How to use
- 1Pick the starting score (301, 501, 701), the number of players and double-out/double-in, then type the names.
- 2Enter each visit either as a three-dart total or dart by dart with the Single/Double/Treble buttons and the number.
- 3Once a player is on 170 or less, the checkout route appears on their card; a bust wipes the visit automatically.
- 4Use Undo to take back the last dart or visit, and Next leg to carry on with the starter rotating.
501 rules: double-out and busting
In standard 501 each player counts down from 501 and must hit exactly zero with the last dart in a double — the bull counts as double 25. Score more than you have left, leave yourself on 1, or reach zero without a double and you bust: the whole visit is scrubbed and play passes on. The scorer detects all three cases. With double-in switched on, nothing counts until the player hits a double, a variation common in 301 league play.
How the checkout chart is worked out
For every score from 2 to 170 the tool searches all single, double, treble and bull combinations, keeps the routes with the fewest darts and then prefers the doubles players aim for most (D20, D16, D18) and T20/T19 set-ups. That gives the familiar 170 = T20 T20 Bull, 100 = T20 D20 and 82 = Bull D16. The bogey numbers 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159 cannot be checked out in three darts, so on those you play a set-up shot instead.
3-dart average
The 3-dart average is total points ÷ darts thrown × 3. Darts in a bust visit count, their points do not. In pub and county leagues an average of 40–50 is solid and 60+ is a strong amateur; tour professionals sit around 90–100. Play a few legs with the same settings to track your progress — everything is saved in your browser only, so the match survives a page reload.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play 501 darts?
Each player starts on 501, throws three darts per visit and subtracts the score. The first to reach exactly zero, finishing on a double, wins the leg.
What is a bust in darts?
Scoring more than you need, leaving 1, or reaching zero without a double in a double-out game. The visit does not count and the score goes back to what it was.
What is the highest checkout in darts?
170: treble 20, treble 20 and the bull. The highest score in one visit is 180, three treble 20s.
Which scores cannot be checked out?
Under 170, the bogey numbers are 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159. None can be finished on a double with three darts.
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