301 Darts Scoring: Rules, Scoring & Strategy Guide
301 is the classic darts format. This guide covers everything about 301 scoring: how subtraction works each round, what bust and double-out mean, and the fastest route to zero. With examples, tips and the rules you need to get started.
What is 301 darts?
301 darts is a popular variant where each player starts at 301 points. The goal is simple: be the first to reach exactly zero. But there are two key rules: you subtract each turn (three darts), and your final dart must land in a double segment or the bullseye (50) — this is called 'double-out'.
A typical 301 leg lasts 10–20 minutes for average players. This makes 301 ideal for an evening of multiple games, or if you want quick rounds.
301 by the numbers
- Starting score: 301 points
- Turn: 3 darts per player
- Finish: double-out (standard)
- Average duration: 10–20 minutes
How to score step by step
The basic rule of 301 is: you add up your dart values, subtract the total from your current score, and wait until you reach exactly zero with a double. Here are the steps:
Round 1
Player starts at 301. Throws T20 (60) + 20 (20) + D10 (20) = 100 points. New total: 301 − 100 = 201.
Round 2
Player throws T19 (57) + 15 (15) + 10 (10) = 82. New total: 201 − 82 = 119.
Round 3 (finish)
Player has 119 remaining. Throws T20 (60) − leaving 59. Throws T19 (57) − leaving 2. Throws D1 (2) − ZERO! Leg won.
The double-out rule
The most important rule in 301: you MUST finish with a double dart or the bullseye (50). This makes the game more interesting because you cannot simply finish any way — you must use strategy.
Remaining score of 40? You must throw D20. Remaining 32? D16. And the bullseye (50) also counts as a double finish.
Bust: when your score doesn't count
A 'bust' occurs in three situations, and when it happens, your three darts don't count.
- ✕Your score goes below zero (you throw more than your remaining score)
- ✕You land on 1 (you cannot finish on 1, as there is no D0.5)
- ✕You reach zero but not via a double (rule violation)
On a bust your score reverts to what it was before that round. You lose those three darts.
Example game: a full 301 leg
Here is a complete game of two players both starting at 301.
Player A: round 1
T20 (60) + T20 (60) + T20 (60) = 180. Total: 301 − 180 = 121 remaining.
Player B: round 1
T20 (60) + T19 (57) + 20 (20) = 137. Total: 301 − 137 = 164 remaining.
Player A: round 2 (finish)
Remaining: 121. Throws T20 (60) − 61 left. Throws T20 (60) − 1 left. BUST! Score reverts to 121.
Keeping score: manual vs app
You can keep score in two ways:
Manual (paper & pen)
- •Write 301 at the top for each player
- •Manually subtract after each turn
- •Error-prone (arithmetic mistakes)
- •No automatic bust detection
App (ScoreApp)
- ✓Automatic subtraction
- ✓Built-in bust detection
- ✓Checkout suggestions
- ✓3-dart average calculation
- ✓No account needed, fully offline
Common beginner mistakes
Not checking if your score is even before finishing
With an odd remaining score you cannot finish on a double. Always make sure you reach an even number first.
Forgetting you cannot finish on 1
There is no double worth 1. If your remaining score is 1, it is a BUST.
Not recognising a bust
If you go below zero or reach zero without a double, that round doesn't count. Your score reverts.
Manual counting leads to arithmetic errors
Use an app if you want to avoid incorrectly subtracting 10 points.
301 vs 501: quick comparison
| Feature | 301 | 501 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 301 | 501 |
| Game duration | 10–20 min | 15–30 min |
| Competition level | Recreational | Professional |
Frequently asked questions
How do you score in 301 darts?
Each player starts at 301 points. You subtract each turn's score (three darts) from your total. The first player to reach exactly zero — with the final dart landing on a double segment or the bullseye (50) — wins the leg.
What is the fastest way to finish 301 darts?
The theoretical minimum for 301 is six darts: one perfect 180 (T20+T20+T20) leaves 121, then a three-dart 121 checkout (e.g. T20+T15+D8 = 60+45+16) closes the leg. In practice, 15–18 darts is realistic for recreational players.
Do you have to finish 301 on a double?
Under the standard double-out rule, yes. Your last dart must land in a double segment or the bullseye (50) to reach exactly zero. Some casual games use straight-out, where any dart can finish.
What is the difference between 301 and 501 darts scoring?
The only difference is the starting score: 301 versus 501 points. All other rules — double-out, bust, three-dart turns — are identical. 301 is faster and ideal for casual play; 501 is the professional standard.
How do you keep score in 301 darts?
Write down the starting score (301) and subtract each turn's points after every round. Or use a darts scoring app like ScoreApp which tracks the score automatically, offers checkout suggestions and calculates your average.
Written by ScoreApp
Last updated March 20, 2026