How to Play 501 Darts: Rules & Scoring

What is 501 Darts?

501 is the standard game format in professional darts. Every major tournament, from the PDC World Championship to local league nights, uses 501 as its primary format. If you're going to learn one darts game, this is the one.

The premise is simple: both players start at 501 points and race to reach exactly zero. But the devil is in the details — and the finish.

The Basic Rules

Each player takes turns throwing three darts. The total score of your three darts is subtracted from your remaining points. The dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, each with single, double (outer narrow ring), and treble (inner narrow ring) zones.

Single: Face value (e.g., single 20 = 20 points)
Double: 2x face value (e.g., double 20 = 40 points)
Treble: 3x face value (e.g., treble 20 = 60 points)
Bullseye: 50 points (inner) or 25 points (outer)

The Double-Out Rule

Here's where 501 gets interesting. To win, your final dart must land on a double segment or the bullseye. This means you need to plan your approach to leave yourself on an even number that corresponds to a double on the board.

For example, if you have 32 remaining, you need double 16. If you have 40, you need double 20. This "checkout" phase is where strategy really matters.

Common Checkout Strategies

The best players know their checkouts by heart. Here are some key ones to learn:

170: T20, T20, Bull (the highest possible checkout)
100: T20, D20
80: T20, D10 or T16, D16
40: D20 (the most common finish)
32: D16 (a favorite among pros)

Tips for Beginners

Focus on consistency, not maximums. Hitting 60 (single 20, single 20, single 20) every turn is better than occasionally hitting 100 but often hitting 26.
Learn your doubles. Spend practice time on doubles — they win games.
Track your averages. Your three-dart average is the best indicator of improvement. Use PilPlay to track it automatically.
Don't overthink checkouts at first. Focus on leaving yourself on an even number, preferably 32 or 40.

Track Your 501 Games with PilPlay

PilPlay makes scoring 501 effortless with both dartboard and keyboard input methods. Your averages, checkouts, and game history are tracked automatically — so you can focus on throwing, not math.

501 is just one of several dart game modes PilPlay supports. Try Cricket for a strategic change of pace, or Around the World to sharpen your accuracy across the entire board.