Abstract:
A dart throwing game apparatus including a flat, vertical planar scoring board, a plurality of score enhancing scoring areas and score detracting scoring areas with multiple score values arranged around a central bulls-eye on the scoring board with two neutral areas for receiving darts thrown by two or more players. Several dart throwing games are described utilizing a plurality of color-coded darts and a specially color-coded dart for individual or team play. The scoring areas are arranged on the game board so that some of the positions are more difficult to achieve than others. Throwing games are described in which two individual players may compete against each other, a team consisting of one or two players may compete against another team of one or two players, or three players may individually compete against each of the other two players.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention resides in the field of throwing games involving the tossing of a dart toward a scoring board in order to score points by having the dart engage one or more scoring areas on the scoring board to be awarded points. 
         [0002]    Dart playing has reached record popularity levels due in large part to the introduction of soft-tipped darts and electronic dart targets. Dart players are becoming increasingly more skilled and many leagues and tournaments are conducted throughout the world. All the same, there is a continuing desire on the part of dart players for new, more challenging and more interesting dart games. 
         [0003]    A number of different types of dart games have been described and played over the years. Darts and dartboards of various sizes have been utilized with darts being thrown at a bulls-eye target. A common example is the traditional darts game having a round board with several concentric circles made of cork type material with each circle being a different color. A player throws darts at the board attempting to get all the darts in the center bulls-eye, or as close as possible to the bulls-eye, to score the maximum number of points. 
         [0004]    One advantage of dart games is that they can be played indoors or outdoors. However, most dart games utilize simple targets and scoring schemes, or conversely are electronic and require a power source in order to play the game, and thus tend to create a lack of competitiveness. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,039 (Zammuto) discloses a dart game apparatus with rotating dart targets having multiple arms that radiate from the centerboard. Each of the arms carries a dartboard and the game utilizes soft tipped darts. Also, the dartboard has radially extending ribs, which is common in most dart board games, and concentric circular ribs dividing the target segments. The Zammuto dartboard is made of injection molded plastic, and not wood. This dart board game format lacks the target complexity and the time of play per round, which results in a lack competitiveness among the players. Additionally, Zammuto does not have a board-playing surface that is flat and smooth. 
         [0005]    Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,703 (Grottola) discloses a dart game and board, wherein the dart board is made of a central strength member cover with a soft face material located on the front and back. The soft face material receives soft tipped darts and has radial dividers to separate the scoring areas on the board. The board is circular around a central axis. This scenario creates a one-dimensional game with respect to scoring, i.e., providing for only one scoring position. 
         [0006]    The present invention comprises a different dartboard layout and method of play that combines the practicality of utilizing a traditional dart with a multi-dimensional target and a complex scoring scheme to foster a longer and a more competitive dart throwing game. The method of play relies on the use of multiple colored darts along with special feathered darts for tossing at a plurality of point targets arranged on a scoring board. 
         [0007]    The scoring board of the present invention also includes a unique and versatile scoring system which can indicate both the total game score at the end of each round, as well as the point score during a particular round. Different scoring methods and rules of play create a unique and competitive dart game for adults. 
         [0008]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a scoring board including a plurality of differently colored darts and a centrally located square aperture for holding a dart retaining butcher-block board with seven score enhancing scoring areas and two score detracting scoring areas. It is a further object to create a plurality of scoring positions, with each scoring position designated with a predetermined point value. It is a still further object of this invention to create a unique scoring system that produces the game score at the end of each round, while also tracking player points earned during the play of a particular round. 
         [0009]    It is also an object of this invention to provide a dart throwing game that can be played with eight darts per player per round, with seven scoring darts and one score negating dart or, in the alternative, a “killer” dart. It is another object of the present invention that the game is designed for multiple players acting individually, or as a team. The team may be preferably for two, three or four players. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a game that is easy for unskilled or young players and yet still be extremely challenging for advanced or skilled players. 
         [0010]    Other objects will appear hereinafter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention comprises an apparatus and a method of playing a dart throwing game including a plurality of score enhancing scoring areas and score detracting scoring areas or, in the alternative, positive and negative point targets with multiple score values arranged around a central bulls-eye on the scoring board, and two neutral areas worth zero points. The scoring of the game is gauged upon the skill or difficulty in throwing a dart into a scoring area with a certain designated point value. The last color dart striking the central bulls-eye obtains all points for the bulls-eye for that round. The scoring areas are arranged on the game board so that some of the positions are more difficult to achieve than others. 
         [0012]    The apparatus includes a scoring board that has a flat, planar area, and which is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation. The dimensional area of the scoring board is at least 32 inches in length and at least 32 inches in width. Within the planar area, a square opening may be cut into the scoring board to mount a base wood tournament grade dart butcher block, which is dimensioned at 22 inches in length and 22 inches in width with a thickness of 1¼ inches. The base wood face is mounted flush with the face of the remainder of the playing surface. The remaining playing surface may be any smooth surface sheet wood product such as plywood. An alternate embodiment of the scoring board is constructed from a flat planar board, which is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation, made of 100% base wood, and which does not require an insertable central piece. 
         [0013]    The darts are American wooden tournament darts approximately 5¾ inches in length. The mounting height of the scoring board from the floor to the center of the bulls-eye is approximately 5 feet, 2 inches. The throwing distance is about 10 feet from the throwing line to the game board. This distance can be modified if needed to suit the skill level of the players. 
         [0014]    The complete playing surface consists of nine scoring areas: seven positive point targets and two negative point targets. The seven score enhancing scoring areas consist of: two targets valued at 2 points, two targets valued at 3 points, one target valued at 1 point, one target valued at 4 points, and one bulls-eye target valued at 5 points. These seven targets are all substantially positioned within an outer border so their respective degree of difficulty reflects their respective designated point values. The first of the two score detracting scoring areas is the border substantially surrounding the seven positive point targets. The point value of this target is designated negative or minus one. The second of the two negative point target areas is the game board outer border surrounding the entire outer edge of the playing surface. This outer border area may also be considered a penalty area. A player that positions his dart in the second negative point target area forfeits the remaining throws for that round. The other player or team is allowed to finish that particular round alone. In the event that the remaining player or team positions a dart in the same penalty area, all scoring is cancelled with both players forfeiting the remaining throws and the next round begins with the same player as previously going first. There are two neutral areas, or in the alternative two safety zones, which are worth zero points. The first is located in the area within the inner border, but not within a score enhancing target area. The second safety zone is the area outside of the inner border, but within the playing area inside of the outer edge border. 
         [0015]    The method of playing the game includes a total of eight darts per player per round, or eight darts per team per throwing round. The method of play contemplates two players competing against each other, a team consisting of two players competing against another team of two players, or three players may individually compete against each of the other two players. 
         [0016]    The object of the game is to earn exactly fifty-one points before the other player or team, with all darts thrown in each round. Darts are thrown one at a time, alternating from player to player or team to team. Bonus points are awarded for controlling a scoring area, anytime one team has three or more darts than the other team in one scoring area; the player or team is awarded one bonus point for each of the darts. Bonus points do not apply to the bulls-eye or the score detracting scoring areas. Opposing color darts in the same scoring areas may cancel each other out in scoring of the round in some scoring games depending upon the position of the opposing darts in a positive scoring area, or if a penalty/forfeiture of remaining throws has occurred. 
         [0017]    A different color of dart feathers, preferably black, denotes the killer dart, which can be thrown at any time. This dart serves to eliminate all points in any scoring area it strikes regardless of that scoring area being positive or negative. A killer dart can also reverse the effect of another killer dart, returning the target area its original scoring mode. 
         [0018]    The method of play includes several special scoring circumstances. If one team achieves twenty-one or more points at the end of a throwing round and the other team still has zero or negative points, with all darts having been thrown, the game is over. This special scoring is called a “knock-out punch.” Another special scoring circumstance occurs upon a player being able to get one of his color darts in each of the positive point targets without his opponent&#39;s killer dart in any of those targets, that player wins the game even if the throwing round is not completed. This special scoring circumstance is called a “sucker punch” and automatically ends the game. 
         [0019]    Other variations of the method of play and scoring of several related throwing games using the dart board of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the dart throwing game of the present invention showing the scoring board, score enhancing and score detracting scoring areas, neutral areas, score tracking area, multiple throwing darts, and dart holders. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a partial exploded view of the right side of scoring board of  FIG. 1  showing the positioning of the right side removable dart holder. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is an exploded side view of an alternate embodiment of the dart throwing game of the present invention showing a centrally located dart butcher block fitting into the scoring board with the darts stored in the dart holder located on the right side of the scoring board. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a front plan view of an alternate structure for a dart holder for the throwing darts used with the dart throwing game of the present invention having a multi-tiered form for both dart and score tracking marker storage. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a front plan view of another embodiment of the dart throwing game of the present invention displayed with an altered peripheral shape and a throwing dart and score tracking maker storage shelf attached to and located below the dart board. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a partial exploded view of the bottom of the scoring board of  FIG. 5  showing the mounting of throwing dart and score tracking marker storage shelf to the board. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a partial side view of the throwing dart and score tracking marker storage shelf mounted to the scoring board of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         [0029]    Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a dart throwing and scoring game board  10  of the present invention. The board  10  is manufactured from a base wood capable of receiving a thrown dart and retaining the dart at the striking point in the wooden base  12 . Alternatively, the board  10  may be partly comprised of a centrally located insertable dart butcher-block  12   a  as shown in  FIG. 3 . There are seven positive point targets  14 ,  14   a  arrayed over the surface of the board  10  bearing the point value number ranging from 1 to 5. There is also a negative point target  16 , which is configured as a banded area in the shape of a square that also overlies several of the positive point targets  14 . The portion of the positive point targets  14  that lies outside of the negative point target  16  becomes part of the negative point target  16 , which has the value of negative or minus 1. Thus, when a positive point target  14  meets and passes through the negative point target  16 , any portion of the positive target that extends to the outside of the negative target  16  likewise becomes a negative point value with the negative value of minus 1. A border area  17  surrounds all of the board  10  and, except for a small portion at the top, is a penalty area such that any player&#39;s dart striking this area forfeits the remainder of his/her turn for that round. There are also two safety zones  18  that are separated by the negative target zone  16  and lie substantially inside the penalty zone  17 . There is also a centrally located “bulls eye” positive point target  14   a  that is positioned in the approximate center of the throwing board  10 . In order to score any throwing game, a plurality of scoring knobs  20  are provided to keep the individual or team scores using the point markers  21  arrayed in the border penalty area  17 . To play the game a plurality of scoring darts  22  and killer darts  24 , in sufficient number and differentiating colors to accommodate individual or team play as described below, and at least two dart holders  26 , are provided. 
         [0030]    The throwing/scoring game board  10  consists of a flat planar scoring area that is mountable substantially vertically to a wall or other vertical support. The game board  10  is constructed generally in the shape of a rectangle with the corners rounded off. The dimensions of the game board  10  are preferred to be at least approximately 22 inches in length and approximately 22 inches in width. The preferred mounting height of the game board  10  from the floor to the center of the bulls-eye is approximately 5 feet, 2 inches. The throwing distance for the players to throw the darts  22 ,  24  is preferred to be 10 feet between the game board  10  and the throwing line. 
         [0031]    The positive point targets  14  are all indicated with the same color and are located within the black negative point target band  16 . Further, the positive point targets  14  vary in value from one to five points. The first negative point target  16  is a black band substantially circumscribing the positive point targets  14  and the second negative point target  17  is a differently colored border located around the peripheral edge of the scoring board  10 . The bulls-eye, one of the positive point targets  14 , is a smaller differently colored circle located at the center of the scoring board  10 . 
         [0032]    The scoring magnets  20  are arrayed around the periphery of the scoring board  10  in the negative point target area  17  and are capable of magnetically attracting and retaining scoring markers  23 , preferably wooden colored knobs with metal bases, used to keep score during the game after each dart  22 ,  24  is thrown with each colored knob  23  matching the color of a set of scoring darts  22 . The scoring markers  23 , alternatively, may be metal bottle caps, such that different bottle caps can be used to keep track of the total score of individuals or teams as the game progresses. The scoring magnets  20  are located entirely within in the colored border  17  along and around the outer edge of the scoring board  10 . There are fifty-one scoring magnets  20  numbered from −3 to 51, the significance of which will be described below in connection with the methods of play. 
         [0033]    Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the dart holders  26  are attachable in multiple positions on the scoring board  10 . The dart holders  26  are slidably attachable to the right and left sides of the scoring board  10  and may be positioned or removed by use of the handles  29 . On each side of the board  10  there are receivers  28  that are capable of receiving and retaining pins  30  extending downward from each dart holder  26  so as to keep the holder  26  in an upright orientation when placed alongside the board  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  shows an alternate embodiment of the dart holder or carrier  26   a  with the sets of differently colored sets of darts  22   a ,  22   b  and  22   c  being held on multiple tiered shelves. The carrier  26   a  also has a location for storing the colored scoring knobs  23  along the bottom shelf of the dart carrier  26   a  and differently colored marker caps  23   a  stored across the lower front of the carrier  26   a . The killer darts  24   a ,  24   b ,  24   c  are shown to the left of each tier in the dart carrier  26   a . Additionally, the carrier  26   a  has a handle  29   a  for carrying and transporting the dart sets. 
         [0034]    There are at least eight darts per player or team including seven colored darts  22  and one score negating or killer dart  24 . The darts  22 ,  24  are of the American wooden dart type that are dimensioned at 5¾ inches in length and can be No. 1 Widdy, Apex or Darto type darts. Competing players or teams throw different colored darts  22 , for example if one team has yellow darts  22 , the killer dart  24  for that team would be a yellow dart with black feathers. Killer darts  24  are colored to match the other scoring darts  22  used by that team, but with black feathers to denote the killer dart  24 . The scoring darts  22 , regardless of body color, all have white feathers. The darts  22  are thrown one at a time alternating from player to player or team to team. All darts  22 ,  24  must be alternately thrown and be stuck in the scoring board  10  for a round to be considered finished. Any darts  22 ,  24  not stuck into the scoring board  10  are retrieved and thrown again. If a dart  22 ,  24  falls out after another dart is thrown, the dart  22 ,  24  must be re-stuck in the same scoring area before play resumes. If a player throws out of turn, the dart  22 ,  24  is retrieved and the correct player throws. 
         [0035]    In regard to  FIG. 5 , a square scoring board  110  is shown, but with a different dart storage apparatus, i.e., a bottom attached dart and scoring indicator storage shelf  126 . The scoring board  110  has a similarly configured structure with a base scoring board  12  for receiving the thrown darts  22 ,  24 . Also, the arrangement of the positive scoring targets  14 , negative scoring targets  16  and  17 , and scoring indicators  20 ,  21  are substantially the same. The positive scoring targets  14  are arrayed within the first negative scoring target  16 , which substantially surrounds the positive scoring targets  14 . Also, the second negative scoring target  17 , again, is arrayed around the peripheral edge of the scoring board and is the location in which the scoring indicators  21  and scoring markers  20  reside. The scoring markers  20  are magnetic and are capable of magnetically retaining either the colored score indicating knobs  23  or the bottle cap score indicators  23   a . The colored dart sets with darts  22 ,  24  are stored on a shelf  126  attached to the lower sides and located below the bottom edge of the board  110 . Each dart set  22   a ,  22   b , with score negating dart  24   a ,  24   b , are positioned on opposite sides of the shelf  126  with a plurality of colored scoring knobs  23  positioned between them along the shelf. Depending upon the depth of the shelf  126  there may be additional space for the positioning of additional tiers of sets of darts  22 ,  24  one behind the other. 
         [0036]    The dart and scoring indicator storage shelf  126  is attached to the scoring board  12  with respective arms  125   a ,  125   b  located on either side of the board  12  and shelf  126 . Fastening devices  127 , e.g., screws, pins, and the like, are positioned through each of the arms  125   a ,  125   b  and inserted into and secured within the right and left sides of scoring board  12 . A partial side view of the shelf  126  attached to the scoring board  12  is shown in  FIG. 7  while an exploded view of the shelf  126  separated downward from the scoring board  110  is shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0037]    There are 3 negative and 51 positive score indicating points  21  arrayed around the periphery of the scoring board  12  with a scoring marker  20  positioned immediately adjacent. These indicating points  21  and scoring markers  20  abut one another so that one score indicating point  21  is closely associated with a corresponding scoring marker  20 . Each of the corresponding sets of scoring markers  20  and score indicating points  21  are substantially arrayed equidistantly from each other set and extend almost entirely around the scoring boards  10 ,  110  leaving an open space across the top center edge of the boards  10 ,  110 . Scoring may be kept by using either the colored knob scoring markers  23  or the bottle cap markers  23   a  to keep the score for each round and the total for each player or team. 
         [0038]    There are several methods of play using the game apparatus described above. These throwing games all utilize the same game apparatus, but each has a unique enhancement in the method of play beyond that of simple dart tossing game using a concentric ring dart board. 
       First Dart Throwing Game—Powerhouse 
       [0039]    The point of the throwing game is for one player or team to obtain exactly fifty-one points with all darts  22 ,  24  being thrown. The game is played with eights darts per player or team with each set of eights darts having a different body color to identify the player or team. Seven of the eight darts are scoring darts  22  having white or non-black feathers with the eighth dart, the Killer dart  24 , having black feathers to denote the difference in scoring significance. Scoring is achieved by alternating throwing turns to earn points by sticking darts in the positive point target areas  14  described above, while avoiding sticking darts in the negative point target areas  16 . The remaining areas  18  are safety zones where points are neither added nor subtracted the importance of which, strategically, will become evident as the play is described following. There are three ways to end the game: Quick Death; Slow Death; or Agonizing Death, one of which must be selected before beginning the game. 
         [0040]    Positive points are earned by sticking a scoring dart  22  into any of the positive point target areas  14  varying in degree of difficulty to the number of points to be earned. Points are earned for each scoring dart  22 , even if more than one dart is stuck in a positive point target area  14 . For example, two scoring darts stuck in the positive point target area having a +3 point value will earn 6 points for that player or team. The same is true for all other positive point target areas  14 . However, differently colored scoring darts  22  of different individuals or teams stuck in the same positive point target area  14  negate the score for each set of opposing colored scoring darts  22  canceling the points earned for that round by the first individual or team. 
         [0041]    In the event more than one scoring dart  22  is stuck in the centrally located “bulls eye,” scoring is awarded differently. Each scoring dart  22  to stick in the bulls eye will increase the scoring by the point value of +5 such that two scoring darts  22  will result in a cumulative score of +10, three scoring darts  22  will result in a score of +15, etc. Differently colored scoring darts  22  do not cancel or negate the scoring in the bulls eye, but enhance the scoring, as the color of the scoring dart  22  does not matter. The total aggregate point value, e.g. three scoring darts  22 , will be awarded to the last player or team to stick the scoring dart  22  into the bulls eye. 
         [0042]    Any scoring dart  22  sticking in the negative point target area  16  will lose one point. Any scoring dart  22  sticking in the negative point target border area  17 , i.e., the penalty zone, results in the forfeiture of the remaining throws for that round for the player or team. If both players or teams stick a scoring dart in the penalty area  17 , the remaining throws for that round are forfeit. As above, if differently colored scoring darts  22  of different players or teams stick in the negative scoring area  16 , the result is the cancellation of the loss of the one point, as the darts will cancel each other. 
         [0043]    A player or team can earn bonus points for controlling a positive point target area  14  by sticking three or more darts in the same target. For example, a first player sticks three scoring darts  22  into a +3 point target without any scoring darts from the other player sticking in the same target. Scoring a controlled target counts each of the three scoring darts  22  in the +3 point area for 9 points increased by an additional bonus point for each dart such that the total score will be 12 points. The same scoring method will apply to other positive point target areas  14 , excepting the bulls eye, which has its own scoring method for multiple darts. 
         [0044]    Individuals or teams alternate throwing scoring darts  22 . At the start of the game the players each throw one dart with the dart sticking closest to the center of the scoring board  10 ,  110  resulting in that player electing to throw first or second. For each successive round the player with the higher number of points in the preceding round throws first. In the event of a tie in points earned in a round, the player who threw first in the tied round throws first in the next round. 
         [0045]    The score negating or killer dart  24  cancels, nullifies or “kills” all points, either positive or negative, in any point target areas  14 ,  16 . This does not apply to the penalty area  17  along the periphery or border area of the scoring boards  10 ,  100 . Any subsequent sticks by scoring darts  22  into any point target areas  14 ,  16  will not result in any point scores, either positive or negative. A killer dart  24  may be thrown at any time a player is permitted to throw a dart. The score negating or killer dart  24  can also cancel, or “kill,” another killer dart  24  in the same point target area  14 ,  16  with the point values returning as if no killer darts  24  were present. 
         [0046]    When any round is completed and one player or team has a total score of 21 or more points to 0 (or negative) points for the opposing player or team, the game is over with the player or team having the 21 or more points serving a “knock-out” punch against the opponent. A knock-out punch ending a game can occur at the end of any round, including several rounds into the game, where one player or team has 21 or more points and the other player or team has 0 or negative points. The knock-out punch ends the game. 
         [0047]    Another method to achieve instant victory is to stick a scoring dart  22  in each of the positive point target areas  14  without any killer dart  24  being present. This achievement automatically wins the game regardless of whether the round is completed. Further, any presence of an opponent&#39;s canceling scoring darts  22  in any of the point target areas  14  is of no effect. This is called a “sucker punch” and the game is over. 
         [0048]    Score is kept by locating and relocating scoring knobs  23  (or scoring caps  23   a ) on each of the scoring markers  20  corresponding to the scoring indicators  21  positioned around and along the border area  17  of the scoring boards  10 ,  110 . Each player or team has a scoring marker  23  of the same color as the scoring darts  22  for that player or team. At the end of each throwing round, points are calculated based upon the scoring dart(s)  22  sticking in the various positive and negative point target areas  14 ,  16  and any killer darts  24  being present in the same point target areas  14 ,  16 . The scoring knobs  23  are then repositioned onto the scoring markers  20  corresponding to the numerical score of each player or team. 
         [0049]    The throwing game is concluded according to the selected end game method. With the Quick Death option selected the last throwing round must be finished, with all scoring darts  22  and killer darts  24  thrown, and the player or team having 51 or more points wins the game. With the Slow Death option selected the last throwing round must also be finished, with all scoring darts  22  and killer darts  24  thrown. In the event that any player or team has achieved a total score between 47 and 50 points, the remaining rounds are played without the killer darts  24 . The winning player or team must score exactly 51 points, without exceeding that total, to win. If the Agonizing Death option is selected, the last throwing round must be finished, with all scoring darts  22  and killer darts  24  thrown. A player or team is prohibited from finishing a round with the score of 50, which will result in that player or team forfeiting the increase in score and returning to the score that player or team had at the beginning of the round. The winning player or team must score exactly 51 points, without exceeding that total, to win, and killer darts  24  are to be used until a winning score is achieved. 
         [0050]    Strategy is an important part of this throwing game. For example, if a player needs 3 points to reach the 51 points needed to win the game and accidentally sticks a scoring dart  22  in a point target area  14  having a value of +4 points, the player may throw for the negative one scoring target  16  and hope that the opponent does not cancel or kill some of the player&#39;s winning points. If a game results in a tie, one round of sudden death with the higher score winner winning the match. Darts are thrown to see who throws first in the sudden death round, with the player or team sticking a dart closest to the center of the scoring board  10 ,  110  going first. The player or team scoring the higher points in the sudden death round wins the game. 
       Second Dart Throwing Game—Match Point 
       [0051]    This throwing game is similar in some respects to the Powerhouse game, yet different in other respects. This game receives its name from the objective of the game; match your opponents scoring and the score remains even, fail to match the score and your opponent earns points. One different, but important, aspect of this game is to control the lead throw, i.e., retain the throwing lead for as many rounds as possible. The only way to score points is to be the lead thrower with the opponent failing to match the lead thrower&#39;s score. 
         [0052]    The lead throw is given to the first player starting the game. If the lead thrower does not stick a scoring dart  22  in a positive point target area  14 , or a killer dart  24  to cancel a positive point target area  14  for that round, the lead throw is automatically transferred to the opposing player. Since only the lead thrower can earn points, the player that maintains the position of lead thrower longer will control the outcome of the game. If the trailer (non-lead thrower) matches the lead thrower&#39;s scoring, no points are awarded to the lead thrower. If the trailer does not match the score by sticking a scoring dart in the same point target area  14 , the points earned remain with the lead thrower for the rest of the round. A positive point target area  14  can only be utilized once during a round to earn points. If the lead thrower sticks a dart,  22 ,  24  in the neutral or safety zone  18 , the lead thrower status transfers to the trailer. 
         [0053]    When the lead thrower sticks a scoring dart  22  in a positive point target area  14 , the lead thrower can continue to hit that target consecutively regardless of whether the trailer hits or misses that target. In the event the lead thrower sticks scoring darts  22  into the same positive point target area  14  three or more times, this earns one bonus point for each scoring dart above the point value for the target area  14 . The ability to earn bonus points will be negated if the trailer matches any of the lead thrower&#39;s scoring darts  22  in the same target area  14 . Once the lead thrower fails to stick a scoring dart  22  in the same target, or attempts to stick a scoring dart  22  in a different target, the earlier target  14  can no longer be used to earn points in that round. 
         [0054]    If a lead thrower fails to stick a scoring dart  22  or killer dart  24  in a positive point target  14 , the lead thrower status is given up to the opposing player. The same holds true if the lead thrower sticks a scoring dart  22  or killer dart  24  in a negative point target area  16 ; penalty area  17 , or neutral zone  18 , that player loses the lead thrower status to the opponent. If the dart stuck in the negative point target area  16 , then −1 points is assessed against the former lead thrower. 
         [0055]    The Match Point throwing game is played to 31 points, or the greater score over 31 points at the end of the round wins the game. Competing players alternate throws and continue throwing until all scoring darts  22 ,  24  are thrown ending a round. The player or team earning the lesser number of points at the end of the round throws first in the next round, becoming the lead thrower. To start the game, players throw a dart toward the center of the scoring board  10 ,  110  with the dart sticking closest to the center of the board, at the bulls eye, becomes the lead thrower and throws first to start the game. 
         [0056]    In this game, it is important to plan effectively to retain the status and turn of lead thrower as this player controls the game. Each positive point target  14  can only be used once during a round to earn points. When the lead thrower misses a target  14 , or sticks a dart in the negative point value target  16 , penalty area  17 , or neutral zone  18 , the lead thrower status changes to the former trailing thrower who becomes the lead thrower for the remainder of the round. If a dart  22 ,  24  does not stick in the board  10 ,  110 , then it is retrieved and thrown again. If the dart  22 ,  24  misses the board  10 ,  110  entirely, it is considered a throw into the periphery penalty area  17  and the player or team forfeits the remaining throws for that round. 
         [0057]    A significant difference in this game is the ability of the lead thrower to designate the bulls eye positive point target as a special target requiring throws toward this target only. If both players miss or fail to stick a scoring dart  22  or killer dart  24  in the bulls eye target  14 , then the lead thrower maintains the status. If the lead thrower misses or fails to stick a scoring dart  22  or killer dart  24  in the bulls eye target  14  and the trailing thrower does stick a dart in the bulls eye, the trailer claims the status of lead thrower and earns the 5 point value for the positive point target  14 . This call can only be made once per round. 
         [0058]    There also is the requirement that the single killer dart  24  for each player or team that must be thrown in a round. That dart  24  can either kill or negate all points in a positive point target  14 , or restore those points by killing the opposing player&#39;s killer dart  24  stuck in that target  14 . A killer dart  24  is the only dart permitted to be stuck into a previously utilized positive point target  14  once that target has been utilized in a round, but the player must be the lead thrower to be permitted to do so and will lose the lead thrower designation for the remainder of the throwing round. A killer dart  24  hitting a negative point target  16 , penalty area  17 , or neutral zone  18  also gives up the lead thrower status to the trailer. 
         [0059]    To summarize, if the lead thrower sticks a dart  22  in a positive point target  14  and trailer does not match the score immediately, the lead thrower is awarded the point value and remains the lead thrower. If the lead thrower sticks a dart  22  in a positive point target and the trailer matches the throw, no points are awarded or earned and the lead thrower remains the lead thrower. If the lead thrower continues to stick darts  22  in the same positive point target, points will be earned as long as the trailer does not match the throws. Any future scoring darts  22  hitting a previously utilized target that has been closed for future points thrown by either the lead or trailing thrower, those darts  22  are removed and placed in the holders for the next round. If the lead thrower hits a previously utilized target  14  the lead is given up to the trailer and the dart  22  is removed as above. Killer darts  24  can be thrown at any time and at any target  14 , regardless of whether previously utilized, but only by the lead thrower. The trailer must match the lead thrower&#39;s throws to the same target  14  at all times. Finally, the player or team earning the fewest points at the end of a round becomes the lead thrower for the next round. 
         [0060]    On example of a strategy that could be used is for a trailer, in matching the throw of the lead thrower, sticks a killer dart  24  into the already populated positive point target area  14  negating all of the scoring darts  22 . The lead thrower must then stick a killer dart  24  into the same positive point target area  14  to restore the points of the scoring darts  22 . 
         [0061]    There still exists the possibility of a knock-out punch if one player or team has compiled 21 or more points in a single round and the opposing player or team has 0 points or less, the game is over. The game can be played by individual opposing players or by opposing teams of two players. 
       Third Dart Throwing Game—Killer Pinochle 
       [0062]    The object of this game is for an individual player or team to pick a total point score to be earned in a round, declare the score and then stick the darts  22 ,  24  in the game board  10 ,  110  to achieve the score with the opposing player or team attempting to negate the scoring of the opposition. The game is played on the same board  10 ,  110  with the same number of darts  22 ,  24  per player or team, and the same positive, negative, penalty and neutral point targets  14 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 . As in the second dart throwing game, there is a lead and a trailing thrower. The lead thrower declares the number of points that player (or team) expects to earn in the round and must achieve that point total, or better, or does not earn any points for that round. In the event that the lead thrower fails to achieve the declared point score for the round, the trailer will earn points for the scoring darts  22  thrown in the round. 
         [0063]    The game is played to 51 points, or better, with the highest point count winning. The first lead thrower is determined by the player who sticks a dart  22  closest to the center of the bulls eye. This player then decides whether to make the first or second bid with the winning bidder becoming the lead thrower. The player sticking a dart closest to the center is considered to be the lead thrower and declares a point total to be earned for the round as a bid and the opposing player is considered the trailing thrower who must determine whether to outbid or pass. If a pass, the winning bidder becomes the lead thrower and begins the game. If the trailing thrower outbids the lead thrower, the status of lead thrower goes to the former trailing thrower and the game begins. 
         [0064]    Players alternate turns in each round with the lead thrower (highest bidder) throwing first until all darts  22 ,  24  are thrown. On subsequent rounds, the highest point scorer from the pervious round becomes the first bidder and the same bidding formula is followed with the winning bidder becoming the lead thrower. Points are earned by sticking darts  22  in any of the positive point targets  14 . Opposing darts  22  in the same positive point target  14  do not cancel each other in this game. All of the scoring darts  22  of either player or team in a target  14  count, unless one is killed by a killer dart  24 . The killer darts  24  can only kill a single scoring dart  22 . There are no penalties for sticking a dart in the peripheral area  17  or the neutral zone  18 . If a scoring dart  22  or killer dart  24  does not stick in the game board  10 ,  110 , or if a dart  22 ,  24  is thrown out of turn, the throw is repeated at the appropriate time and turn. One bonus point is awarded for each scoring dart  22  above three of the same player or team in a single positive point target  14  after any killer darts  24  cancel the point value of any appropriate opposing scoring darts  22 . A killer dart  24  cancels only a single opposing player or team scoring dart  22 , and not the entire positive scoring target  14 . Any dart  22 ,  24  sticking in a negative point target  16  will be scored −1 points for the player or team that threw the dart. However, a killer dart  24  thrown and stuck in a negative point target  16  in which there is a scoring dart  22  of the same thrower, the negative point value will be canceled for the scoring dart  22 . 
         [0065]    In summary, the lead throw is given to the highest bidder of declared points to be earned. However, if the lead thrower fails to achieve the declared point value, then the lead thrower&#39;s points are nullified and the trailing thrower&#39;s points are counted. On the other hand, if the lead thrower achieves or surpasses the declared point value, then the lead thrower&#39;s points are counted and the trailing thrower&#39;s points are nullified. All scoring darts  22  stuck in positive or negative point targets  14 ,  16  are counted, unless negated by a killer dart  24  canceling only a single scoring dart  22  of an opponent as explained above. A killer dart  24  of one player if stuck in the same target  14 ,  16  as the killer dart  24  of the opposing player, negates the other killer dart  24  and returns the point value for any scoring darts  22  in that target as shown on the board  10 ,  110 . Opposing player or team scoring darts  22  stuck in the same target  14 ,  16  do not cancel each other, all are scored at the value of the target. 
       Fourth Dart Throwing Game—Rotation 
       [0066]    This game involves the alternating throw of scoring darts  22  by each player or team to stick in the lowest value positive point target  14  first and progress through each higher value target  14  ending with the highest value positive point target  14 , the bulls eye. The alternating throws are accomplished by the first player or team throwing all of their darts followed n by the second player or team throwing all of their darts in the appropriate sequence as set out above. To earn bonus points, each player or team that can stick scoring darts  22  in five ascending value positive point targets  14  and have one or more darts  22 ,  24  remaining, if those remaining darts  22 ,  24  can be stuck in any positive point target  14 , in addition to the “rotation” dart  22 , a bonus of 5 points is added, as well as the value of the target  14 . In this game the killer dart  24  is considered to be the same as a scoring dart  22 . The game is played on the same game board  10 ,  110  and with the same darts  22 ,  24  as the other games. 
         [0067]    Scoring is counted to 51 points with the winner achieving the highest point score. Points are earned for striking the positive point targets  14  in ascending order only. If one target  14  is hit out of order, then the dart  22 ,  24  is not counted until the lower value targets all contain scoring darts  22 ,  24  of that player or team. All of the darts  22 ,  24  are scoring darts, there are no penalty zones, but the negative point target  16  remains a −1 point value. Each player must throw all eight darts  22 ,  24  and all darts  22 ,  24  stuck in the game board  10 ,  110  count as none of the darts  22 ,  24  cancel the point value of any other darts. Bonus points can be earned for any darts  22 ,  24  sticking in any positive point target  14  once all positive point targets  14  contain at least one dart of the same player or team. 
       Fifth Dart Throwing Game—Kut-Throat 
       [0068]    Another variation of a dart throwing game involves three individual players or teams. The same rules apply as in the Powerhouse game except only two different color scoring darts  22  are allowed in any positive or negative point target  14 ,  16  at one time. If a third color dart  22  sticks in any positive or negative point target  14 ,  16  already occupied by two different color darts  22 , the third color dart  22  is removed and considered a forfeited throw. The positive point targets  14  included in this game vary in value from one to four points. The bulls-eye can receive all color darts  22  and points accumulate in the same way, i.e., 5-10-15-20, etc. If one score negating or killer dart  24  sticks in the bulls-eye  14 , it cancels all points for all other scoring darts  22  stuck in the bulls-eye  14 . If a second score negating dart  24  of a different color (player/team) sticks in the bulls-eye  14 , it restores the points already in the bulls-eye  14 . A third score negating or killer dart  24  will re-cancel all points in the bulls-eye  14 . The negative point target  16  accepts all color scoring darts  22 . Any scoring dart  22  that sticks in the penalty area  17  results in the forfeiting of all remaining throws of all darts  22 ,  24  for that round for that player or team. The game is played until the first player or team reaches fifty-one points. The highest score over fifty-one at the end of a round wins. If a tie results a sudden death round is played to determine the winner. There is no “sucker punch” or “knock-out” point awards for this dart throwing game 
         [0069]    The throwing games described above are only some examples of the throwing games that could be played with the game apparatus. Other games can be conceived and played with the game apparatus having different scoring methods and alternative methods of play. Thus, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein.