How to Play Darts – Rules to 501, 301, and Cricket Darts Game

Are you a gaming enthusiast who is good with aiming? Well, then you can visit any gaming ground and or get this beloved targeting game known as Darts, home. In this game players throw small arrows on a circular board marked with divisions and compete with other players in the game. 

This game is popular worldwide and is even included in the national and international gaming tournaments. In this blog, we will learn how to play darts and different variants of the game as well as learn the basic rules for playing darts.

An Overview of Darts 

Darts is an aiming game played with two or more players where players throw a small sharped arrow like object, a Dart, toward a target known as a “dart board”. This board is divided into 20 sectors and valued from 1 to 20 points. There are six rings which determine scoring in the game are as follows:

• Inner bullseye worth 50 points 
• Outer bullseye worth 25 points 
• Triple scoring ring 
• Wide single-scoring ring 
• Narrow double-scoring ring

Players have to stand at a length of 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters), which can vary up to 9 feet. There are three major variants of this game, which are “301 darts”, “501 darts”, and  “cricket darts”. 

Each player gets three darts, which are 6 inches long, where players have to reach 0 points from 301 or 501 points in the game. While in a cricket darts players have to close all points and bullseye before other opponents. 

Rules for Playing Darts Game

The rules are set by the darts regulation authority for playing darts free and fair. Let us get through important darts rules in different darts variants below.

501 Darts

• The main objective of this variant is to reduce the points from 501 to exactly 0 points but with a double out. 
• This variant of darts can be played in a team only i,e. 1v1, 2v2, 3v3 or more. 
• You can decide which player will go first by flipping coins or using a cork rule. You can also throw a dart at the bullseye, the player closer to the bullseye will go first and begin the game.
• Each player throws 3 darts per round or turn in the game.
• A total of 60 points i,e. Triple 20 is the highest scoring segment in 501 darts.
• The maximum score per round in this variant as per the rules for darts thrown is 180.
• In this variant of darts, when your dart reaches the outer rings it gives you double points while the inner ring will give you triple points.
• Players must finish the game with a double out i,e. Dart hits a double that makes the score equivalent to 0 point. 
• When a player scores more than their remaining points then it is a “bust” and the remaining score adds in the next turn.
• The first player or team to reach zero with a double out in the game wins as per the darts rules.
• Players will have to rotate turns after each round if they play in teams i,e. Not playing a 1v1 match.

301 Darts

• Players have to reduce the score from 301 to exactly 0 in this variant and that too with a double out.
• In this variant also you have to play in a small team i,e. Singles, doubles, up to 4 players per team.
• Players can decide who goes first either by flipping coins or throwing a dart to the bullseye; players closer will begin first in the game.
• Each player will get to throw 3 darts per turn in the game. 
• Similar to the 501 darts rules, 60 points i,e. Triple 20 is the highest scoring segment in the game.
• Players can score a maximum of 180 points per round in the game.
• The outer ring will deliver players with double points and the inner ring will provide triple points. 
• The outer bullseye ring is worth 25 points in the game and the inner circle bull is worth 50 points.
• Players must finish with a double out to win the game.
• Similar to 501 darts rules, if a player scores more than their remaining points it is referred to as bust.

Cricket Darts

• Players have to score more points than the opponent with closing numbers as 20 to 15 and bullseye.
• This game can be played in a team with as many players as you want. 
• Players have to throw a dart to the bullseye and whoever reaches closer to the bullseye gets to go first in the game.
• Players can throw 3 darts per turn in the game.
• The target numbers for players are only numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15 and bullseye count.
• You will get no points for getting other numbers other than the above mentioned i,e. 20 to 15 and bullseye. 
• A number in the cricket games is closed by hitting it 3 times.
• A double in the game counts as 2 hits and a triple is counted as 3 hits. 
• If you hit an open number then you score points equal to the value of that number. 
• In the game once all opponents have closed a number, then the number no longer scores any points.
• Players have to close all target numbers first and then must score the highest number than their opponent. 
• There are no bust in this game variant as there is no fixed score in the game.
• For every bullseye outer point you will get 25 points and for inner bullseye you will get 50 points. 

How to Play Darts?

Setup

To play the game of darts, all you need are players who will accompany you to a friendly competition match, a circular board having 20 sections which are numbered from 1 to 20 in an unordered manner. You will need darts (Arrows) with sharp tips, at least 3 per player. 

The throw line must be clearly defined, and to count the scores, you will need a marker, pen, paper, or whiteboard based on the availability. 

• The Dartboard is to be placed at a height of 5 feet 8 inches from the ground. 
• The distance between the dart board and the player standing (throw line) must be 2.37 meters, or 7 feet 9.25 inches.
• The bullseye in the game remains fixed. However, other numbers can be repositioned. 
• The throw line is the standing position for the players from where they have to throw darts. 

Number of Players

As per the rules for darts game there are different formats which allow a specific number of players in each type of darts game.

• 501 Darts: You can only play in a team in this variant of dart i,e. Singles, doubles, or in a team of 3 or more. 
• 301 Darts: In this variant also you have to play in a small team i,e. Singles, doubles, up to 4 players per team.
• Cricket Darts: This is also a team game where you can play in a team of 3 or more players.

The Objective

The main objective in the darts game is to hit the dartboard and score points. However, the main goal might differ based on the variants you are using. 

• In 501 and 301 Darts games, you have to reduce your points to exactly zero, ending with a double ring. The game begins from 501 and 301 points exactly where all your hints will help you reduce your count to zero.
• In Cricket darts, you have to hit each number i,e. 20, 15, and bullseye, three times to close them and score more than your opponent to win.

How to Play a 301 Darts Game?

After you’ve learned the basics and rules for darts game, let’s get familiar with the gameplay of the 301 darts game.

The Objective

In the game of darts you have to reduce the initial number i,e. 301 to exactly 0 points. In order to win, you must hit a double to reach the zero pointer. 

The Beginning 

Players must decide on a strategy to finalize who goes first in the game. You can try various methods such as coin flipping, scissors & peppers, and more. The most frequently used decider is throwing a dart while aiming at the bullseye. 

The player who makes it closer to the bullseye get to play the first turn in the game. If both players hit the same distance then the throw will take place again.

Starting the Game

In the 301 darts game, players must hit a double to progress in the game and reduce their points. Some versions frequently apply this rule in the game. However, in other games you will get a score for each throw in the game having a valid point.

Throwing the Darts

Each player in the game can throw three darts per turn and the score accumulated is then eliminated or subtracted from the total of 301 or the current value in the game. 

• To get a valid point in the game, your dart must stick to the dartboard.
• The complete score of all three darts is added together and then subtracted from the current value in the game.

Scoring

You will get points when you make the desired shots on the darts board. The dartboard is divided into a total of 20 number sections, with numbers counting from 1 to 20. You can score in any of the four areas on the board. 

• Single area: This is the most basic or primitive section of the dartboard,, and hitting it always gives you 20 points.
• Outer Ring: You can hit doubles too in the outer ring. It will return you with a doubled value.
• Inner Ring: In this area, players get triple points for hitting with darts. When you make a triple hit, you get 60 points in the game. 
• Bullseye: It is generally the central area of the darts board. If you make a hit in the inner bull, you will get 50 points, while in the outer bull, you will get 20 points.

Winning in 301 Darts

Players have to hit a double, which makes their score equivalent to zero. If you miss the double, then you can try again in the next round.

How to Play Darts 501 Game?

Let us now get familiar with the gameplay of the 501 Darts game and learn how to start playing this game as a beginner.

The Objective 

Players have to reduce the total count from 501 to 0 in the game. In darts, your singles, doubles, and triples will be counted as points. The most important area in this game is “triple 20,” where you have to focus. 

The Game Setup

To start playing a game of Darts 501, all you need are some darts, a dartboard, a scoreboard, players, and more. Let us understand how we can make things right before we start playing the game.

• This game can be played with 1 or more players in individual or team mode. 
• Must maintain a stock of darts with either soft tips or steel tips.
• A dartboard with numbers is a must to play the game of darts.
• You can use an application or physical counting board to maintain the scores in the game.

The Beginning 

Now, you all must decide how you will choose who goes first in the game. Players usually make use of the dart method, where they throw a dart on the dartboard, and whoever throws the dart closer to the bullseye gets the chance to begin the game. 

This method is also popular as “diddle for the middle”, “bull off”, “corking” and other names as per the regions worldwide.

Scoring

You must be familiar with scoring to reach the finish line and win the game of darts.

• Double In: In some dart tournaments, you will have to land your darts in a double zone to score a valid point. 
• You have to score big points to register a successful win in this game. In this game, the doubles and triples are the most preferable shorts for players to frequently get to position zero.
• A double bullseye will help you score 50 points, while a triple 20 will get you 60 points in the match. 
• The triple 20 in darts is also known by the names “Ton80,” “Maximum,” “One80,” and many others.
• You have to eliminate the odd number condition using a number such as 19, which can lower your score to an even number. 

Winning  in 501 Darts

There are certain conditions that you must fulfill in order to win the game of darts.

• You must double out to finish the game and become a winner.
• If you exceed the number of points you need to complete the game, you will receive a “bust” call, which will eliminate all the points you earned in this round.

How to Play Cricket Darts Game?

Let’s familiarize ourselves with this variant of the darts game,. In the Cricket Darts game variant, players hit a specified target on the dartboard. After closing the targets, the objective is to have more points than the opponent.

The Objective 

To win the game, players must hit a specific number of targets on the dartboard and close them before their opponent. They must also score more points than their opponent.

Gameplay

• The targets in the game are initially “open” for each player and must be closed by scoring three points. 
• In this variant, a single count gives you one mark, a double count gives you two points, and a triple gives you 3 points. 
• The outer ring of the bullseye is counted as one point, and the inner ring of the bull counts as two points, respectively.
• The first player who closes the target can start scoring points for each hit, while opponents will have to wait until they close the target too.
• Players can easily score more than their opponents by aiming for a higher target first, which will help them earn high-yield points.
• Players can score more points by getting more hits in a throw than the other players. 

Scoring

Scoring points in cricket darts is quite similar to the other gaming variants. However, let us check some of the important points in the scoring below.

• A player will earn points only on closed numbers if the opponent is not still able to close it.
• Points in the cricket darts are equal to the number of hits, such as hitting triple 18, which will give you 54 points.
• For an outer bullseye, you will get 25 points, and for an inner bull, you will get 50 points in the game. 

You can close a number by following the practice mentioned below.

• By hitting three singles; one dart per turn.
• By hitting one double + one single
• By hitting one triple i,e. Counts as 3 hits.

Winning in Cricket Darts

To win a game of cricket darts, you must close all target numbers, i.e., from 20 to 15, and score more points than your opponents. If a player closes all numbers but has fewer points than their opponent, they must keep scoring points until they move ahead of their opponent and achieve the lead first.

Tips & Strategies For Playing Darts 

It is important to be familiar with the most important strategies for playing darts.

• You must hold darts with 3 fingers, holding them firmly but not too tightly. You have to tilt forward and move the tip upward for a projectile while raising the darts to eye level for a better target on the board.
• Stand with your feet, keeping it sufficiently apart behind the throwing line.
• You have to face the dartboard with your dominant foot forward, which is towards the side of the room. If you are left-handed, then keep your left foot forward, but if you are right-handed, then keep your right foot forward.
• You can mark the position where you have to keep the front foot every time you throw darts.
• Align the tip of the dart with your aimed target on the dartboard and avoid the right and left of your target as it might distract your aiming.
• Practice is very important in darts for 30 minutes to 1 hour every day. You can practice while aiming at different regions and targets on the board. 
• For cricket darts, players must aim for the highest number of targets first in the game and bullseye for the last. 

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FAQs

What are the basic rules of darts?

The basic rules for darts are as follows.

• Each player gets three arrows and three chances in one turn.
• Each player starts with 501 or 301 points in the game.
• Players have to reach 0 points before other opponents to win.
• The score for the inner bullseye is 50 points, and the outdoor bullseye is 25 points. 
• Players must hit and close numbers through 20 to 15 in cricket darts. 

How to play darts for beginners?

• Players have to throw darts on 20 numbered sections – Bullseye, double, and treble rings. 
• A set of three darts per player is typically made of metal or with feather flights.
• The dartboard is arranged from 1 to 20 numbers in a non-sequential manner.
• The scoring zones are single area, double ring, treble ring, and bullseye.
• In 301/501 games, players have to reduce their score to 0 points.
• In cricket darts, players have to hit each number and bullseye three times before their opponent.

How do you win in darts?

To win 301/501 darts,, players have to reduce the total count from 301/501 to 0 points. In cricket darts, players have to close three times from 1 to 20 and finish with a bullseye.

How do you calculate dart points?

You can calculate darts points based on scoring zones. For example, players will get one point for a single area, double the score for a double-ring player, and triple the score for a treble-ring player. Players will also get 50 points for an inner bullseye and 25 points for an outer bullseye.

How far do you have to stand from a dart board?

Players have to stand at least 7 feet (9.25 inches) from the dartboard place. 

How do you win at 301 darts?

Players have to reduce the total points from 301 to 0 points in the game to become the winner before other opponents. 

How do you win at 501 darts?

Players have to reduce their total points from 501 points to 0 points in the game to become the winner before other opponents. 

Is it hard to play darts for beginners?

Darts is a game of skills and targeting. You need to focus on your skills and practice a lot to learn and master the game.

How do you aim darts for beginners?

You have to start by pointing your index finger of the hand toward the dartboard. Close your eyes for a better target and focus on the target with your one eye. 

How can I improve aiming in a darts game?

Practice is the main ingredient to learning and improve in the darts game, where you have to focus and throw while aiming at your target. The releasing point is an important step in the game where you have to let your hands flow toward the target. 

What number is bullseye in darts?

In darts ,the bullseye is worth 25 points (outer bullseye) and 50 points (inner bullseye) in the game. The player wins after closing all numbers and bull and scoring more points than their opponents. 

Where should a beginner aim in darts?

A beginner should practice aiming at the 20 segment in the game. This segment offers the highest scoring single-point values on the board and is easy for beginners to aim at. By aiming at this segment, you can maximize your scores and improve your overall game.