📜 Darts Rules
Darts is a simple and structured game where players take turns throwing darts at a board to score points. The most common format is 501, but the basic rules remain similar across most game types.
🏁 Starting the Game
• players decide who throws first (often by closest to bullseye)
• each player starts with 501 points (in standard games)
• players take turns throwing
🎯 Taking a Turn
• each player throws 3 darts per turn
• all darts must be thrown from behind the oche (throw line)
• scores are counted after all 3 darts are thrown
🔢 Scoring Rules
• points are scored based on where the dart lands
• numbers range from 1 to 20
• outer ring = double points
• inner ring = triple points
• bullseye = 50 points (outer bull = 25)
🔄 Turn Order
• players alternate turns
• each turn = 3 darts
• play continues until a player finishes the game
🏆 Winning the Game (501)
To win:
• reduce your score from 501 to exactly zero
• the final throw must land in a double
Example:
• 40 remaining → hit double 20 to win
⚠️ Bust Rule
A bust occurs when:
• a player scores more than needed to reach zero
• a player reaches zero without finishing on a double
If a bust happens:
• the score resets to what it was before the turn
• the next player takes their turn
🚫 Foot Faults
• players must not step over the oche while throwing
• stepping over results in an invalid throw
🔁 Other Game Variations
While 501 is the most common, other formats include:
• 301
• cricket
• around the clock
Each has slightly different rules but follows the same basic gameplay structure.
⚡ Why Rules Matter
Darts rules ensure:
• fair competition
• consistent scoring
• structured gameplay
Understanding the rules helps players improve accuracy and strategy.