The most popular game in darts is 501. If you are watching a professional match on the television, it is likely to be 501. Once you’re at a level to play 501 your darts opportunities opens up. You can play mates at the pub, you can play with a club or you can play casually. For those new to darts or wanting to learn more about the game below we go through in detail How to Play The Darts Game 501.

Rules of 501 Darts

The rules include that you are supposed to start from a score of 501 along with your opponent. Then, you will take alternate turns to score, and that score will be subtracted from the total, to reach zero. The first player that gets to zero wins the game. But, before starting to subtract the score from the total, you must double-in, and to complete or finish, you will have to double-out. This adds a bit more thrill and adventure to the game because you have to plan a finish and work through it accordingly. Though a coin decides the first player to throw a dart, you can also choose by targeting the bullseye, and whosoever gets the closest shot gets to start the game.

Starting with a Double

In order to start subtracting from the total score, that is when the game actually starts, you will first have to score with a double which is by throwing the dart in the double sections of the board, on the outer ring of the board. The twist with the 501 game is that the scoring will not start until you throw a double. When you are trying to hit a double, the double 20 is the two most coveted target as they score you the most points (40). If you are playing in teams, only one player of your team needs to hit the double. Once a player has thrown a double, the scoring starts. The double and the following darts scores are counted for every player in the team.

Scoring Down in 501

After hitting the first double, the objective is to score as many points as possible and get down to zero. For the pros this can be done in 9 darts, usually by targeting triple 20. Scoring a triple 20 will get you 180 points, the highest score point in a single round. If you are having trouble scoring a triple because of one of your darts in the way, you can go for triple 19 instead. You can switch to other targets, too, when your score gets low enough, you to throw for a double and win the 501 darts game.

Doubling-out in 501 Darts Game

Doubling-out is important to win the game, but it is not as easy as doubling-in is. In doubling-out, you have to precisely score the double points that will get you directly to the score of zero; scoring more than the required will get you busted, and your turn will be over. The center bull is the highest score to aim for while doubling out because it is worth 50 points. You can also go for double 20 if you require less than a 50 because double 20 is worth 40 points.

Scoring 501 Darts

One person is assigned to do the scoring in 501 darts. The person appointed for this task is called the scorer, marker or chalker. The scoreboard gets divided into two halves which have the scores of each team on either side. After three darts have been thrown, the chalker notes down the total score of the dart and subtracts it from the total score from which the game had started. The chalker should be very attentive because he is the one that keeps track of the score, turns, and what’s happening in the game, like which number has been hit and by whom.

501 Darts Variations

Though there are variations in the game depending upon the players you are playing with, you can still make changes according to your convenience. The popular variation to the rules of the game is the option to double-in. There is no need to double-in in a professional darts game before starting to subtract from the score. This is done to increase the pace of the game. If you watch a match, the players directly begin to score the points as soon as possible.

501 Darts Tips

1. For amateur players, doubling-in is recommended on the sides (11 or 6). Overthrowing or dropping your dart brings a good chance that your dart will hit the double directly, which is either above or below.
2. If you are entirely new to the game and not able to hit the targets correctly, then you can aim for triple 14, 11, 9, 12, or 8 are all around here and are said to be achieved quicker than trying for a triple 20.
3. Always try to plan earlier when you are about to double-out. Though 32 is a magic number, you can also work by scoring 16, and then you are left with double 8, which is just adjacent to it. Hit the single 8, and then you are left to score a double 4 and so on, right down to double 1. The strategies depend on the player, but you can still choose from these options.
4. If you are stuck on an odd number and need to double-out, aim for the bottom of the board (7, 19, 3, 17). If you do not bust, it will bring you back to an even number which will help you double-out easily.
5. Volunteer to do the scoring. Keeping an eye on the score will help you strategize better, and you will manage to win easily.
6. Setting your darts and managing your game will help you get to your targets easily.

501 can be a challenging game (especially for beginners) however the game is a great way to gauge how much your darts have improved. Keep practicing your doubles and triples and who know you could find your way onto the PDC tour one day in the future or at the very least beat your friends in 501!