How to Play 501 Darts

What Is 501 in Darts?

501 is the standard game used in most leagues and on TV. Each player starts on 501 points and takes turns throwing three darts, subtracting their score until they reach exactly 0.

To win a leg of 501, you must finish on a double (or bull, which counts as a double).

Basic Rules of 501

• Each turn is up to three darts.
• Count the total scored and subtract it from your remaining score.
• You win the leg when your score reaches exactly 0 with a double or bull.
• If your score goes below 0 or lands on 1, the turn is a bust.

Most casual and league games use straight-in, double-out 501.

Busts & Finishing Rules

• Bust: If your score goes below 0, or ends on 1, your entire turn scores 0.
• Your score is returned to what it was at the start of the turn.
• Finish: you must hit a double that takes you exactly to 0 (e.g. D16 from 32).
• Bull (50) usually counts as a double and can be used to finish.

Example: You are on 40. You throw S5, S5, S20 (total 30) and end on 10 – that’s fine. Next turn, you throw S5, S5, S5 (total 15) and would end on -5, so the whole turn is a bust and you remain on 10.

Turn Order, Legs & Sets

• 501 is usually played with 2 players, but can be played in teams.
• Players alternate turns for the whole leg.
• Matches are often played as best of X legs (e.g. best of 5) or as sets.
• Who throws first is often decided by a bull-off or a coin toss.

In longer matches, players typically alternate who starts each leg to keep it fair.

Common 501 Checkout Examples

Remaining	Popular Finish	Notes
40	D20	Simple single-dart finish
32	D16	Very popular pro double
24	D12	Or S8, D8 if you prefer
50	Bull (50)	One-dart bull finish
65	T15, D10	Or S25, D20 depending on style
101	T20, S9, D16	Many alternatives exist

House rules vary: agree before playing whether outer bull counts as a double for finishing.

Simple Strategy Tips for 501

• Stay on even numbers: aim to leave 40, 32, 24 rather than awkward 1, 3, 5.
• Know your doubles: D20, D16, D12 and D10 are the most common finishing beds.
• Switch when blocked: if your dart blocks T20, move to T19 or T18.
• Think one turn ahead: use singles to set up your favourite double.
• Practise checkouts: work on 40, 32, 24, 50 and a few 2-dart finishes.

501 FAQ

• Do I always have to finish on a double?
  In standard 501 double-out, yes. Some casual games ignore this, but proper 501 requires it.
• What happens on a bust?
  Your score goes back to what it was at the start of your turn; the darts you threw don’t count.
• Can more than two people play 501?
  Yes, you can rotate turns between 3 or 4 players, or play in pairs as a team.