. This will ensure that the practice sessions are challenging but not discouraging.
- Positive Attitude: A positive and supportive partner will help you stay motivated and focused.
- Commitment: Your partner should be committed to practicing regularly and improving their game.
- Constructive Feedback: Look for a partner who can provide constructive feedback and help you identify areas where you need improvement.
- Good Communication: Effective communication is essential for a successful practice partnership.
Conclusion
Mastering doubles is crucial for becoming a successful darts player, and darts practice partner games double your chances of improvement. By incorporating the games and tips outlined in this article into your practice routine, you’ll be well on your way to hitting those crucial double outs with confidence. Remember to stay focused, practice consistently, and communicate effectively with your partner. Now, grab your darts, find a partner, and start practicing! Put these strategies into action and watch your doubles accuracy soar. Check out our related content on Darts Variants Fun Games to learn more about other game options.
Hi, I’m Dieter, and I created Dartcounter (Dartcounterapp.com). My motivation wasn’t being a darts expert – quite the opposite! When I first started playing, I loved the game but found keeping accurate scores and tracking stats difficult and distracting.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one struggling with this. So, I decided to build a solution: an easy-to-use application that everyone, no matter their experience level, could use to manage scoring effortlessly.
My goal for Dartcounter was simple: let the app handle the numbers – the scoring, the averages, the stats, even checkout suggestions – so players could focus purely on their throw and enjoying the game. It began as a way to solve my own beginner’s problem, and I’m thrilled it has grown into a helpful tool for the wider darts community.