Game Mode
How to Play X01 Darts
X01 is the standard format in professional darts, covering 301, 501, 701, and other starting scores. 501 is the most common variant, used in every major tournament from the PDC World Championship to local league nights. Each player starts with the chosen score and takes turns throwing three darts per round, subtracting their score from the remaining total. The goal is to reach exactly zero.
What makes X01 endlessly replayable is the range of configurations available. Choose your starting score — 301 for quick games, 501 for the classic experience, or 701 for a marathon session. Then decide how you want to finish: Double Out requires your last dart to land on a double or bullseye, adding a layer of strategy to every checkout. Single Out lets you finish on any segment, making for faster and more casual games.
For competitive play, PilPlay supports sets and legs — just like you see on TV. A leg is a single game from the starting score down to zero. A set is a collection of legs (for example, best of 5 legs). And a match can be played over multiple sets. This lets you recreate tournament formats at home or in your local league.
The endgame is where X01 gets truly strategic. You need to plan your checkouts carefully, setting up your score so your final darts land on a reachable finish. For example, with 32 remaining, you'd aim for double 16. The famous "big fish" checkout of 170 requires treble 20, treble 20, bullseye.
PilPlay tracks all of your X01 statistics automatically — three-dart averages, checkout percentages, highest visits, 180s, and more. Every throw is recorded and your improvement becomes visible through detailed game history.
Rules
- 1.Each player starts with the chosen score (e.g. 301, 501, 701)
- 2.Players take turns throwing 3 darts per round
- 3.The score of each throw is subtracted from the remaining total
- 4.Single, double, and treble sections score 1x, 2x, and 3x the number respectively
- 5.The bullseye scores 50 points, the outer bull scores 25
- 6.To win, you must reach exactly zero
- 7.With Double Out, the final dart must land on a double or the bullseye
- 8.With Single Out, the final dart can land on any segment
- 9.If you go below zero or hit exactly 1 (in double out), your turn is a bust and resets
Game Settings in PilPlay
Customize your X01 experience with these configurable options.
Starting Score
Choose how high you want to count down from. Higher scores mean longer, more strategic games. Lower scores are faster and great for quick matches.
Out Mode
Determines how you must finish the game. Double Out is the professional standard — your final dart must land on a double or bullseye. Single Out allows finishing on any segment, making for more casual and faster games.
Sets & Legs
Configure your match format just like the pros. A leg is a single game from the starting score to zero. A set is a collection of legs (e.g. best of 5). Play a single leg for a quick game, or set up a full match with multiple sets and legs for a tournament-style experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 301 and 501 darts?
The only difference is the starting score. 301 starts at 301 points and 501 starts at 501 points. 501 is the professional standard because it gives players more time to build a rhythm, while 301 is faster and often used for casual games or warm-ups.
What is Double Out vs Single Out in darts?
Double Out means your final dart must land on a double segment (the narrow outer ring) or the bullseye to win. Single Out means you can finish on any segment. Double Out is the professional standard and adds a strategic layer to the endgame. PilPlay lets you choose either mode.
What are sets and legs in darts?
A leg is a single game from the starting score down to zero. A set is a collection of legs — for example, best of 5 legs. Tournament matches are typically played over multiple sets, like 'first to 7 sets' in the World Championship. PilPlay lets you configure both sets and legs for any match.
What is a good average in 501 darts?
For casual players, a three-dart average of 40-50 is solid. Club players typically average 50-70. Professional players average 90-105+. PilPlay tracks your average automatically so you can see your improvement.
What is the highest checkout in X01?
The highest possible checkout is 170, achieved by hitting treble 20, treble 20, and the bullseye. This is known as the 'big fish'. With Single Out, the highest single-dart finish is 60 (treble 20).