Official Dart Games Rules

Introduction to Dart Games

Darts is a game of skill and precision that has been enjoyed for centuries. Modern dart games are played on a standardized dartboard with players taking turns to throw three darts per round. This guide covers the official rules for the most popular dart games played worldwide.

01 Games (301, 501, 701, 1001)

The "01" family of games are the most common dart games played in tournaments and leagues worldwide. These include 301, 501, 701, and 1001, with 501 being the standard for professional competitions.

Basic Rules

Each player starts with a score of 301, 501, 701, or 1001 points.
Players take turns throwing three darts per round.
The score for each throw is subtracted from the player's total.
The objective is to reduce the score exactly to zero.
If a player scores more than their remaining points or reduces their score to exactly 1, the entire turn is a "bust" and no points are deducted.

Scoring

The standard dartboard has numbers 1-20 arranged in a circular pattern.
The outer narrow ring scores double the number.
The inner narrow ring scores triple the number.
The outer bull (green) scores 25 points.
The inner bull (red) scores 50 points.

Double In and Double Out Rules

Double Out

Double Out (also called "Doubling Out" or "Double to Finish") is the standard rule in professional darts.

To win, a player must finish by hitting a double (including the double bull/red bull).
The final dart must land in the double ring of the number that will reduce the score exactly to zero.
Example: If a player has 32 remaining, they must hit a double 16 to win.
If a player has 1 point remaining, they cannot finish as there is no double that equals 1.

Double In

Double In (also called "Doubling In") is less common but adds an extra challenge.

Players must hit a double before they can begin scoring points.
Until a double is hit, all scores are invalid and not counted.
Once a player has "doubled in," normal scoring resumes for the remainder of the game.

Double In, Double Out

This combination requires players to both start and finish with doubles, creating the most challenging version of 01 games.

Cricket

Cricket is a popular alternative to 01 games, focusing on specific numbers rather than a countdown.

Basic Rules

Cricket uses only the numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye.
Players take turns throwing three darts per round.
The objective is to "close" all numbers (15-20 and bullseye) and have the highest score.
To "close" a number, a player must hit it three times (singles count as one, doubles as two, and triples as three).
Once a player closes a number, they can score points on that number until all opponents also close it.
Points are scored by hitting a closed number (the value of the hit is added to the player's score).
The game ends when one player has closed all numbers and has equal or more points than any opponent.

Cutthroat Cricket

Cutthroat Cricket is a variation of Cricket with a twist on the scoring system.

Basic Rules

The rules are similar to regular Cricket, using numbers 15-20 and the bullseye.
The key difference is in scoring: when a player hits a number they've closed, points are assigned to all opponents who haven't closed that number.
The goal is to close all numbers and have the lowest score (or no score).
The game ends when all players have closed all numbers, with the lowest score winning.

Strategy Tips

01 Games

Focus on high-scoring areas (triple 20, triple 19) early in the game.
As you approach a finish, plan your throws to leave a favorable checkout number.
Common checkout targets include double 16 (for 32), double 20 (for 40), and double 18 (for 36).

Cricket

Start by closing the highest numbers (20, 19) to maximize potential scoring.
In Cutthroat Cricket, consider closing lower numbers first to prevent opponents from scoring on you.
Pay attention to which numbers your opponents have closed and adjust your strategy accordingly.