Basic rules of 501 Darts
Darts is a popular game that can be played by anyone, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. The goal of the game is to score the most points by hitting the target on the dartboard, but there are some basic rules to follow in order to play properly. Here are the rules of 501 darts:
Starting the game
The first player to throw is determined by a coin toss or by throwing a dart to the bullseye. Each player starts with a score of 501 and takes turns throwing three darts. The score for each turn is the sum of the points scored by the three darts.
Scoring
The dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, each of which is divided into single, double, and triple areas. The center of the board is the bullseye, which is divided into an outer and inner ring. A dart that land inside the outer bullseye scores 25 points, and the inner bullseye scores 50 points. The score for each throw is subtracted from the player’s total score until the score reaches zero, which is the goal of the game.
Busting
If a player’s score goes below zero, it is a bust, and the player’s score goes back to what it was before the turn started. For example, if a player has a score of 10 and throws a dart that scores 15, the player’s score would be -5, which is a bust, and the score goes back to 10.
Winning
The game can only be won by hitting exactly zero with the final dart. If a player’s score is 32, for example, and the player throws a dart that scores 35, the score remains at 32, and the player must try again to hit exactly zero with the final dart.
Variations
There are many variations of the game, such as double in, double out, or adding a handicap to stronger players. It’s important to agree on the rules before starting the game to avoid confusion or disagreements during the game.
