How to Play 501 Darts: Rules, Scoring and Checkouts

How to play 501 darts: each player or team starts at 501 points and takes turns throwing three darts, subtracting what they score. The first to reach exactly zero wins the leg, and the final dart must land in a double (or the bullseye). Go below zero, or leave yourself on 1, and the turn is a "bust": your score goes back to what it was before that turn.

Below we cover setup, scoring, finishing on a double and the terms you will hear on league night. Shop league jerseys in our dart league shirts collection.

How to play 501 darts: the basic rules

1. Decide who throws first. Flip a coin or throw one dart each at the bull ("cork" or "diddle"); closest to the bull starts.
2. Throw three darts per turn and subtract the total from your score.
3. Players or teams alternate turns. In team play, players rotate after each turn.
4. Finish on a double. The last dart must hit a double or the bullseye and take you to exactly zero.

A dart equipment shop explains the cork rule this way: "If one player hits the bullseye and the other misses, the player who hit the bullseye would throw first" (Shot Darts: Mastering 501 Dart Rules).

How does scoring work in 501?

Each number on the board scores its value. The thin outer ring doubles it and the thin inner ring triples it ("treble"). The outer bull is 25 and the inner bull is 50.

That is why most players aim at treble 20, not the bull: 60 beats 50. Three treble 20s make 180, the highest score possible in one turn.

How do you win 501 in darts?

You win a leg by reaching exactly zero with a double. For example, with 40 left you need double 20; with 32 left, double 16. A match is usually a set number of legs, such as best of 5 or best of 7. Some leagues also play "double in", meaning your score does not start counting until you hit a double. Check your league's rules.

What is a bust in darts?

A bust happens when a dart takes you below zero, leaves you on exactly 1 (which you cannot finish with a double) or reaches zero without a double. The turn ends at once and your score goes back to what it was at the start of that turn.

Why is darts 501 and not 500?

There is no single agreed answer. Many players see 501 simply as the tradition that stuck: it makes a leg long enough to reward steady scoring while still finishing in a handful of turns. Shorter games such as 301 are also common in casual and league play.

What is a perfect game of 501?

A "nine-darter" is the fewest darts possible: 501 in nine darts, for example 180, 180 and then 141 finished on a double (treble 20, treble 19, double 12). It is rare even among top players.

501 darts terms you will hear on league night

• Leg: one game from 501 to zero.
• Checkout or out: the darts that finish the leg.
• Ton: a score of 100 or more in one turn; "ton-80" is 180.
• Bed: a single section of a number, such as the treble 20 bed.

New to league play? Read how a dart league works, try cricket darts, or pick a name from our darts nickname ideas.

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FAQ

What are the rules for 501 darts?

Start at 501, throw three darts per turn, subtract your score and finish on exactly zero with a double or the bullseye.

How do you win 501 in darts?

Be the first to reach exactly zero with a double. Most matches are best of a set number of legs.

What happens if you go below zero in 501?

It is a bust: the turn ends and your score returns to what it was before that turn.

Can you finish 501 on the bullseye?

Yes. The inner bull (50) counts as a double, so it can finish a leg from 50.