How to Play 501 Darts

If you’ve seen a match on TV or in the pub, it was probably 501. It’s the most common darts game. Simple to start, but tricky to master. 

The Basics

Each player begins with 501 points.
Your aim is to reach exactly zero before your opponent does. Every dart you throw subtracts from your total score. 

A turn means you throw three darts, one after the other. The total you score in that visit comes off your remaining points after which it’s your mate’s turn.

Example:
Start 501 and score 60 (treble 20), single 1, 10 (double 5), that’s 71 points. 
501 minus 71 leaves you 430.
You keep taking turns until a player reaches zero. 

The Dartboard and scoring

The dartboard has 20 numbered sections, each with single, double, and treble areas:

• The large section, being either black or white, is known as what’s a single. It’s worth the score once.
• The outer ring of red and green sections is known as doubles. These are worth the score twice.
• The inner ring of red and green sections is what’s known as triples. These are worth three times the score.
• The inner two circles are known as the outer bull and bullseye. The outer bull is worth 25 points.
• The bullseye in the centre is worth 50 points

So, hit treble (triple) 20 three times and you’ve scored 180. Coincidentally this is also the highest score you can throw in darts within a single turn. 

How to Win a Leg

The goal is to reach exactly zero when playing a leg. To finish and win a leg the last dart needs to hit a double (outer coloured ring). Doing so is what’s known as a double out. 

Example: 
If you’re on 40, you can finish with Double 20. 
If you’re on 32, aim for Double 16.

Miss and hit more than you need? That’s a bust. Your score resets to what it was at the start of your turn. Then the other player gets a go. 

To make things a little easier, you can change settings in the DartCounter app, to finish with a master out or straight out instead. 

A leg is one complete game playing from 501 to zero. Matches are often played as ‘best of’ several legs, or grouped into sets (a set is a collection of legs). Within the app you can set your amount of legs and sets to your liking. 

The perfect leg is what’s known as a nine-darter, meaning a leg is finished in as few throws as possible. Nine is the minimum, playing a leg of 501.

Starting Variations

In addition to ways of throwing out, there’s also variations as to how you start. In a classic game of 501 you can start scoring right aways. It’s what is known as a Straight in.

There are variations which you can set in the DartCounter app as well. When you set the start to Double In, you’ll need to throw a double in order to start your game. If you set your game to Master In, you’ll need to hit a double or treble. 

Playing 501 in DartCounter

DartCounter keeps all this simple: no chalk, no maths, no guessing who’s next. Play either locally or online. 

Local Match 

Pick your players, or challenge the DartBot if you’re practising solo.
Within the game settings, you can choose:

• Start score, pick the default 301, 501, 701 or your custom score
• Format, choose to go with sets or legs as your way of playing. Also decide whether to play a best of, or to be the first to reach a given amount of sets or legs.
• Set start rules to begin with a straight in, double in or master in. Finish with a straight out, double out or master out. 
• Are you an expert already, don’t forget to check checkout rate, so you’ll be able to set the amount of darts thrown on your final turn, so your checkout rate will be calculated.

The app handles the scoring automatically, so you can focus on the throw.

Once the leg’s done, DartCounter saves your scores, averages and other statistics. Great for analysing your progress over time. 

Online match

Tap Play Online to join players from around the world. Our online gameplay allows you to:

• Spectate live matches
• Enter the global lobby to find opponents
• Or use your friends lobby for a private match against a mate

Use filters such as camera options, sets, 3-dart averages, Ultimate, OMNI or VIRT to find a game to your liking. The gameplay stays the same.  three darts per  turn,and  race to zero. 

Why play 501 on DartCounter

You throw. DartCounter takes care of the rest. It keeps score, checks for busts, and tracks your averages automatically. During playing the app also shows you the best check-out routes when you’re on for a finish. 

No mental maths, no paper, just the flow of the game. Whether you’re online, with mates, or against the DartBot, 501 feels fast, fair, and fun.

More Ways to Play in DartCounter

Once you’ve got the basics down, DartCounter offers extra features that take your game to the next level. 

Ultimate

DartCounter’s free to download. Ultimate players get even more, though. They can play unlimited online matches, unlock more stats, and access extra games like 121 Checkout.

Ultimates can also save more Action Replays. Short clips of their best throws and check-outs. Perfect for sharing, or reliving that double 20 you’ll never forget. 

OMNI Scoring

OMNI Scoring is an automatic scoring system by Target Darts that connects with DartCounter. Once it’s set up, you don’t have to enter scores at all. Just throw, and the OMNI Scoring tracks everything for you. It records and calculates each dart, so your focus stays on the game.

VIRT

VIRT is a camera you can use within DartCounter to film your throws. It shows you your technique, so you can review your gameplay. It also allows you to stream your games with the online gameplay.. Handy for improving your form, and a great way to be part of the wider darts community. 

Cheers, see you on the oche.