501 Darts Rules

501 is the standard darts game: each player starts at 501 and must be the first to reach exactly zero. Easy to learn, a lifetime to master.

The basics

Each player starts with 501 points. After every 3-dart turn, the total scored is subtracted from their remaining score. First to reach exactly 0 wins the leg.

How scoring works

Single — the value of the number hit
Double — the thin outer ring, 2x the value
Triple — the thin inner ring, 3x the value
Outer bull (25) and inner bull (50)

The maximum score in a single 3-dart turn is 180 (three triple 20s).

Checking out

In official rules, you must finish on a double (the inner bull counts as double 25). Landing on 1, or going below zero, is a "bust" — the turn doesn't count and the score stays the same. FreeDarts uses a simplified straight-out version so casual nights keep moving — any exact finish on 0 wins the leg.

Variant: 301

301 follows the exact same rules, starting from 301 points — a faster game, often used for tournaments with a lot of players.

Score it live with FreeDarts

During your match, open the score sheet from the player screen: both opponents see the same live countdown, no paper or mental math needed.

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