How to Keep Score in Darts

To keep score in darts, subtract each player's three-dart total from their running score after every turn. In 501, both players count down from 501 to zero — you must finish exactly on a double. In Cricket, you track marks on numbers 15–20 and the bull until all are closed. Everything else follows from those two systems.

Whether you are chalking for a pub match or running a scoreboard at home, this guide covers how to keep score in darts for every common game format — and how to skip the maths altogether with a free online scorer.

How to Keep Score in 501 Darts

501 uses a simple countdown system. Here is how to run the scoreboard:

1. Write both players' names at the top of the board (or two columns on paper).
2. Write 501 beneath each name.
3. After every turn, add up the three darts thrown, subtract from the current score, and write the new remainder below.
4. Continue until one player reaches exactly zero — finishing on a double or the inner bull.

Example Scoreboard

What to Write on the Board

Write the remainder after each turn, not the score thrown. This way a quick glance always tells you exactly where each player stands. In professional play you will also see the score thrown written in a separate column — but for casual play, just the running total is enough.

Finishing Scores to Know

Any score of 170 or below can be finished in three darts. Scores of 1 and any odd number below 3 cannot be finished (there is no double-zero and no double-half). The 501 checkout chart lists every finish from 170 down to 2 — worth bookmarking if you are new to working out checkouts at the board.

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How to Keep Score in Cricket Darts

Cricket uses a marks-and-tally system rather than a countdown. The scoreboard looks different from 501 and trips up most beginners the first time they see it.

The Cricket Scoreboard Layout

Draw two columns with the following numbers down the centre:

P1   |  20  |   P2
     |  19  |
     |  18  |
     |  17  |
     |  16  |
     |  15  |
     |   B  |
     |------|
 0   | PTS  |   0

Each player gets a tally column beside each number. The points row at the bottom tracks scoring points once numbers are open.

How Marks and Closing Work

• Each hit on a number scores one mark: single = 1, double = 2, triple = 3.
• Three marks closes a number for that player.
• Once you close a number that your opponent has not yet closed, additional hits on it score face value points for you (added to your total at the bottom).
• When both players have closed a number, it is dead — neither can score on it.
• The player who closes all seven numbers (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, Bull) with the highest or equal score wins.

Tally Marks on the Board

Use the classic tally system to track marks visually:

• First mark: /
• Second mark: X
• Third mark (closed): ⊗ or circle the X

This is faster than writing numbers and easier to read from across the room.

For a full breakdown of Cricket strategy and scoring rules, see the Cricket darts guide.

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How to Keep Score in 301 Darts

301 works identically to 501 — countdown from 301, finish on a double. The scoreboard is the same. The only practical difference is that games are shorter, so players typically play more legs.

Some 301 formats use double-in: you must hit a double before your score starts counting. If double-in is being played, mark a small "DI" at the top of the column and leave a player's score unchanged until their opening double lands. The 301 vs 501 guide covers when and why to use each format.

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The Chalker's Role

In organised darts, the person keeping score is called the chalker — the name comes from the era of chalkboards, which are still standard in many pubs.

A good chalker:

• Stays neutral and focused — no distracting commentary between turns
• Writes legibly and large enough for both players to read from the oche
• Calls the score aloud after each turn (e.g. "forty-one left") in competitive play
• Does not announce checkout suggestions unless asked — that is the player's job
• Resolves disputes by referring to what was thrown, not what was expected

In casual games, one player usually volunteers per leg. If you are playing a longer match, alternate the chalking duties each leg.

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Keeping Score for Other Game Formats

Around the Clock

No scoreboard needed — each player simply announces their current target number. You can mark progress on a piece of paper (circle each number as a player hits it) or just keep track verbally. See the Around the Clock rules guide for full rules and variations.

Cut-Throat Cricket

Same tally system as regular Cricket, but scoring is reversed: hits on open numbers add points to your opponent's score. The player with the lowest score when all numbers are closed wins. Mark the scoreboard the same way — just remember that points in this game are a penalty, not a reward.

Shanghai

No running scoreboard — each player scores only on the nominated round number, and the highest total after seven rounds wins. Keep a simple grid: player names across the top, rounds 1–7 down the side, fill in what each player scored per round.

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Use a Free Online Scorer

Mental arithmetic mid-game is where mistakes creep in — particularly when working out finishes under pressure. Dartsy's free online scorer handles the countdown automatically for 501 and 301, tracks legs and sets, and suggests checkout routes when you get within finishing range.

No login or install required — open it on any phone or tablet and it works as a full darts scoreboard.

Play and score your next game on Dartsy

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Quick Reference: Scorekeeping by Game

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FAQ

How do you keep score in 501 darts? Both players start on 501. After each turn, subtract the three-dart total from the running score and write the new remainder. The first player to reach exactly zero — finishing on a double — wins the leg.

How do you keep score in Cricket darts? Track marks (hits) on numbers 15–20 and the bull. Three marks closes a number. Once you close a number your opponent hasn't, hits on it score points. Close all numbers with the highest or equal score to win.

What does a darts scoreboard look like? For 501, two columns of descending numbers counting down from 501. For Cricket, two tally columns beside the numbers 20 through 15 and B, with a points row at the bottom.

Who keeps score in darts? In organised play, a neutral chalker. In casual pub play, players usually volunteer or alternate per leg.

Do you need to start on a double in darts? Not in standard 501 or 301 — you score from your first dart. The double is only required to finish. Double-in formats exist but must be agreed before the game.