Darts is easy to start and offers plenty of tactical depth. Our dart lanes score automatically, but the rules of the chosen game still matter. Here we explain the board, 501, 301 and Cricket. Tournament rules and the relevant governing body take precedence in competition.
From pub game to sport
Darts grew out of target throwing games in English pubs. Regional boards and house rules coexisted for many years. Rules and competitions became more standardised in the twentieth century; an English national darts organisation formed in 1925. The World Darts Federation was founded in 1976. Television and international events brought the sport to a global audience. Claims that one person invented today’s number order are historically disputed.
Board, distances and scoring
A standard board has twenty numbered segments. The wide area scores the single number, the narrow outer ring doubles it and the narrow inner ring triples it. The outer bull scores 25 and the inner bull 50. The bull centre is 1.73 m above the floor; the throwing line is 2.37 m horizontally from the board face. The actual installation is checked on site.
A turn of three darts
Each player throws up to three darts per turn, then the opponent plays. Only darts whose points remain in the board for scoring count. A bounce-out scores nothing and is not thrown again. Scores are added or deducted from a remainder depending on the game. Automatic scoring helps; a disputed hit is decided by the actual segment or the match official.
501 double-out
Each side starts on 501 and deducts each turn’s score. Standard tournament play is straight in: scoring starts with the first dart. To win a leg, reach exactly zero with a double. The inner bull counts as double 25 and can finish 50. For example, double 20 wins from 40 remaining. Scoring too many, leaving exactly 1 or reaching zero without the required double is a bust: the whole turn is cancelled and the previous score stands.
301 and variations
301 follows the same principle but starts at 301. Agree beforehand whether any scoring dart starts play and whether a double is required to finish. A double-in variation also requires a double to begin scoring. A leg is one game to zero; several legs can make a set, and several sets a match. The first side to reach the agreed target wins.
Cricket
Cricket is a popular casual variation rather than the usual 501 tournament format. Play focuses on 15 through 20 and the bull. Three marks close a number; a triple closes it with one dart. A player who has closed a number can score on it while the opponent has not. The first player to close every target while holding at least as many points as the opponent wins. Agree beforehand whether you are playing the scoring variation.
Fair play and tournament rules
Do not step over the throwing line while throwing. Wait until the player has finished before approaching the board. Starting order, format, match length and unusual disputes are set by the event rules. The WDF provides the full text for its competitions.