How does darts work? The rules of 501 explained simply
Almost every darts match you see on TV is 501. The rules are simpler than they sound: in five minutes you know how to score, what a leg is and how to win a match.
How 501 works
Both players start with 501 points. In turn you throw three darts and subtract the score thrown. Whoever reaches exactly zero first wins the leg. The sting is in the ending: the last dart must land in a double, the narrow outer ring of the board.
- Single segment: the value of the number
- Double ring (outer edge): twice the value
- Treble ring (inner narrow ring): three times the value
- Green ring around the centre (bull): 25 points
- Red centre (bullseye): 50 points, and counts as a double for the finish
Bust: thrown too much
Do you go below zero, stay on exactly 1, or reach zero without a double? Then your turn is invalid (a bust) and you go back to the score you started the turn with. Smart counting down is therefore just as important as throwing hard.
Legs and sets
One game of 501 is called a leg. Matches are about several legs, for example best of 5: whoever wins three legs first. At big tournaments several legs together form a set, but at home most people just stick to legs.
Popular finishes to remember
- 40 (double 20): the classic among finishes
- 32 (double 16): miss the double and hit the single 16, and 16 is left, giving you a double again
- 24 and 16 work the same way: even numbers give you a second chance
- 170 is the highest possible finish: treble 20, treble 20, bullseye
Frequently asked questions
Why do players so often finish on double 16?
Because 32 is a forgiving score: if you accidentally hit the single 16, 16 is left over, giving you a double again. On odd scores you first have to set up again.
What is a 180?
The maximum score with three darts: three times the treble 20. Hence the famous shout at every match.
Do I also have to start with a double?
In standard 501 no, you can score straight away. There is a variant (double in) where you also have to start on a double, but that is mainly played if you like a challenge.
