The objective 301 and 501
The name of the game is to go from 301 or 501 points to zero quicker than your opponent. 301 and 501 are both games involving math. A scoreboard is needed to accurately track each team’s score. The dart board is divided into pie segments numbered between 1 to 20. Each pie is divided into 3 scoring sections: singles, doubles and triples.
301 and 501 Scoring
- The Double: The outer ring in each section is known as a double. The double ring scores double the points scored. An example would be double 20, that score would produce 40 points scored. A double 16 would produce 32 points.
- The Triple: The inner ring is known as a triple. The triple ring scores triple the points scored. An example of a triple score is a triple 20, that score would be 60 points. A triple 15 would be 45 points.
- A Single: A single is the entire pie section minus the double and triple rings. If any dart lands in the single section, the score would be one times that number. An example of a single score is a single 20, that score would be 20 points. A single 18 would be 18 points.
- The Bull’s Eye: The bull’s eye is the center of the board. The bull’s-eye is broken up into two scoring sections. The outer ring is a single bull. A single bull is scored 25 points. The center ring is the double bull. The double bull is worth 50 points.
Dart board scoring sections
The Game
Now that you understand the scoring. It’s time to learn to play the game. In order to start a 301 or 501 match, the opponent/opponents must cork up the bull’s-eye. Corking up is used to determine who throws first in the game by means of being closer to the bullseye. Also known as a “bull-off”, “middle for middle”, “corking” and “out for bull”.
Once starting player or team is decided, the match can begin. In 301, the winner must hit a double to begin scoring and a double to win the game. Doubling in is the process of hitting the double ring for any number to start the match. After the first player hits a double number, the scoring can start. For 301, the player starts with 301 points and subtract down to zero. In 501, the player does not need to double in; however, points start at 501 and subtract down to zero. In both 301 and 501, the player must hit a double ring number to zero out your points. For example, a player has 40 points remaining, he/she could throw at the double 20 which would leave zero points. That player would win the match. When shooting for an out if the player darts exceeds the remaining score, the player must start over. A bust happens when the player shoots a number larger than your current score.
301 and 501 scoring
301 and 501 darts can be a very challenging and sometimes a confusing game. Practice makes perfect. That’s the fun of the game. It’s time to grab your darts and start playing.