HOW TO PLAY 502 DARTS: THE COMPLETE BEGINNER'S GUIDE

WHAT IS 501? (IT'S CLASSIC DARTS)

501 is the most popular dartboard game in the world, it's the OG, the classic, and for good reason. It's fast, competitive, and surprisingly easy to pick up. Whether you're playing at the pub, in the garden, or at a family party, 501 is the go-to game for a reason. And we've made darts rules as simple as possible.

The goal? Race to the finish.

Start with 501 points and race to reach exactly zero. The catch: you have to finish on a double (bullseye counts as a double). 

Want fun darts games you can get playing immediately? Darty Party is darts for people who don't play darts, and for people who do. With 12 games and 30+ ways to play it has something for everyone and every occasion. From classics, to chaos, to team play to family knockouts. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY DARTS GANES

• A dartboard (magnetic, bristle or electronic)
• 3 darts per player
• A scoreboard (pen and paper works fine but use ours for easy play)
• 2 or more players

BASIC DARTS RULES 501

1. Each player starts with 501 points.
2. Players take turns throwing 3 darts. After each turn, subtract your score from your total.
3. The aim is to reach exactly zero. Go below zero and your turn is a "bust" — your score resets to what it was at the start of that turn.
4. You must finish on a double. The final dart must land in a double segment (the thin outer ring) or the bullseye (which counts as a double 25).

HOW DARTS SCORING WORKS

Ever wonder how points on a dartboard work?

The dartboard is divided into numbered segments from 1–20, plus the bullseye. Here's how the scoring zones work:

• Single: The large section of each number — scores face value
• Double ring: Thin outer ring — scores double the number, excellent.
• Triple ring: Thin inner ring — scores triple the number, now we're talking.
• Bullseye (outer): 25 points - not bad for a single throw. 
• Bullseye (inner): 50 points — counts as a double for finishing - the one people often get most excited about (we like treble 20). 

CHECKOUT TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

The trickiest part of 501 is the checkout — finishing on exactly zero with a double. Here are a few easy ones to aim for:

• 32 left? Double 16
• 40 left? Double 20
• 50 left? Bullseye
• 36 left? Double 18

Pro tip: try to leave yourself an even number so you always have a double to aim at! Easier said than done. 

MAKING 501 FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

501 can feel a bit maths-heavy for younger players, or anyone who can't be bothered being a human calculator. Here are a few tweaks to make it more family-friendly:

• Start from 301 instead of 501 for shorter games
• Remove the double-out rule for kids
• Use a printed scoreboard so everyone can follow along
• Play in teams — adults paired with kids works brilliantly (our Classic 501 game guide shows you how to do just that)
• Up the chaos - we have a version called Nickname Multiplier which ups the energy instantly.

WANT PRINTABLE RULES, GAME VARIATIONS AND A 501 SCOREBOARD?

Our Darty Party Mini Game Guide: Classic 501 includes a beautifully designed printable scoreboard, step-by-step rules, and five game variations (simplifiers, kid friendly, team mode and CHAOS!) — everything you need for a brilliant game night. Download it here →

Or if you want a full bundle of dartboard games for your next party, check out Darty Party — 12 Dartboard Games, packed with 30+ insanely fun games, rules, scoreboards, and variations for every occasion.