Introduction
Pub and bar games have been bringing people together for centuries. Long before screens and smartphones, pubs across Britain, taverns in Germany, and bars in America served as the social arenas where friends and strangers alike competed over a pint. These games are more than just pastimes — they are rituals of camaraderie, friendly rivalry, and the kind of unscripted fun that only happens when people put down their phones and pick up a set of darts.
What makes pub games so enduring is their perfect balance of accessibility and depth. You can learn beer pong in two minutes or spend years perfecting your darts checkout strategy. Foosball rewards quick reflexes but also precise wrist control. Shuffleboard looks deceptively simple until you discover the subtle art of reading the table's wax and speed. Whether you are a casual player looking for a good time or a competitive spirit chasing the perfect 9-dart finish, there is a pub game that fits.
This hub covers the most popular pub and bar games played around the world. Each guide includes complete rules, scoring breakdowns, strategic tips, and the unwritten etiquette that separates a welcome regular from an awkward newcomer. Pick a game below and learn the rules before your next night out.
Darts
The undisputed king of pub games. Whether you play 501, Cricket, or a more casual format, darts combines precision, mental arithmetic, and nerve — all within arm’s reach of the bar.
Darts 501
The standard darts game played in pubs, leagues, and professional tournaments worldwide. Start at 501, subtract your score with each throw, and finish on a double. Includes a full checkout chart.
Coming SoonDarts Cricket
The most popular alternative darts format. Close numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye while outscoring your opponent. A more strategic, defensive game than 501.
Coming SoonAround the Clock
The perfect darts game for beginners. Hit every number on the board from 1 to 20 in sequence, then finish on the bullseye. No maths required — just accuracy.
Coming SoonKiller Darts
A multiplayer darts elimination game that gets more intense with every round. Assign each player a number, then take aim at your opponents’ lives. Last player standing wins.
Coming SoonOther Bar Games
Beyond the dartboard, pubs and bars around the world are home to a rich variety of competitive games. From the fast-paced action of foosball to the sliding precision of shuffleboard, these classics never go out of style.
Foosball / Table Football
Complete rules and techniques for the world’s most popular table game. Learn rod positions, passing lanes, shooting techniques, and the no-spinning rule that separates beginners from skilled players.
Coming SoonShuffleboard
Table shuffleboard scoring zones, techniques, and strategy. Slide weighted pucks down the long, waxed surface and outscore your opponent in this deceptively skilful bar staple.
Coming SoonBeer Pong
The official rules and setup for America’s favourite party game. Cup formations, re-rack rules, bounce shots, and house rules explained — everything you need for a proper game.
Coming SoonEssential Pub Game Etiquette
Knowing the rules is only half the battle. Every pub, bar, and games room has its own culture, and respecting that culture is what earns you a welcome back. Here are the unwritten rules that experienced players follow:
- Wait for your turn. Never step up to the oche, foosball table, or shuffleboard while another player is in the middle of their turn. Stand well back and keep quiet during their shot.
- Respect house rules. Every pub has its own variations. If the local rules differ from what you learned online, go with the house rules without argument. You can always suggest changes politely between games.
- Shake hands before and after. A brief handshake (or fist bump) at the start and end of a match is standard in darts, foosball, and shuffleboard. It signals good sportsmanship regardless of the result.
- Do not distract your opponent. Talking, waving, or making noise while someone is throwing darts or lining up a shuffleboard shot is poor form. Save the banter for between turns.
- Buy a round. In many pub game traditions, the loser buys the next round. Even if this is not explicitly stated, offering to buy drinks for your opponent after a close match is a classy move.
- Put your name on the board. If there is a chalkboard or sign-up sheet for the next game, write your name and wait. Cutting in line is one of the fastest ways to make a bad impression.
- Take care of the equipment. Do not slam foosball rods, throw darts at the wall, or drop shuffleboard pucks on the floor. Treat the venue’s equipment as if you paid for it yourself.
- Be gracious in victory and defeat. Nobody likes a sore loser, and nobody likes a gloating winner. Keep it light, keep it fun, and remember that the best pub games are the ones where everyone has a good time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular pub games worldwide include darts (especially 501 and Cricket), foosball (table football), shuffleboard, pool, beer pong, and bar dice. Darts is by far the most widespread, with dedicated leagues and professional tournaments in dozens of countries. The specific games on offer vary by region — British pubs tend to focus on darts and pool, while American bars often feature shuffleboard and beer pong alongside the dartboard.
In Darts 501, each player starts at 501 points and subtracts their score with each throw, aiming to reach exactly zero with a double finish. In Darts Cricket, players aim at numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye, trying to “close” each number by hitting it three times while also accumulating points. Cricket is more strategic and defensive, while 501 rewards pure accuracy and finishing ability. Both formats are played in pubs worldwide, though 501 dominates in professional competition.
The official throwing distance (the oche) is 2.37 metres (7 feet 9.25 inches) from the face of the dartboard. The board is hung so the bullseye is exactly 1.73 metres (5 feet 8 inches) from the floor. These measurements are standardised by the World Darts Federation and the British Darts Organisation. Most pubs have a raised strip or tape on the floor to mark the oche.
In foosball (table football), two players or teams control rows of miniature figures mounted on rotating bars. The objective is to score goals by manoeuvring the ball into the opponent’s goal. Games are typically played to 5 goals. Key rules include no spinning (rotating a rod more than 360 degrees before or after striking the ball), serving alternately after each goal, and allowing the ball to touch at least two figures before shooting from the back rows. Official tournament rules add time limits for possession on each rod.
In table shuffleboard, players slide weighted pucks down a long, smooth table toward a scoring area divided into zones. Pucks must pass the foul line and hang over the far edge of each zone to score. The zones typically award 1, 2, 3, and 4 points, with pucks hanging off the far end of the table scoring 4. Only the player with the puck closest to the far end scores in each round — similar to bocce or curling. Games are usually played to 15 or 21 points.
Absolutely. Pub games are designed to be accessible and social. Games like Around the Clock darts, basic foosball, and beer pong require no prior experience. Most pub games can be learned in under five minutes, and the competitive gap between beginners and experienced players narrows quickly with practice. The social setting of a pub or bar naturally encourages a relaxed, learning-friendly atmosphere. Start with simpler formats (Around the Clock instead of 501, for example) and work your way up.
Most pub games require specialised equipment that is typically provided by the venue. Darts requires a bristle dartboard and a set of three darts per player. Foosball requires a foosball table. Shuffleboard requires a shuffleboard table and pucks. Beer pong requires cups, ping pong balls, and a table. If you want to practise at home, a quality dartboard and darts set is the most affordable option, starting from around €30 to €50. Many serious darts players bring their own set of darts to the pub, as personal darts are weighted and balanced to suit your throwing style.