How to Run a Ranking Series

If you want to build long-term excitement and keep players coming back week after week, a ranking series is one of the best formats you can run. Instead of a one-off tournament, you create a series of events played over several weeks. Players earn points each time they play, with the best performers topping the Ranking table or qualifying for a finals night.

What Is a Ranking Series?

A ranking series is a series of events over a set number of weeks. Players take part in weekly tournaments, earning points along the way. The more often they play, the more chances they have to climb the Order of Merit (OOM) table.

This format:

  • Keeps players engaged for longer.
  • Encourages repeat participation.
  • Builds a community as players track their progress over the series.

Secure a Venue

Choose a venue with enough boards to handle your expected turnout. Whether it’s a pub with 2–3 boards or a larger hall with 8+, make sure you can comfortably host multiple games at once.

Agree Match Nights & Format

Set a consistent night each week (e.g. every Thursday) so players know when to show up. Then decide on the format:

  • Straight Knockout for simplicity.
  • Round Robin for more guaranteed games.
  • Or even a mix of both (alternate formats add some variety to your series)

For match length, most organisers stick with best of 3 or 5 legs, often dependant on time and numbers etc.

Decide on a Points System

The points system is the backbone of a ranking series. Here are two popular options:

1 Point Per Round

  • Groups = 1
  • Last 32 = 2
  • Last 16 = 3
  • Quarter-finals = 4… etc

This creates a tight table, with many players in contention until the end. It rewards consistency across multiple events.

Option 2: Double Points Each Round

  • Groups = 1
  • Last 32 = 2
  • Last 16 = 4
  • Quarter-finals = 8
  • Semi-finals = 16….etc

This system rewards deeper runs and makes winning events more valuable. It encourages players to raise their game as the series goes on.

Create & Advertise the Events

Once the structure is agreed, lock in your event dates and promote them:

  • Use social media to spread the word.
  • Share posters and flyers in pubs and venues.
  • Be clear about how many weeks the series lasts and how the points system works.

The more transparent you are, the more players will commit to playing the full series.

Run the Events

Each week, run the tournament as normal (see our guide: How to Run a Tournament). Players earn points based on performance, and the results are fed into the Order of Merit.

Digital platforms can make this much easier by automating points and tables, but it can also be done with pen and paper if needed.

Keep the Table Updated

At the end of each event, update and share the Order of Merit. Post it online, pin it up at the venue and remind players where they stand. This adds excitement and keeps players motivated to turn up for the next event.

Finals Night

When the series is complete, it’s time to crown a champion:

  • Either award the win to the Order of Merit leader.
  • Or host a finals night, where top-ranked players battle it out for the ultimate prize in a winner takes all finale. These often include a seeding in the draw based on players position in the OOM at the end of the series

This finale is a brilliant way to wrap up the series and create a buzz for the next one.

Final Thoughts

A ranking series adds structure, drama and long-term excitement to darts at any level. With clear rules, a fair points system and consistent promotion, you can build a thriving darts community that keeps players coming back week after week.