Darts

1 Overview

Darts is a precision throwing sport played on a circular bristle or electronic board. Players throw three small projectiles (darts) per turn at the board from a set distance, scoring points based on where the darts land. The two most popular game formats are 501 (a countdown from 501 to exactly zero) and Cricket (claim sections of the board before your opponent). Played competitively in pubs and professionally worldwide.

2 The Dartboard

A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections (1 through 20) arranged in a specific non-sequential order around the board. Key scoring zones:

Throwing distance: 7 feet 9.25 inches (237 cm) from the face of the board. Board height: bullseye at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor.

3 501 / 301 Rules

The most common competitive dart game. Each player starts at 501 (or 301) and subtracts their score each turn. The goal: reach exactly zero.

1. Each player throws 3 darts per turn. Subtract the total from your running score.
2. You must finish on a double (including the bullseye, which counts as a double). If your last dart lands on a single when you need to end on a double, the throw is a "bust" -- your score for that turn doesn't count and you stay where you were.
3. If you go below zero (e.g., you need 20 but score 24), that turn is a bust.
4. First player to reach exactly zero wins.

301 uses the same rules but starts from 301 instead of 501. Some versions require a double to start scoring as well (double-in, double-out). 501 double-out is the professional standard.

4 Cricket Rules

Cricket is played on sections 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and Bull. Players "close" sections by hitting each section 3 times (marks). Once closed, that player scores points from that section until the opponent also closes it.

1. To close a section: score 3 marks (singles = 1 mark; doubles = 2 marks; triples = 3 marks).
2. Once you have closed a section and the opponent has not yet closed it: every additional hit on that section scores points.
3. The game ends when one player has closed all sections AND has more total points (or equal points).

5 Throwing Technique

• Stance: Stand with your dominant foot forward, toe on or behind the oche (throw line). Keep your body angled toward the board, not square-on.
• Grip: Hold the dart with your thumb and 2 to 3 fingers. Keep it at the balance point. Don't grip too tightly.
• Release: Pull the dart back toward your eye level. Extend your arm forward smoothly and release at the apex. Follow through -- point your fingers at the target after release.
• Consistency: The same release point and arc every time is more important than power. Darts rewards repeatable motion over strength.

6 Strategy Guide

501: The Triple 20 Priority

Triple 20 (T20 = 60 points) is the highest single-dart score. Professional players aim for T20 every dart on their first visit. Once under 170, specific "checkout routes" exist to finish in 2 or 3 darts. Common checkouts: 170 = T20, T20, Bullseye; 121 = T20, T11, D20.

Cricket: Close 20s and 19s First

20 and 19 score the most per mark. Close them first and score heavily before your opponent can close them. Never let an opponent score from an open section while you're chasing lower numbers.

Know Your Doubles

Finishing 501 requires hitting a specific double. Practice your common checkout doubles (D16, D20, D8) until they're automatic. The most common finish in professional darts is D16 (double 16 = 32).

7 FAQ