If you have ever watched a professional darts match on TV, chances are they were playing a game of 501 darts. It is the most common dart game played around the world a will likely be the first game you come across when learning how to play darts.
Of all the games that can be played with darts, 501 is the most popular. You will find it being played in every home, pub, league, and any establishment with organized play.
You will need to learn it well. But that’s ok because it is a fun and easy game to play one-on-one, with teams, or even just alone.
In this guide, we will discuss the basic rules of the game in detail and cover some tips and strategies that will help beginners.
Before we jump in, it is important to note that just about every dart game does have variations. These 501 darts rules outline the most popular forms you will find being played.
What Are the Rules For 501 Darts?
To play 501 darts the rules are simple, both players or teams start with a score of 501 points. Each player then takes alternating turns at throwing their darts at the dartboard. The points scored are removed from the total, and then the opposing player/team does the same. The first to reach zero wins the game.
However, before you can start subtracting from your score, you must double-in, and to complete the game you must double-out (both will be explained below). This adds a bit more skill to the game as well as strategy when it comes to planning a finish.
Usually, a coin is tossed to determine the starting order. Alternatively, you can each throw a dart at the board and whoever has the closest dart to the bullseye starts first.
Doubling in
Before you can start scoring, you have to first land a dart in one of the double sections around the outer ring of the board. This is called “doubling in.”
Any dart you throw before you double-in does not count towards your progress. You can also double-in on the bullseye as this spot is considered to be a double as well.
When doubling in, the double 20 or the bullseye are the two most desirable targets as they are worth the most points (40 and 50). If you are playing with teams, only one member of your team needs to double-in.
Once a player on the team has doubled-in, scoring begins. That dart and all following darts from all players on the team count to reduce the score.
Getting Your Score Down in 501
Once you have doubled-in, the object is to score as many points per round as possible. This is generally done by shooting for the triple 20 as it is the highest-scoring target on the dartboard.
Three darts in the triple 20 scores you 180 points, which is the highest that can be obtained in one round. There are sometimes when you may want to shoot your dart for another target.
If one of your darts is blocking the triple 20, you may want to aim for the triple 19 instead, for a cleaner shot. You may also start shooting for other targets when your score is getting low enough to finish, and you want to set up your double-out.
How Do You Win 501 Darts?
To win the game, you have to double-out the same way you doubled-in. Doubling-out, however, can be a bit trickier.
When doubling-in, you are free to hit any double target on the board to get things started. When doubling out, you need to hit a double that will land you precisely on zero points to win the game.
It is essential that you do not hit more points than what you have remaining, this will result in a bust, and your turn will be over. The center bull is the highest target you can double-out on, being worth 50 points. After that would be the double 20 with is worth 40 points.
Scoring 501 Darts
One person is usually assigned to do the scoring in 501 darts. This person is known as the marker or Chalker. The scoreboard will be divided with a line down that middle and each team’s score will be calculated on their respective side.
After 3 darts have been thrown, the marker will add up the total of the darts on the board and deduct it from the running total on the chalkboard.
The marker should keep full attention and they should know how to how to play darts well. Besides scoring the darts, it is their job to know everything that is happening in the game, including knowing what number has been hit, how much is left, and keeping track of whose turn it is.
501 Darts Variations
There are a few slight rule variations to the basic game that may be different depending on where and with who you are playing.
The most popular variation to the rules is the option to double-in. In a professional darts game, you do not need to double-in before you start subtracting from your score.
This is done to speed up the pace and action of the game. If you watch darts on TV, you will notice each round starts with the players immediately scoring as many points as possible.
If you have uneven teams, it is standard practice to play with a dummy (fake) player into the game’s rotation. This dummy player would have a predetermined fixed score each round dependent on the skill levels of the other players and that score will be deducted from the running total when it is the dummies “turn.”
501 Darts Tips
For newer players, doubling in on the sides is recommended (11 or 6) If you overthrow or your dart drops, there is a good chance it will hit the double directly above or below.
If you are entirely new to darts and having a hard time hitting anything you aim for, try going for the triple 14. 11, 9, 12, 8 are all around here and can add up much quicker than landing 3 darts in the 1 while aiming for the 20.
When you are getting ready to double-out, it’s always good to plan ahead. 32 is the magic number. If you single 16, you are left with double 8 which is right next door. Hit the single 8 and you have double 4 left and so on, right down to double 1. Of course, this strategy is not always required. A different option would be double 20, 10, 5.
If you need to double-out and are stuck on an odd number aim for the bottom of the board (7, 19, 3, 17). As long as you don’t bust, this should bring you back to an even number.
Volunteer to do the scoring. Basic mathematics will give you a good jump start on the game. As you get better, you learn the standard checkouts. Planning ahead and setting up your darts starts to change the way you play the game.
Official 501 Darts Rule Books
If you are looking for a full list of 501 darts rules that apply to professional darts, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) uses the Darts Regulation Authority Rule Book as a guide.
I should warn you though, the rules outlined there cover every little detail of the game and it may be more information than you are looking for.
Still, it can be an interesting read for fans of the sport. Here are some interesting highlights I pulled:
From section 5.2 (Rules regarding Throwing) 5.2.2: All darts must be deliberately thrown in an over arm fashion, one at a time, by and from the Player’s hand.
Section 5.17 (Rules regarding Playing Attire) 5.17.1: Players are not permitted to wear jeans: neither shall they wear trousers or skirts made with denim or corduroy material which have been fashioned in a “jeans style”.
Section 5.18 (Rules regarding Alcohol) 5.18.1: No alcoholic drinks shall be consumed or taken outside the designated practice area by any Player or Official whilst engaged in any Darts Event.
As you can see, the “official” rules of play may vary greatly from the rules enforced by your local pub or league. But remember, you do not play in the PDC. So, while there is an official rule book for darts, house rules supersede anything you read there.
It is also worth noting, that while most dart games you see on TV will be PDC, the British Darts Organization (BDO) has their own rules of play as well which do differ slightly from PDC rules. The “British Darts Organization Playing Rule And Tournament Rules” can be found here.
Everybody wants to be better at darts, and getting better comes through practice. But just mindlessly throwing darts at the board is not going to get you as far along as if you put a plan behind your training.
There are many different dart games out there, but not all are best for beginners. Of course, if you can throw a dart at the board, you can play, but some games require skill that a new player does not possess.
I have put together a list of some the best dart games that help new players learn their way around the board, improve accuracy, and most importantly, have fun.
I give a brief overview of each game, but if you are interested, you can follow through to the full article for each game which will break things down in more detail and offer tips to play.
I also list the reasons why I believe the game is suitable for beginners, so if you have something specific you are looking to improve, you can choose the game that is right for you.
I hope you find this list helpful in deciding what to play. In no particular order, this is my list of the five best dart games for beginners.
Baseball Darts
What is Baseball Darts?
Not to be confused with Dartball, baseball darts can be played on a regular board. It is an around the board type variant that has you aiming at different numbers each round or in this case, “inning.”
Why Baseball Darts is Good for Beginners?
Baseball darts focuses on the numbers 1 to 9. These are numbers that are not usually a desired target in most games. Not only does baseball allow you to focus on these often ignored numbers; for a beginner, it helps them learn where these numbers are on the board.
Baseball also focuses on a specific number each round with extra point for hitting a double or triple, so while your focus can be on the triple, you are still rewarded for a miss into the single.
It is also easy to handicap, so if you are playing with several people, you can set things ups, so the odds are even or favor the newbie.
501 Darts
What it is 501 Darts?
501 is the most popular dart game being played throughout the world. Each team or player starts with a fixed score of 501 points and the darts they throw determine how main points are removed from that score. The first to zero wins. Of course, there are a few other rules that come in to play that make things more interesting.
Why 501 Darts is Good for Beginners?
501 is good for beginners because it is the most popular dart game played. Becoming familiar with the rules of 501 will ensure you can pick up a set of darts and start playing with anyone, anywhere.
There is also a focus on high scoring areas, as well as doubles. A concentration on these targets will improve aim and help to develop knowledge of the mathematics of the board.
Around the Clock
What is Around the Clock?
Around the Clock or Around the World is a game where you a start by throwing at the number one then move on to two after a successful hit, then three and so on until you reach 20, then the bull.
Why Around the World Darts is Good for Beginners?
Around the world, darts is the ultimate game for beginners because it uses every space on the board. It is the best tool to help you learn your way around the dart board. As you get better, you can increase the difficulty by moving on to doubles or triples.
It also benefits from not having to keep score. You just need to remember what number you left in the last round.
Learn the Full Rules of Around the Clock Darts
Hare and Hounds Darts
What is Hare and Hounds Darts?
Each play starts near the top of the board but not on the same number (usually 5 and 20). Each player then takes turns throwing at their target number, and if they hit, they can move on to the next number to the right. The hare is the person in the lead (farthest right). It is their job to keep ahead of the hound (farthest left).
Why Hare and Hounds Darts is Good for Beginners?
This is another one of those games that can help learn where everything is on the board because it uses every spot except the bullseye and no score is needed to be kept.
It is like around the clock with a cat and mouse style chase, which adds an interesting element of suspense. It can be great fun when played with multiple hares.
Killer Darts
What is Killer Darts?
Each player is assigned a number on the board then the other players take turns trying to eliminate them by hitting their number. In standard play, you have to hit the double multiple times to out the player, but the rules can be changed according to skill level.
Why Killer Darts is Good for Beginners?
While aiming for the doubles can help increase precision, this one made the list mostly for the fun factor. If you have several people, Killer darts is the most fun you will have playing darts, and I believe that making darts fun for beginners will help to increase interest in the sport.
Learn the Full Rules of Killer Darts
As you can see, there is a pattern here with some of the games; most are “around the board” style variants. When you’re beginning to play, you want something that is going to help you learn your way around the board, get better at those key high-scoring areas, and have fun while you’re at it.
While I have only listed five games here, there are dozens to choose from each with their own strategies and specializations. If you are looking for other games to play, you can check out our full list of dart games.
Also, check out our beginners guide to steel tip darts for a full list of everything you want to make your dart corner awesome.
I would also be excited to hear what you think. Did I miss a game that should have made the list? Let me know in the comments below.
