Darts is easy to learn and hard to master. The most popular game is 501, and almost everyone starts with its rules. In a few minutes you'll read how a game works, how to count your points and what you need to know about finishing and 'bust'.
The goal of 501
Every player starts with 501 points. You take turns throwing three darts and subtract your score from your remaining points each time. The first to reach exactly zero wins the leg. The last dart must always land in a double or the bullseye. This is called double-out.
How to count your points
- Single area: the number itself, for example 20 points.
- Double ring (the thin outer ring): twice the number. Double 20 is 40.
- Triple ring (the thin inner ring): three times the number. Triple 20 is 60.
- Outer bull (green): 25 points.
- Bullseye (red): 50 points and counts as a double.
The maximum with three darts is 180: three times triple 20. The dart has to stay in the board. A dart that bounces out or falls out doesn't count.
Bust: you threw too much
You go 'bust' if your score after a throw is below zero, is left on exactly 1 (you can't finish on 1 with a double), or reaches zero without a double. Your turn is then void and your score goes back to what you had at the start of that turn.
Finishing (checkout)
The highest score you can finish with three darts is 170: triple 20, triple 20 and bullseye. Some scores can't be finished with three darts, namely 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159. For beginners a few simple rules of thumb apply: try to finish on an even number up to 40, and if you have an odd remainder, first throw a single dart to get to an even number. For 32 you want double 16, for 40 double 20.
Who starts?
Before the first leg, each player throws one dart at the bull. Whoever gets closest to the centre starts. In each following leg the starting player alternates.
Distance and height
The measurements are fixed, so you play the same way everywhere. The centre of the bull hangs at 1.73 m above the floor. For steel tip, the throwing line (oche) is 2.37 m horizontally from the board. The diagonal distance from the bull to the oche is then 2.93 m. For soft tip on an electronic board, the horizontal distance is 2.44 m. You can read how to mount a board at the right height in how to hang a dartboard correctly. If you're still choosing a board, take a look at our dartboards.
Etiquette at the board
- Wait until your opponent has finished and stand behind the player, not next to them.
- Only take your darts out of the board once both players have finished.
- Stay calm and keep quiet while someone is throwing.
- Don't step over the oche.
What equipment do you need?
For a first game you need a board, a set of darts and a throwing line. A good start is steel tip darts of 22 to 24 grams for a sisal board or soft tip darts for an electronic board. Want to know which darts suit beginners best? Then read which darts to choose as a beginner.