Beer Darts - The Orchard House

Game Overview

Beer Darts is an outdoor party game where players sit in a circle with their drinks a few feet in front of them. Players take turns throwing darts toward designated targets. When a drink is hit, the player follows the corresponding hit rule. Keep playing rounds until the group decides to finish.

Players

3 or more

Equipment

Drinks and lawn darts

Location

Outdoors, in a large open area

What You Need

One drink can for each player.
Darts suitable for the designated target.
A safe, designated throwing target and throwing area.
Enough open space to keep players and spectators clear of throws.
A container or pile area for empty cans after the game.

Setup

Have everyone sit in a circle in a clear outdoor area.
Each player places their drink can in their designated spot away from the throwing area.
Set up the target and establish a throwing line with a clear area behind it for all other players.
Choose starting players and decide how many darts will be used. We generally play with 3 or 4 darts.

How to Play

1. Take Turns Throwing

Starting with the chosen players, everyone with darts starts throwing toward the designated target when they choose, as long as it's safe. Continue around the circle, with players attempting to hit other drinks. Player are not allowed to hit the cans of those on either side of them, we generally have this rule when players are seated too close together.

2. Retrieve the Darts

No one may throw while another person is retrieving darts or retrieving their can to drink. Wait until the throwing area is clear before the next turn. Players should retrieve their own darts when safe; another player may retrieve an unattended dart if the area is clear.

3. Resolve a Hit

When a drink can is hit and liquid begins spilling from a hole in the side, the player follows the usual hole-hit rule. A hit on the top of the can or beneath the tab triggers the full-drink rule.

Hit Rules

Hole in the Side

If a can is hit and beer spills from a hole in its side, the player drinks down to the level of the hole where the liquid is escaping.

Hit on the Top or Under the Tab

If the can is hit on the top or beneath the tab, the player must finish the entire drink according to the group's rules.

Keep it safe: Don't drink from a punctured or damaged can that may contain dart fragments or sharp metal edges. Replace damaged cans and use a separate drinking container if needed.

Ending the Game

Continue playing for as many rounds as the group wants. Players can bring out additional drinks as needed, provided everyone agrees to continue.

When the game ends, collect the empty cans in a pile in the middle of the circle, dispose of them properly, retrieve all darts, and clean up the playing area.