501 Darts Rules: How to Play 501 / 301

Objective

Each player starts on 501 (or 301 for a shorter game) and subtracts the total of every three-dart visit.

The first player to reach exactly zero wins the leg.

Double out

The winning dart must land in a double (the outer ring) or the bullseye, which counts as double 25.

Example: on 32, you finish by hitting double 16.

Bust

If a visit would take you below zero, to exactly 1, or to zero without a double, it is a bust.

Your score goes back to what it was at the start of that visit, and play passes on.

Legs and sets

One game from 501 to zero is a leg. Matches are usually "best of" a number of legs, such as first to 2 legs in a best of 3.

Players take turns throwing first in each leg.

Tips

Aim for the treble 20 (60) or the treble 19 for consistent scoring.

From 170 down, use a checkout chart to plan your finish. 170 is the highest finish: T20, T20, Bull.

Need a finish? See the full darts checkout chart.

More darts games

See all darts game rules →