The '01

How to play the 501, the game of big tournaments.

The goal of the game

The 301 and 501 are generally played by two players while the 701 and 1001 are usually played in teams of 2 or more players. In all cases, the goal is to finish exactly at zero without exceeding.

Playing the game and the score

Each player starts with a total of 501 points in most tournaments. The player launches a throw of three darts (or less), and subtract the total of the points of his three darts to the remaining score. Thus, a player who reaches a total of 51 points, subtract 51 from 501 for a remaining total of 450 points.

To get to zero, the last dart launched must reach a "Double" section. If a player achieves too many points and the score passes 0, his throw is not taken into account and retains the same total he had at the beginning of his turn. So if a player needs to score 48 points to finish the game but reaches over 61, his last throw is canceled and he returns to the total of 48 points on his next turn. If a player reaches a total of 1 point, it is now impossible for him to finish the game, so his last throw is canceled.

Darts that bounce off target or that are simply out of the target are canceled and cannot be launched again in the same throw.

Here are some terms to familiarize yourself with this game:

• Singles : One player against another
• Doubles or Pairs : Teams of two players per team
• Hat-Trick : 3 darts in the bullseye in a throw
• Ton : A score of 100 to 150 points in a throw
• High Ton : A score of 151 points or more in a throw
• Nine-darter : When a player completes a game of 501 in the minimum required nine-darts
• A Throw : A "Throw" consists of 3 darts
• The highest score : 180 points in a throw, 3 x triple 20
• The highest finish : 170 points in a throw.

Here are some variations for this game:

• Double-in : Each player must hit a double to start the game.
• Double-out : A player must hit a double to close the game.
• Double in/out : The game starts and ends on a double. The standard for 301.
• Masters out : The game ends on a double, a triple or a bull.

Download and print this rules sheet inserted in "Attachments".