501 and 301 darts rules
By Pierre, updated
501 is the game of tournaments and televised darts, 301 its short version, the one you start when the evening begins. Both play the same way: everyone starts from the same number and takes their score off it every visit. The first to hit exactly zero wins.
They're also called X01, with 701 for long nights. Play them on your own, one against one or several of you, each for yourself.
The aim
Start from 501 and land exactly on zero, before the others.
The visit
Three darts, their points come off what you have left. A double counts the number twice, a treble three times; the bull is 25, the bullseye 50.
The finish
The last dart must be a double. The bullseye counts as a double (50).
Going below zero, landing on 1 or finishing with the wrong dart is a bust: the visit doesn't count, you're back to your score before it.
The phone suggests a checkout as soon as one is possible.
An example
You need 81. You throw treble 19 (57), then single 8: 16 left. Your third dart goes at double 8 and hits it. Zero on a double, the leg is yours.
Same score, another visit: treble 19, then treble 8. 57 and 24 make 81, exactly zero, but on a treble. With a double out, that's a bust: the visit doesn't count and you stay on 81.
Variants
- The out: double by default, as in competitions. With a straight out, any dart can finish; with a master out, you need a double or a treble.
- Double in: nothing counts until your first double. A 301 tradition, an option on Bullcast.
- Legs: a game is first to 1, 2, 3 or 5 legs. Whoever throws first changes every leg.
- 701 plays like 501, only longer.
On Bullcast
On Bullcast, 301 is free, without an account: the TV shows the scores and the checkout to aim for, the phones keep score. 501 and 701 come with Bullcast Complete, and are open to everyone on a Bullcast pub's board.
Questions
Why finish on a double?
It's the competition rule, and it's what makes the finish hard: you have to hit a narrow area at the right moment. With a straight out, any dart finishes, which shortens games between beginners.
What's the fewest darts to finish 501?
Nine: the perfect leg. For example 180, 180, then 141 (treble 20, treble 19, double 12).
What if I'm left on 1?
With a double out, that's a bust: no double is worth 1. The visit is cancelled and you go back to your score before it.
How many players?
From 1 to 8 on Bullcast, each for themselves. On your own, you can also play the practice bot, with Bullcast Complete.