501

Be the first player to reduce your score from exactly 501 to exactly zero, with the final dart landing in a double segment (the outer narrow ring) or the inner bullseye.

Each player starts with a score of 501. Decide who throws first — typically by each player throwing one dart at the bullseye (closest goes first). The scoreboard should show 501 for each player.

Standard rules require a double-in in some leagues (your first scoring dart must land in a double), though most modern competition formats use straight-in (any dart counts from the first throw). Always clarify before play begins.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. After each throw, the total score of the three darts is subtracted from the player's remaining score.

• Single segment = face value (1–20)
• Double ring (outer narrow) = 2× face value
• Triple ring (inner narrow) = 3× face value
• Outer bullseye (25 ring) = 25
• Inner bullseye = 50

Bust rule: If a player's remaining score goes below zero, or reaches exactly 1 (since you cannot finish on a double with 1), or reaches zero without the final dart being a double, the entire turn is void. The score reverts to what it was before that turn began.

For example, if you have 32 remaining and throw a single 16 (leaving 16), then a double 8 — that's a valid checkout. But if you throw triple 20 (60) when you have 50 remaining, you've busted and your score resets to 50.

Standard dartboard point values apply:

• Single: 1–20 points
• Double: 2–40 points (2× the segment number)
• Triple: 3–60 points (3× the segment number)
• Outer bull: 25 points
• Inner bull: 50 points (counts as a double for checkout purposes)

The maximum score per visit (three darts) is 180 — three triple-20s. This is the most celebrated score in professional darts.

The first player to reach exactly zero wins the leg. The final dart must land in a double segment or the inner bullseye. In match play, players compete over multiple legs (e.g., best of 5 legs) and sometimes multiple sets (e.g., best of 5 sets, each set being best of 5 legs).

Professional matches use the PDC format: first to a set number of sets, with each set being first to 3 legs.

Double-in/Double-out: The traditional format where your first scoring dart and your last dart must both be doubles. Common in British league play.

Straight-in/Double-out: The modern professional standard (PDC, WDF). Any dart scores from the first throw, but you must still finish on a double.

Masters out: The final dart must be a double or triple (not just a double). Adds more checkout combinations.

Shorter formats: 301, 701, 901, 1001, and 1501 all use the same rules with different starting scores.

Learn your checkouts: Memorize common checkout paths from 170 down to 2. Knowing the optimal route to finish is the single biggest competitive advantage in 501.

Aim for treble 20: The maximum three-dart score (180) comes from three triple-20s. Even hitting single 20s (60 per visit) is a strong scoring rate for club players.

Set up your finish: As you approach checkout range (170 or below), plan your darts to leave a preferred double. Most professionals favor double 16 (because missing inside leaves single 16, which sets up double 8).

Don't neglect doubles practice: The difference between amateur and professional players is largely doubles accuracy. Dedicate at least 30% of practice time to doubles finishing.