Darts Rules and Scoring Explained

Darts looks simple: throw three darts and add up the score. But to follow a match or play one yourself, you need to know how the board is scored and how a game of 501 works. This page explains the essentials.

The dartboard

A standard bristle dartboard is divided into 20 numbered segments. Each segment has four scoring areas:

• Single: the large areas, scoring the number of the segment.
• Double: the thin outer ring, scoring twice the number.
• Treble: the thin inner ring, scoring three times the number.
• Bull: the centre. The outer bull scores 25, the inner bull (bullseye) scores 50.

The highest score with one dart is treble 20, worth 60. Three darts in treble 20 make 180, the maximum score for one visit.

How 501 works

The most common game in professional darts is 501. Each player starts at 501 and subtracts the score of every visit of three darts. The first player to reach exactly zero wins the leg. The final dart must land in a double or the bullseye. This is called doubling out.

If a player scores more than they need, or leaves exactly 1, the visit counts as a bust: the score goes back to what it was before that visit.

Legs and sets

A leg is one game of 501. Matches are played over a number of legs, for example first to six legs. In some tournaments, legs are grouped into sets. A set is usually won by the first player to three legs, and the match by the first to a certain number of sets.

Who throws first?

At the start of a match, players usually throw one dart each at the bull. The closest throws first. After that, the throw alternates each leg.

At the oche

Players throw from behind a line called the oche. Their feet may not cross the line while throwing, though they may lean over it. The exact distance and board height are explained on our page about setting up a dartboard.

Other games

At home and in pubs, people also play games such as Cricket, Around the Clock and shorter versions like 301. They are great for practice and fun with friends. Learn which scores are easiest to finish on our page about darts checkouts.