Mastering 501 Darts Rules: Essential Rules and Winning Strategies

Introduction to Darts 501

Darts 501 is the gold standard of professional darts, played in elite competitions like the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) and WDF (World Darts Federation). It's also a favorite in pubs, home game rooms, and online dart platforms due to its balanced mix of skill, strategy, and excitement. The game challenges players to reduce a starting score of 501 to exactly zero, finishing with a double. Its simple scoring and clear objective make it perfect for both serious competitors and casual players. Whether you’re practicing solo or battling in a league, mastering 501 darts rules is a must for any darts enthusiast.

Objective of the Game 

In 501 darts, each player begins with a score of 501. The aim is simple but strategic: be the first to reduce your score exactly to zero. Play is conducted in rounds of three darts, with each player's turn—commonly called a “visit”—counting toward subtracting from their total.

However, the most critical rule is Double Out: your final dart must land in a double segment (or the inner bull, worth 50 points) to win. If you reach zero without finishing on a double, your score doesn't count, and you must try again on your next turn.

While aiming for triple 20s (60 points) is how players maximize their scores each turn, the strategy shifts as your total falls. For example, from 115, you might finish with a combination like T20, 15, D20 (in round figures). Mastering checkout paths—especially known “outs” from scores like 170, 170 being T20–T20–Bull—is essential for finishing legs efficiently.

Keeping track of your running total is a core skill. If you accidentally score too many points (go below zero) or hit 1, it's called a bust, and your score resets to the start of that turn.

501 Darts Rules

Throwing Order

A standard game of 501 is played between two players or teams. The starting player is typically decided by a bullseye shootout—each player throws one dart at the bullseye, and the closest throw begins the game. Players then take turns throwing three darts per turn, alternating until someone reaches zero with a valid double-out.

Scoring System

The dart machine is divided into single, double, and triple scoring zones.

• A single is the basic value of a number.

• A double (outer ring) scores twice the number hit.

• A triple (inner ring) scores three times the number.

• The bullseye scores 50 points, while the outer bull scores 25.

For example, hitting Triple 20 scores 60 points—the highest possible with one dart. A perfect turn scores 180 points (three triple 20s), often called a “ton-eighty.”

Bust Rule

If a player scores more than their remaining total, or reaches 1 (which cannot be finished on a double), it results in a bust. In this case, the player's turn ends immediately, and their score reverts to what it was before the turn started.

Winning the Game

To win, a player must finish by landing exactly on zero, with the final dart hitting a double. Common checkouts include:

• 40 points → Double 20

• 32 points → Double 16

• 24 points → Double 12

This rule adds a layer of pressure and planning, especially in tight matches.

Variations

Though 501 is the professional standard, players also enjoy shorter formats like 301 or longer ones like 701, often used in team play. Some games introduce a “Double In” rule, where the game starts only after hitting a double, increasing the challenge.

Strategy for Beginners

When starting out in 501 darts, it’s vital to blend accuracy with smart planning. Here’s how to level up your competitive edge:

Aim High, Then Adjust

• Target the Triple‑20 tile as your primary aim—it's the highest-scoring section at 60 points per dart. Three in a row nets a 180, the maximum score per visit. Stick to it often—pros do!

• However, playing safe is key. If you're struggling, switch to single‑20 or triple‑19 to convert odd scores into even numbers, making doubles easier later in the leg .

  
  

Closing Out the Leg

• Learn common checkout routes, like the famed 170 finish (T20–T20–bull) or from 115 (T20–15–D20). Knowing these routines avoids unnecessary mental math mid‑leg.

• A reliable approach is planning finishes from scores like 41–100, as these dominate legs—students at Darts Nutz confirm focusing on this range builds smarter finishers.

  
  

Practice Drills to Build Skill

• Around the Clock: Throw 3 darts at each number from 1 to 20. This systematically improves precision across the board.

• Treble‑20 Challenge: Aim for T20 with each dart in a visit. Score how many you hit—challenge yourself to beat that next round .

• Double Drill: Focus on hitting doubles using sequences like 20‑10‑5 or 16‑8‑4‑2‑1. This builds confidence in closing a leg, even after misses.

  
  

Avoid Common Pitfalls

• Don’t ignore double‑out readiness: Beginners often focus on scoring but forget that finishing on a double is mandatory. Keep doubles in your vision as the score drops (50–0 range).

• Prevent mental blocks: Missing doubles under pressure can compound. Regular double-focused drills reduce this issue.

• Don’t bust recklessly: Overshooting to zero or to 1 wipes your turn. Managing score progression and sticking close to safe checkout routes helps avoid costly busts.

By honing these strategies—targeting high scores, practicing key throws, and staying aware of your finish—you’ll consistently improve as a 501 player.

What You Need to Play 501

Dart Machines

A regulation bristle (sisal) dart machine is the gold standard used in professional play. It measures approximately 451 mm in diameter, with metal-wire separators between numbered segments to ensure accurate scoring. For beginners, a soft-tip electronic dart machine offers added convenience. These boards automatically track scores, enable multiple game modes, and reduce the risk of wall damage with plastic-tipped darts. For high-end interactive features—like camera-tracked scoring and Bluetooth connectivity—you can step up to a smart dart machine such as the Dartman EDmini, which includes statistics, online play, and multi-player options.

Darts, Flights & Shafts

Darts themselves consist of tips, barrels, shafts, and flights. Choose steel-tip darts for bristle boards and soft-tip darts for electronic boards. Tungsten barrels (18–26 g) are ideal—they’re slim, allowing tighter groupings and fewer bounce‑outs. Flights stabilize dart flight paths, and shafts determine balance and feel. Beginners can start with medium-weight darts and standard flights, upgrading as they learn.

Extras & Setup

Set up a throw line (oche) at the official distance—7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m)—with floor tape or a mat. Add a backboard to protect walls from misses, plus proper lighting overhead to reduce shadows and glare. A flight tool and shaft wrench help maintain your equipment—Reddit users recommend them despite being optional luxuries.Consider a scoreboard or app if using a traditional board, or use the in-built scoring on electronic machines.

By investing in quality equipment—professional dart machines or an electronic smart board, tailored darts with proper flights and shafts, and setup accessories—you’ll create an accurate and enjoyable playing environment. It’s a solid foundation for mastering 501.

Looking to Enhance Your Dart Experience?

For a more fun, interactive and competitive experience, consider upgrading to an electronic dart machine like the Dartman Games Electronic Dart Machine—it delivers automatic scoring, multiplayer modes, and smart gameplay! Explore it here.