So my friends and I finally got our hands on Target, and let me tell you, this was not another one of those “lost dice under the couch” nights. This is my review, where I’ll spill the beans about everything from skill and luck, to how many pals you really need to make this game a blast. If you want the juicy details (and maybe a laugh or two about me trying to explain the rules while my cat sat on the board), you’re in the right place. Let’s see if Target actually hit the mark, or just bounced off the table—literally.
How It Plays
Setting Up
First, toss out the Target board on a flat table. Hand out the darts (or those plastic discs, depending on your version). Everyone grabs a seat where they can easily reach the board. Make sure your dog isn’t underfoot. Put the score pad and pencil nearby, unless you’re playing with people who think math is optional.
Gameplay
On your turn, you toss your dart or throw your disc onto the board. The goal is to hit the highest-scoring spot without flying off and nailing your cousin in the face. Each player takes turns. Write down scores after every round unless you enjoy arguments. Repeat until everyone’s arms are tired or snacks run out.
Winning the Game
When all rounds are done, add up the scores. Whoever has the most points wins bragging rights and possibly gets the last cookie. If there’s a tie, either share the cookie or just play again for ultimate glory. Simple, quick, and you won’t need a degree to figure it out!
Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Target.
How to Play Target: Simple Rules, Big Laughs
Alright, if you’re like me and your group needs clear rules and a straightforward setup, then Target is going to fit the bill. The first thing you do is lay out the board: it has a big, bold bullseye in the middle, which is not just for show. Everyone grabs their colored set of discs—think of them as little plastic dreams you’re about to toss with wild hope.
To start, players take turns flicking or tossing their discs from a set distance. The goal is obvious: get your discs as close as possible to the bullseye. If you’ve got a competitive family, expect a lot of squinting and muttering (and maybe some arguing over what counts as “in”). If your disc touches the center, you get the most points. Land on the outer rings, and you snag fewer points. Knock someone else’s disc away and you’ll probably hear about it for the rest of the game night. The thrill here is real. Once every player has thrown all discs, you tally the points and—cue dramatic drumroll—the winner is crowned.
There are a few house rule options too, like sudden death, team play, or even backwards tossing (don’t laugh, it’s harder than it sounds). Target doesn’t hide behind fancy gimmicks; its glory comes from classic, easy-to-learn fun.
Next up, I’ll share my thoughts on how much skill versus blind luck you need in Target—let’s just say the answer might make or break your friendship.
Is Target a Game of Skill or Are You at the Mercy of the Dice?
Alright, let’s get real about Target and the eternal struggle between skill and luck. Is your win based on superior tactics, or could a hamster randomly slapping the dice come out ahead of you?
First up, there are moments when skill shines. Planning your shots, reading the board, and using a cool hand matter—especially as you start hitting targets that sit in awkward places. Every player at my table started getting cleverer at bank shots and defensive moves after a few rounds. I tried to block my friend Dave, but he somehow ricocheted the disk right into the most valuable target. (He celebrated so much that my cat left the room in disgust.)
But, let’s not kid ourselves. Sometimes, you line up the perfect shot, flick your disk… and the thing bounces off at a wild angle, knocking your chance of victory into the next postcode. Target has a decent dose of randomness, especially with the unpredictable way pieces sometimes move. There’s skill, sure, but luck can and will laugh in your face.
If you hate games where randomness can sink your clever plans, Target might grind your gears. It’s not as bad as pure dice-fests, but it’s no chess either. Still, most of the time, skillful play feels rewarded. Just don’t bet your lunch money on it every round.
Next time, I’ll share why Target can go from “haha fun” to “oh no what have we done” depending on your group size—stay tuned!
How Much Fun is Target With Different Group Sizes?
I have played Target with all sorts of groups—my competitive cousins, chatty coworkers, and that one friend who’s suspiciously good at any game involving throwing things. Let me tell you, the experience changes faster than my mood when I land a bullseye!
With just two players, Target turns into a tense battle of wills. Every flick counts and trash talk multiplies. The action goes back and forth, quick and sharp. This works great if you want a short, punchy game. You’ll notice every little mistake, though, so thick skin helps.
In a group of four, Target gets louder and way more entertaining. Turns come around pretty fast, but not so fast that you can’t heckle your friends for that wild miss. This is the sweet spot for laughs and some friendly chaos. If anyone shows up late, it’s easy to slot them in for the next round. Plus, you get to gloat in front of more witnesses when you win (always a bonus for me).
With five or more, Target can drag a bit between turns, especially if you have a couple of slow pokes or chatty Cathys. The game turns into a social hangout with random flinging for points. Which is great—if you’re not in a hurry and you like group giggles more than tense showdowns. The game still works, but expect less focus and more background laughter.
If you think the fun stops at gameplay, wait until you see what I say about Target’s component quality and visual appeal—spoiler alert, there are surprises!
Component Quality and Visual Appeal: Does Target Hit the Bullseye?
You don’t have to be a game collector to care about the look and feel of your games, but you should be. Let’s talk about Target. The version I played came straight from my buddy Pete’s attic, and I swear, the box art looked like it was drawn by a caffeinated raccoon. But hey, at least it stood out on the table!
The physical components of Target are solid. The darts (or discs, or whatever your version calls them) have a nice heft, and they don’t feel cheap. We played a few rounds, and I only managed to break one dart—don’t ask how, I have a strong throwing arm and zero self-control. The board itself is sturdy too, and after several heated games, it didn’t warp, bend, or sprout weird stains (looking at you, Monopoly Junior).
Visually, Target isn’t the Mona Lisa of the board game world, but it’s bright, clear, and easy to read. The colors pop and you can spot your score from across the room—useful when you don’t want to get up to confirm you’re losing. Some might call the style a bit old-school, but it has a certain nostalgic charm. I wish there was just a little more razzle dazzle, but hey, it does the job.
Would I recommend Target based on components and visuals alone? Yep! Unless you’re allergic to primary colours or allergic to fun, you’ll find it a good fit for your table.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap for my Target board game review! Look, Target is a real blast when you’re looking for simple fun, especially if you have a decent aim and a forgiving group of friends. The rules are easy, the parts feel sturdy, and you don’t need a brain the size of a watermelon to play. Sure, the luck can be a pain—sometimes your carefully planned shot will end up somewhere in the neighbor’s soup. But for casual nights, it’s hard to beat. Just don’t expect super deep strategy or to settle old family rivalries forever. I give Target a solid 3 out of 5 stars. If you love games that’ll make you laugh and groan (sometimes at the same time), give it a shot—literally!
