The objective
Each player starts with 501 points and subtracts everything they score with three darts per turn. The first to reach exactly zero wins the leg. A treble 20 (60) is the highest single-dart score, so a perfect leg takes nine darts.
The double-out rule
The final dart must land in a double (the thin outer ring) or the inner bullseye, which counts as double 25. That is why players aim to leave 32 (double 16) or 40 (double 20) rather than an odd number.
Busting
If you score more than you have left, reduce it to exactly 1, or reach zero without a double, you have busted. Your turn ends and your score returns to what it was before that turn.
Sets and legs
A leg is a single game of 501. A set is usually the best of five legs. Matches are played as best of N legs (typical in leagues) or best of N sets (typical on TV). Our scoreboard supports both formats.
301, 701 and other variants
301 is a shorter game often played with double-in: you must hit a double before you start scoring. 701 and 1001 are marathon formats for team play. All of them use the same double-out finish.
Who throws first
Players throw one dart at the bull; closest starts the first leg. In matches, the start alternates each leg, which matters because the thrower has a real advantage in 501.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest checkout in 501?
170: treble 20, treble 20, bullseye. It is the highest score you can finish with three darts. See our checkout chart for every finish from 170 down.
Can you finish on the outer bull?
No. The outer bull scores 25 but is not a double. Only the inner bull (50) or any double ring segment counts as a finishing dart.
What is a good 3-dart average?
Pub players average 40–50, good club players 60–70 and professionals 95–105. Our scoreboard calculates your average automatically after every game.