501 darts is one of the most popular and traditional dart games played worldwide. With the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) leading the Darts boom and popular players like Luke Littler bursting onto the scene. Now is the perfect time to pick up some tungsten and learn this amazing game!
It requires precision, strategy, and a good understanding of arithmetic. The objective of the game is to reach exactly zero points from a starting score of 501. Each player takes turns throwing three darts per round, subtracting the points scored from their remaining total. The game ends when a player reaches exactly zero points, either by hitting a double that brings them to zero or by having a score that they can finish on with their final three darts.
Game Setup:
1. Dartboard: Hang a standard dartboard on the wall, making sure it's securely mounted at the regulation height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor to the center of the bullseye.
2. Player Setup: 501 can be played by two or more players, either individually or in teams. Players typically stand behind a throwing line, known as the oche, which is positioned 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) away from the dartboard.
3. Starting Score: Each player begins with a score of 501 points.
Gameplay:
1. Starting the Game: Players can determine who goes first by various methods such as flipping a coin, nearest to the bullseye, or by mutual agreement.
2. Throwing Sequence: Players take turns throwing three darts each. The order of play typically alternates between players after each turn.
3. Scoring: Points are scored based on where the dart lands on the dartboard. The dartboard is divided into segments, with different point values assigned to each segment. The highest score is achieved by hitting the thin outer ring, called the double ring, which doubles the points for that segment. The thin inner ring, called the triple ring, triples the points for that segment.
4. Subtracting Points: After each turn, the total points scored are subtracted from the player's remaining score. The objective is to reach exactly zero points to win the game. A player must finish the game by hitting a double or the bullseye to reduce their score to zero.
5. Busting: If a player's score goes below zero or if they fail to hit a double to exactly reach zero, their turn ends, and their score returns to what it was at the start of their turn. This is known as "busting."
Scoring Rules:
1. Doubles: To finish the game, a player must hit a double. For example, if a player has 32 points remaining, they must hit the double 16 (which is the outer ring of the number 16 segment) to win the game.
2. Bullseye: The bullseye (inner and outer) is worth 50 and 25 points, respectively. Hitting the outer bullseye (single bull) or the inner bullseye (double bull) can be used to finish the game if the player's remaining score can be reached with the points scored from the bullseye.
3. Strategy: Players often strategize to leave themselves on a favorable finish by aiming for high-scoring segments or specific numbers that would leave them on a double or an easy combination for their next turn.
Winning the Game:
The game ends when a player reaches exactly zero points by hitting a double or the bullseye with their final dart. The first player to achieve this wins the game.
Variations:
- 301 Darts: Similar to 501, but players start with a score of 301 instead.
- Cricket: A different dart game where players aim to "close out" certain numbers and the bullseye.
Etiquette and Tips:
- Respect other players' turns and avoid distracting them while they're throwing.
- Always retrieve darts from the board safely, holding them by the barrel to avoid injury.
- Practice regularly to improve accuracy and consistency.
With this guide, you should be ready to enjoy playing 501 darts with friends and family!