How to Score Darts — The Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know about darts scoring. From understanding the board to playing 501, 301, Cricket and using checkout charts like a pro.
Understanding the Dartboard — What Each Section Scores
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered segments, each worth its face value (1 through 20). But the board also has special zones that multiply your score:
Double Ring — The thin outer ring. Scores 2x the number.
Triple Ring — The thin inner ring. Scores 3x the number.
Outer Bullseye — The green ring in the centre. Scores 25 points.
Inner Bullseye — The small red circle. Scores 50 points (counts as a double).
The dartboard scoring zones: singles (large areas), doubles (outer thin ring), triples (inner thin ring) and bullseye (centre).
The highest scoring area on the board is triple 20 (60 points) — not the bullseye (50 points). That's why professional players always aim for the triple 20 segment, not the centre of the board.
The maximum score from a single turn of three darts is 180 — hitting triple 20 three times. This is known as a "maximum" or "ton-eighty" and is one of the most exciting moments in professional darts.
Scoring Table — Every Segment at a Glance
Here's a complete reference table showing the score for every segment on the dartboard:
| Number | Single | Double | Triple |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| 3 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| 5 | 5 | 10 | 15 |
| 6 | 6 | 12 | 18 |
| 7 | 7 | 14 | 21 |
| 8 | 8 | 16 | 24 |
| 9 | 9 | 18 | 27 |
| 10 | 10 | 20 | 30 |
| 11 | 11 | 22 | 33 |
| 12 | 12 | 24 | 36 |
| 13 | 13 | 26 | 39 |
| 14 | 14 | 28 | 42 |
| 15 | 15 | 30 | 45 |
| 16 | 16 | 32 | 48 |
| 17 | 17 | 34 | 51 |
| 18 | 18 | 36 | 54 |
| 19 | 19 | 38 | 57 |
| 20 | 20 | 40 | 60 |
| Outer Bull | 25 | — | — |
| Inner Bull | — | 50 | — |
How to Play 501 — The Most Popular Darts Game
501 is the standard game played in all professional darts tournaments including the PDC World Championship. Here's how it works:
The Rules
- Both players start with a score of 501
- Each turn, you throw 3 darts
- Your score from that turn is subtracted from your total
- You must reach exactly zero
- Your final dart must hit a double (this is called "double out")
Example Game Walkthrough
Let's walk through a sample game to see how scoring works in practice:
| Turn | Dart 1 | Dart 2 | Dart 3 | Turn Score | Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | T20 (60) | T20 (60) | T20 (60) | 180 | 321 |
| 2 | T20 (60) | T19 (57) | T18 (54) | 171 | 150 |
| 3 | T20 (60) | T18 (54) | D18 (36) | 150 | 0 ✅ |
In this example, the player finished in just 9 darts — this is called a "nine-darter" and is the perfect game in darts. It's incredibly rare and is the equivalent of a 147 break in snooker or a hole-in-one in golf.
What Is a Bust?
A bust happens when:
- Your score goes below zero
- Your score reaches exactly 1 (impossible to finish — the lowest double is D1 which equals 2)
- Your score reaches exactly zero but your last dart wasn't a double
When you bust, your score reverts to what it was at the start of that turn and any remaining darts in that turn are forfeited.
Always try to leave yourself an even number after your turn. Even numbers can always be checked out on a double. Leaving an odd number means you need to hit a single first to get back to an even number.
How to Play 301
301 follows the same rules as 501 but with a lower starting score, making it a faster game:
Double out: Yes — same as 501
Double in: Optional — some house rules require it
Game length: Shorter — typically 6-12 darts
What Is "Double In"?
In some variations of 301, you must hit a double to start scoring. Until you hit a double, your darts don't count. This is called "double in" and makes the game more challenging.
In professional play (PDC), 501 is the standard and there is no double-in requirement — only double out.
When to Play 301 vs 501
- 301 — Great for practice sessions, quick games and improving your checkout skills
- 501 — The standard for competitive and professional play
- 701 or 1001 — Used in team/doubles games for longer formats
What Is a Checkout in Darts?
A checkout is the act of finishing a game by reaching exactly zero. Since you must end on a double, knowing your checkout combinations is crucial.
Lowest checkout: 2 (D1)
Most common finish: D20 (40)
Bullseye counts as: A double (worth 50)
Common Checkout Examples
| Score Left | Checkout | Darts Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | D20 | 1 dart |
| 36 | D18 | 1 dart |
| 32 | D16 | 1 dart |
| 50 | Bull | 1 dart |
| 80 | T20 → D10 | 2 darts |
| 100 | T20 → D20 | 2 darts |
| 170 | T20 → T20 → Bull | 3 darts |
Bogey Numbers — Scores With No Checkout
Some scores between 100 and 170 have no possible checkout with three darts. These are called bogey numbers:
Smart players always try to avoid leaving themselves on a bogey number at the end of a turn.
Darts Checkout Chart (2–170)
This is the most important reference for any darts player. Bookmark this page — you'll come back to it often. Here are the recommended checkouts for every finishable score:
3-Dart Checkouts (101–170)
| Score | Checkout |
|---|---|
| 170 | T20 → T20 → Bull |
| 167 | T20 → T19 → Bull |
| 164 | T20 → T18 → Bull |
| 161 | T20 → T17 → Bull |
| 160 | T20 → T20 → D20 |
| 158 | T20 → T20 → D19 |
| 157 | T20 → T19 → D20 |
| 156 | T20 → T20 → D18 |
| 155 | T20 → T19 → D19 |
| 154 | T20 → T18 → D20 |
| 153 | T20 → T19 → D18 |
| 152 | T20 → T20 → D16 |
| 151 | T20 → T17 → D20 |
| 150 | T20 → T18 → D18 |
| 149 | T20 → T19 → D16 |
| 148 | T20 → T16 → D20 |
| 147 | T20 → T17 → D18 |
| 146 | T20 → T18 → D16 |
| 145 | T20 → T15 → D20 |
| 144 | T20 → T20 → D12 |
| 143 | T20 → T17 → D16 |
| 142 | T20 → T14 → D20 |
| 141 | T20 → T19 → D12 |
| 140 | T20 → T20 → D10 |
| 139 | T20 → T13 → D20 |
| 138 | T20 → T18 → D12 |
| 137 | T20 → T19 → D10 |
| 136 | T20 → T20 → D8 |
| 135 | T20 → T17 → D12 |
| 134 | T20 → T14 → D16 |
| 133 | T20 → T19 → D8 |
| 132 | T20 → T16 → D12 |
| 131 | T20 → T13 → D16 |
| 130 | T20 → T18 → D8 |
| 129 | T19 → T16 → D12 |
| 128 | T18 → T14 → D16 |
| 127 | T20 → T17 → D8 |
| 126 | T19 → T19 → D6 |
| 125 | T20 → T15 → D10 |
| 124 | T20 → T16 → D8 |
| 123 | T19 → T16 → D9 |
| 122 | T18 → T18 → D7 |
| 121 | T20 → T11 → D14 |
| 120 | T20 → S20 → D20 |
| 119 | T19 → T12 → D13 |
| 118 | T20 → S18 → D20 |
| 117 | T20 → S17 → D20 |
| 116 | T20 → S16 → D20 |
| 115 | T20 → S15 → D20 |
| 114 | T20 → S14 → D20 |
| 113 | T20 → S13 → D20 |
| 112 | T20 → T12 → D8 |
| 111 | T20 → S11 → D20 |
| 110 | T20 → Bull |
| 109 | T20 → S9 → D20 |
| 108 | T20 → S16 → D16 |
| 107 | T19 → Bull |
| 106 | T20 → S6 → D20 |
| 105 | T20 → S5 → D20 |
| 104 | T18 → Bull |
| 103 | T20 → S3 → D20 |
| 102 | T20 → S2 → D20 |
| 101 | T17 → Bull |
2-Dart Checkouts (61–100)
| Score | Checkout |
|---|---|
| 100 | T20 → D20 |
| 99 | T19 → D21 |
| 98 | T20 → D19 |
| 97 | T19 → D20 |
| 96 | T20 → D18 |
| 95 | T19 → D19 |
| 94 | T18 → D20 |
| 93 | T19 → D18 |
| 92 | T20 → D16 |
| 91 | T17 → D20 |
| 90 | T18 → D18 |
| 89 | T19 → D16 |
| 88 | T16 → D20 |
| 87 | T17 → D18 |
| 86 | T18 → D16 |
| 85 | T15 → D20 |
| 84 | T20 → D12 |
| 83 | T17 → D16 |
| 82 | T14 → D20 |
| 81 | T19 → D12 |
| 80 | T20 → D10 |
| 79 | T13 → D20 |
| 78 | T18 → D12 |
| 77 | T19 → D10 |
| 76 | T20 → D8 |
| 75 | T17 → D12 |
| 74 | T14 → D16 |
| 73 | T19 → D8 |
| 72 | T16 → D12 |
| 71 | T13 → D16 |
| 70 | T18 → D8 |
| 69 | T19 → D6 |
| 68 | T20 → D4 |
| 67 | T17 → D8 |
| 66 | T10 → D18 |
| 65 | T19 → D4 |
| 64 | T16 → D8 |
| 63 | T13 → D12 |
| 62 | T10 → D16 |
| 61 | T15 → D8 |
1-Dart Checkouts (2–40 even numbers + 50)
| Score | Checkout |
|---|---|
| 50 | Bull |
| 40 | D20 |
| 38 | D19 |
| 36 | D18 |
| 34 | D17 |
| 32 | D16 |
| 30 | D15 |
| 28 | D14 |
| 26 | D13 |
| 24 | D12 |
| 22 | D11 |
| 20 | D10 |
| 18 | D9 |
| 16 | D8 |
| 14 | D7 |
| 12 | D6 |
| 10 | D5 |
| 8 | D4 |
| 6 | D3 |
| 4 | D2 |
| 2 | D1 |
Double 20 (40) is the most popular checkout among professionals. If you miss the double 20, you often land in single 20 — leaving you on 20 (double 10). Miss that, and you're on 10 (double 5). This "downward path" makes 40 the ideal number to leave yourself on.
How to Play Cricket
Cricket is one of the most popular darts games worldwide, especially in the USA. It's a strategic game that's very different from 501.
The Rules
Players: 2 players or 2 teams
Objective: Close all numbers and have the most points
Closing a number: Hit it 3 times (singles, doubles and triples count)
How Scoring Works in Cricket
- Each player takes turns throwing 3 darts at the numbers 15–20 and the bullseye
- You need to hit each number 3 times to "close" it — a single counts as 1, a double counts as 2, a triple counts as 3
- Once you've closed a number, any additional hits score points (the face value of that number)
- BUT — once both players have closed a number, it's dead and no longer scores for anyone
- The winner is the first player to close all 7 numbers AND have equal or more points
Cricket Strategy Tips
- Start with 20s — they're worth the most points
- Close your opponent's open numbers — stop them scoring
- Don't just focus on closing — build a point lead for safety
- Triples are king — one triple closes a number instantly
Other Popular Darts Games
Beyond 501 and Cricket, there are several fun games perfect for casual play and practice:
Around the Clock
Hit numbers 1 through 20 in order, then finish on the bullseye. The first player to complete the sequence wins. Great for beginners learning the board layout. Doubles and triples count as hitting that number.
Killer
Each player is assigned a number by throwing with their non-dominant hand. You then try to hit other players' doubles to eliminate them while protecting your own. The last player standing wins. Best with 3+ players.
Shanghai
Players take turns throwing at each number in sequence (1, then 2, then 3, etc.). Score as many points as possible on each number. If you hit the single, double AND triple of the same number in one turn, that's a "Shanghai" and you win instantly.
Halve It
Players aim at predetermined targets each round (e.g. 15s, 16s, doubles, triples, bulls). If you hit the target, you score points. If you miss all three darts, your total score is halved. Highest score after all rounds wins.
How to Keep Score — Manual vs Electronic
There are several ways to keep track of your darts scores:
Chalkboard / Whiteboard
The traditional method. Write both players' starting scores (501) and subtract each turn's total. Simple, satisfying and gives your setup an authentic pub feel.
Scoring Apps
Free apps like Darts Scoreboard, My Dart Training and DartCounter track scores automatically, calculate checkouts and even record your stats over time. Available on iOS and Android.
Electronic Dartboard
Electronic dartboards automatically calculate and display scores. Great for beginners who don't want to worry about maths. Most support multiple game formats including 501, 301 and Cricket.
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Key Darts Terminology
Here's a glossary of the most important darts terms you'll hear during games and on TV:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Checkout | Finishing the game by reaching exactly zero on a double |
| Bust | Going below zero or reaching zero without a double — score reverts |
| Ton | A score of 100 or more in a single turn |
| Ton-eighty (180) | Maximum score — three triple 20s (60 + 60 + 60) |
| Double in | Needing to hit a double before you can start scoring (301 variant) |
| Double out | Must finish the game on a double — standard in all competitive play |
| Oche | The throwing line — pronounced "ockey" |
| Leg | A single game of 501 or 301 |
| Set | A collection of legs — first to win X legs wins the set |
| Nine-darter | A perfect game — finishing 501 in just 9 darts |
| Madhouse | Double 1 — considered the hardest and most frustrating checkout |
| Shanghai | Hitting the single, double and triple of the same number in one turn |
| Bogey number | A score with no possible three-dart checkout (e.g. 169, 168, 166) |
| Tops | Double 20 — the most common checkout target |
| Bed and breakfast | Scoring 26 (single 20, single 5, single 1) — a common miss pattern |
| Mugs away | The loser of the previous leg throws first in the next leg |
| Robin Hood | When a dart lands in the flight or shaft of another dart already in the board |
Scoring Tips for Beginners
Here are the top tips to help you score better and improve your game:
Aim for Treble 20 — Not the Bullseye
It might seem counterintuitive, but triple 20 (60 points) scores more than the bullseye (50 points). Professional players almost always aim for the triple 20 when scoring. The bullseye is mainly used for checkouts.
Learn the Common Checkouts
You don't need to memorise the entire checkout chart immediately. Start with the most common finishes: 40 (D20), 32 (D16), 36 (D18), 24 (D12) and 16 (D8). These cover the majority of game-ending situations.
Always Leave an Even Number
When you're getting close to a checkout, plan your throws to leave an even number. Even numbers can always be finished on a double. If you leave an odd number, you'll need to hit a single first to get back to even.
Practice Your Doubles
Doubles win games. Spend at least 30% of your practice time on the double ring. Start with D20 and D16 — they're the most commonly needed doubles in competitive play.
Don't Panic on Big Checkouts
If you're on 120, don't try to finish in one turn. Break it down: hit a T20 (60) to leave yourself on 60, then next turn hit S20 + D20. Steady, smart scoring beats wild throwing every time.
Use a Scoring App
A scoring app removes the mental maths and lets you focus on throwing. Most apps also suggest checkouts and track your averages over time, which helps you see your improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest score you can get with 3 darts?
180 — three triple 20s (60 + 60 + 60). This is called a "maximum" or "ton-eighty" and is the most celebrated score in darts.
What is the highest checkout in darts?
170 — triple 20, triple 20, bullseye. This is the highest possible finish because the bullseye (worth 50) counts as a double, which is required to finish the game.
Do you have to finish on a double?
Yes, in standard 501 and 301 games you must finish on a double. The inner bullseye (50) counts as a double. This is called "double out" and is used in all professional darts tournaments.
What happens if you go below zero?
It's a bust. Your score goes back to what it was at the start of that turn and any remaining darts are forfeited. For example, if you have 32 left and accidentally score 33, your score stays at 32.
Is the bullseye worth 50 points?
The inner bull (small red circle) is worth 50 points and counts as a double. The outer bull (green ring around it) is worth 25 points and counts as a single.
What scores have no checkout?
The bogey numbers with no possible three-dart checkout are: 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159. Any score above 170 also cannot be checked out.
How do you play Cricket in darts?
Players aim at numbers 15–20 and the bullseye. Hit each number 3 times to "close" it. Once closed, further hits on that number score points. The winner closes all numbers first with equal or more points. Doubles count as 2 hits, triples as 3.
What does "mugs away" mean?
It means the loser of the previous leg throws first in the next leg. It's a common pub rule that gives the losing player a slight advantage by throwing first.
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