1001 Battle

Be the first player or team to reduce a starting score of exactly 1001 to exactly zero, with the final dart landing in a double segment (the outer narrow ring) or the inner bullseye. As the longest standard 01 variant, 1001 Battle is a true endurance test that demands sustained scoring consistency, mental stamina, and sharp checkout planning over a significantly longer leg than the more common 501 format.

Each player or team begins with a score of 1001. A standard bristle dartboard and a set of three darts per player are required. The scoreboard should clearly display 1001 for each competing side.

1001 Battle is typically played between 2 teams of 2–4 players each, though it may also be played as a straight 1v1 match. In team play, teammates alternate who throws each turn — for example, in a two-person team, Player A throws in round 1, Player B throws in round 2, Player A again in round 3, and so on.

To determine throwing order, each side nominates one player to throw a single dart at the bullseye; the side whose dart lands closest throws first. Before play begins, all participants should agree on whether the game uses straight-in (any dart scores from the first throw) or the optional double-in rule (a double must be hit before any scoring begins).

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. After each visit, the total of the three darts is subtracted from that player's (or team's) remaining score. Play alternates between the two sides. In team formats, teammates rotate throwing duties within their own side on each successive turn.

• Single segment = face value (1–20)
• Double ring (outer narrow band) = 2× face value
• Triple ring (inner narrow band) = 3× face value
• Outer bullseye (25 ring) = 25
• Inner bullseye = 50 (counts as a double for checkout purposes)

Bust rule: If a player's remaining score goes below zero, reaches exactly 1 (since no double can leave zero from 1), or reaches zero without the final dart landing in a double, the entire turn is void. The score reverts to what it was at the start of that turn, and any remaining darts in the visit are forfeited — the turn ends immediately upon the bust.

For example, if a team's remaining score is 40 and the first dart is a single 20 (leaving 20), the second dart can finish the leg with double 10. However, if the first dart is a triple 20 (60), the score would drop to –20, which is a bust. The score resets to 40 and the turn is over, even though two darts remain unthrown.

Optional double-in: If playing with the double-in rule, no darts count toward reducing the score until a player lands a dart in a double segment or the inner bullseye. Once a double-in is achieved, that dart and any remaining darts in the visit score normally. For instance, if the first dart misses the doubles ring and lands in single 5, it does not count; if the second dart hits double 18 (36), scoring begins with that 36, and the third dart also counts.

Standard dartboard point values apply throughout the game:

• Single: 1–20 points (face value of the segment)
• Double: 2–40 points (2× the segment number)
• Triple: 3–60 points (3× the segment number)
• Outer bull: 25 points
• Inner bull (bullseye): 50 points (counts as a double for both double-in and checkout purposes)

All points scored are subtracted from the running total, starting at 1001. The maximum score per visit (three darts) is 180 — three triple-20s. For example, if a team's score stands at 821 and a player hits triple 20, triple 20, and triple 19 (60 + 60 + 57 = 177), the new remaining score is 644.

Because the starting total of 1001 is an odd number, at least one dart during the leg must hit an odd-value single or the outer bull (25) to bring the remaining score to an even number suitable for a double checkout — an important strategic consideration when planning the path to zero.

The first player or team to reach exactly zero wins the leg. The final dart must land in a double segment or the inner bullseye. No other finish is valid under standard rules.

In match play, sides may compete over multiple legs — for example, best of 3 or best of 5 legs. The side that wins the required number of legs first takes the match. If playing with the optional master-out rule, the final dart may land in either a double or a triple, increasing the range of valid checkout combinations.

Double-in / Double-out: The traditional league format in which a player must hit a double to begin scoring and must hit a double to finish. This adds an additional layer of difficulty at the start of what is already a lengthy leg and is common in British league team play.

Master-out: The final dart may land in either a double or a triple segment (but not a single). This opens up more checkout paths — for example, a remaining score of 57 could be finished with a single triple 19, which is not a valid finish under standard double-out rules.

Straight-out (casual): No double is required to finish. The leg ends as soon as the score reaches exactly zero by any means. This variant is suited to social or practice settings where the focus is on scoring endurance rather than checkout precision.

Scaled starting totals for team size: Some leagues scale the starting score to the number of players per team — for instance, 501 for singles, 701 for pairs, and 1001 for teams of three or four. The same 01 rules apply regardless of starting total.

Prioritize consistency over fireworks: With 1001 points to reduce, the leg will last many more visits than a standard 501. Reliable visits of 60–80 points (e.g., three single 20s for 60) accumulate faster and more safely than risky attempts at 180 that scatter into low-value segments. Steady scoring wins the marathon.

Manage the odd total early: Because 1001 is an odd number, you must hit at least one odd-value single or the outer bull (25) at some point to reach an even number for a double checkout. Plan to do this early — for example, switching to 19s for a visit — so you are not forced into awkward arithmetic late in the leg.

Build team roles around strengths: In team play, pair a high-average scorer with a reliable finisher. Let the scorer handle the bulk of the reduction phase, and — because teammates alternate turns — try to arrange the rotation so your strongest checkout player is throwing when the score enters finishing range.

Learn multiple checkout paths: The extended length of 1001 Battle means you will reach checkout range more gradually and may arrive at unfamiliar numbers. Study checkouts from 170 down, and know alternatives: if you prefer double 16 but leave an odd number, switching to double 15 (via single 1) or double 7 keeps you flexible.

Stay mentally disciplined in the middle phase: The hardest part of 1001 is the long stretch between roughly 800 and 200, where the game can feel repetitive. Set intermediate mental targets — for example, aim to be below 500 within a set number of visits. Breaking the leg into smaller goals combats concentration drift and keeps your focus sharp for the closing stages.