501 Darts Rules: The Complete Guide
501 is the most popular darts game worldwide and the format used in professional tournaments like the PDC World Championship. Each player starts at 501 and races to reach exactly zero, finishing on a double.
How to Play 501
- Each player starts with 501 points
- Players take turns throwing 3 darts
- Subtract your score from your remaining total after each turn
- First player to reach exactly 0 wins
- Double Out: You must finish on a double (or bullseye)
Pro Tip
Aim for the triple 20 during scoring. Three triple 20s gives you 180 points - the maximum possible score in a single turn.
Understanding Busts
A "bust" ends your turn immediately and resets your score to what it was before that turn. You bust if you:
- Score more than your remaining points
- Reach exactly 1 (impossible to finish on a double)
- Reach 0 without hitting a double
Example
If you have 32 remaining and hit single 20, you now have 12. If your next dart hits single 15, you bust because you'd go negative (-3). Your score returns to 32.
Complete Checkout Chart (170-2)
When your score reaches 170 or below, you can finish the game. This complete chart shows the recommended checkout for every possible finish.
Key: T = Triple, D = Double, Bull = Bullseye (50 points, counts as double). Numbers without prefix are singles.
3-Dart Finishes (170-101)
2-Dart Finishes (100-41)
Single-Dart Finishes (Even)
Odd Numbers (Setup + Double)
Impossible Checkouts
Scores 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, and 162 cannot be finished in three darts. If you land on these, you'll need to set up a different number on your next turn.
Strategy Tips
During Scoring
- Focus on triple 20 for maximum points
- If missing triple 20 left, consider triple 19 which is nearby
- Consistency beats occasional high scores
Setting Up Finishes
- Try to leave an even number for your checkout
- Popular targets: 40 (D20), 32 (D16), 36 (D18)
- Avoid leaving odd numbers or 1 - you'll bust on any single hit
Favorite Doubles
- Double 16 - If you miss and hit single 16, leaves double 8
- Double 20 - The largest double on the board
- Double 10 - If you miss, leaves double 5
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest checkout in 501?
The highest checkout is 170 points: Triple 20, Triple 20, Bullseye. The bullseye counts as a double, making it a valid finish. This is achieved rarely, even by professionals.
Why can't you finish on 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, or 162?
These scores are "impossible checkouts" because there's no combination of three darts that reaches exactly these totals while ending on a double. For example, 169 would require 119 with two darts before a double, which is impossible.
What happens if I hit exactly zero without a double?
This is a bust. Your score resets to what it was at the start of that turn. For example, if you had 20 and hit single 20, you bust and return to 20.
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