Darts 501 Rules: Complete Guide to Scoring, Turns & Double Out
501 is the standard darts format at professional level. This complete guide covers how 501 works: the rules, how subtraction works, double-out, bust, checkout strategy and full example legs.
What is 501 darts?
501 darts is the most played and recognized darts format in the world. Each player starts at 501 points and the goal is simple: be the first to reach exactly zero. Like 301, the same basic rules apply, but 501 takes longer and tests your skills more due to additional turns.
501 by the numbers
- Starting score: 501 points
- Turn: 3 darts per player
- Finish: double-out (required)
- Average duration: 15–30 minutes
How a turn works
A turn in 501 is simple: you throw three darts, add up their values, and subtract the total from your current score. This repeats round by round until someone reaches zero.
Step 1
You throw three darts at the board
Step 2
You add up the value of all three darts
Step 3
Subtract this total from your running score
Step 4
Your turn is over, next player throws
The scoring system
The darts board is divided into 20 segments numbered 1–20. Each segment has four zones: single, double (outer ring), triple (inner ring), and the bull/bullseye in the center.
Points per zone:
- •Single: 1–20 points (e.g. single 20 = 20 points)
- •Double (D): 2× the numbers (D20 = 40 points)
- •Triple (T): 3× the numbers (T20 = 60 points)
- •Bull (outer): 25 points
- •Bullseye (inner): 50 points
Double-out rule
This is the most important rule in 501: you MUST finish with a double dart (D) or the bullseye (50). This makes the game more interesting because you cannot finish on any score.
Have 40 remaining? Throw D20. Have 50 remaining? Throw the bullseye. The bullseye (50) counts as a double finish, so you can finish on it.
Bust rules
A bust means your turn is invalid and your score reverts to what it was at the start of that round.
- ✕Your score would go below zero (you throw more than your remaining)
- ✕You land on 1 (impossible to finish 1 with a double)
- ✕You reach zero but not via a double (rule violation)
Example leg: full 501 game
Here is a complete example of a 501 leg between two players:
Player A - Round 1
T20 (60) + T20 (60) + T20 (60) = 180. Score: 501 − 180 = 321 remaining.
Player B - Round 1
T20 (60) + T19 (57) + T20 (60) = 177. Score: 501 − 177 = 324 remaining.
Player A - Round 2 (finish)
T20 (60) + T20 (60) + T20 (60) = 180. Score: 321 − 180 = 141 remaining. Not done yet (odd score).
Common mistakes in 501
Not checking if your score is even before finishing
If your score is odd you cannot finish on a double. Make sure you navigate to an even number first.
Trying to finish on 1
There is no double worth 1. If your remaining score is 1, it is always a BUST.
Not recognising a bust
You must always finish on a double. Otherwise it is a bust and your score reverts.
Arithmetic errors from manual scoring
Use an app if you want to avoid mistakes. Manual subtraction quickly leads to errors.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic rules of darts 501?
In 501 each player starts with 501 points. Each turn you throw three darts and subtract the score. You win the leg by being the first to reach exactly zero, with the last dart landing on a double segment or the bullseye (double-out rule).
How does the double-out rule work in 501?
To win a 501 leg your final dart must land in a double segment or the bullseye (50) and bring your score to exactly zero. Remaining 32? Throw D16. Remaining 50? Throw the bull. If you go below zero or land on 1 without a double, it is a bust.
What is a bust in 501 darts?
A bust occurs when your score would go below zero, when you land on exactly 1 (which cannot be finished), or when you reach zero without a double under double-out rules. On a bust the three darts of that turn do not count and your score reverts to what it was at the start of that round.
What is the minimum number of darts to finish 501?
The theoretical minimum is nine darts: two rounds of 180 (T20+T20+T20) leaving 141, then a three-dart checkout (e.g. T20+T19+D12). This is called a 'nine-darter' and is the holy grail of darts.
What is the maximum score per turn in 501?
The maximum score per turn is 180 points: three triple 20s (T20+T20+T20 = 60+60+60). This is called a '180' or 'maximum' and is the most celebrated throw in darts.
Written by ScoreApp
Last updated March 20, 2026