• Just add darts.Lawn image by Yuriy Rozanov from Fotolia.com
  
  Yard darts, also known as lawn darts, takes the common bar game to the outdoors, making any large expanse of grass your game board. Players attempt to throw weighted plastic or metal darts at a target placed on the ground. As such, the game is all about finesse, careful aim and a cooperative breeze.
  
  

Setting Up the Game

• Designate the throwing area with a large loop of string positioned atop the lawn. Place the large target hoop any distance away from the throwing area. Beginning players should keep the target hoop within 10 or 15 feet, while intermediate players might place it 20 or 25 feet away. Position the small target hoop centered within the larger. Ensure that everyone in the area is aware of the game taking place, as the yard darts can severely injury someone if accidentally struck.
  
  

Playing the Game

• Flip a coin to determine which player will go first. Either player will alternate throwing a dart, with the winner of the coin toss going first and each player throwing two darts each. Traditionally, the throw is of the underhand variety, but there are no hard and fast rules about throwing style. Players typically experience better results when they throw darts in high arcs, rather than throwing them directly at the hoops. After all four darts are played, players approach the hoops, tally the score and place the target hoops in another location, with their previous location becoming the new throwing area.
  
  

Winning the Game

• Landing a dart within the larger hoop results in one point, while landing a dart within the smaller hoop results in three points. However, opposing darts cancel each other out. For example, if both player land a dart within the small hoop, neither player earns three points. If one player lands two darts within the small hoop while the opposing player only lands one within the small hoop, the first player earns three points. If both players fail to land darts within either ring, the player with the closest dart to the rings earns one point. Play continues until either player earns 21 points and wins the game.
  
  

Cautions

• Yard darts can be very dangerous. In December 1988, the sale of yard darts in the United States became illegal. At that point, four children had been killed by the darts and many others severely injured. If you decide to play with these fun yet dangerous playing implements, exercise extreme caution. Make sure you know where all players are at all times.