How to Run a Singles League

A singles league is a brilliant way to keep players engaged over a longer period of time. Instead of a one-off tournament, players commit to a series of matches across several weeks or months, building rivalries, friendships and plenty of competitive darts.

What Is a Singles League?

In simple terms, a singles league is any number of players, playing each other across a set schedule. It usually:

  • Runs over weeks or months rather than a single night.
  • Features a longer match format (best of 13 or 15, for example).
  • It can be multi-divisional, with players grouped by ability or randomly drawn to begin with.
  • Can include promotion and relegation to keep things competitive and add an extra edge.

This structure means every game matters and the league evolves season by season as players move divisions.

Secure a Venue

The first practical step is securing a venue with enough boards and space to host multiple matches on the same night. For example:

  • A pub with 2–3 boards might run one or two divisions.
  • A larger venue with 6+ boards could host dozens of players across multiple divisions.

Agree Match Nights & Format

Consistency is key. Pick a regular night (e.g. every Tuesday evening) and agree on timings so players can plan ahead. Then decide on the playing format:

  • Best of X – how many legs per match?
  • 3pts for a win or every leg equals a point?
  • Divisions – how many players per division?
  • Once or twice? – will players play each opponent once (shorter league) or twice (home and away style)?

Sort the Fixtures

Once you know the structure, create the fixture list. This ensures players know exactly who they’re playing each week.

  • Fixtures can be drawn up manually.
  • Digital platforms can automate scheduling and fixture sharing, saving you a lot of time.

Keep the League Engaging

A league can run for 8–16 weeks, so it’s good to add extra interest along the way. For example:

  • Midway Knockout Tournament – pause the league halfway through and run a KO event. It breaks things up and gives players a chance at extra silverware.
  • Promotion & Relegation – at the end of the season, move the top players up and the bottom players down. Over time, this creates divisions filled with players of similar ability, making the league more competitive.

Update & Share Results

After each round of matches, update the league table so players can see where they stand. This could be:

  • A simple chalkboard or paper sheet pinned up at the venue
  • Spreadsheets are a good way to handle the updates & tables
  • Some digital platforms offer automated updates to the Ranking Tables.

Sharing progress along the way keeps players motivated and encourages spectators to follow along too.

Crown the Champions

At the end of the season, tally up the results, crown your champions and celebrate properly. Many leagues end with a presentation evening, which is also a great chance to boost bar and food sales for the venue.

Real-World Example

One organiser ran a league with 48 players, split into 4 divisions of 12. The venue boasts 8 dartboards to accommodate this amount of players. The league lasted 12 weeks, with each player playing one game a week.

  • On Week 6, they paused for a KO tournament.
  • On Week 13, they held a presentation evening.
  • The bottom 3 in each division were relegated and the top 3 were promoted ahead of the next season

Over time, the divisions became more competitive, as players settled into groups with others at a similar level, keeping the league fresh and fair.

Final Thoughts

Running a singles league takes more planning than a one-off tournament, but the payoff is huge: regular darts, loyal players and a thriving community. Whether it’s 12 players in a local pub or 48 players across multiple divisions, a well-structured league keeps people coming back week after week.