How to Play 301 Darts
301 plays exactly like 501, just from a lower starting score — so legs are quicker. It's a great choice for beginners, short sessions, or when there are four of you waiting for a turn.
The rules
- Every player starts on 301.
- Each visit is three darts; their total is subtracted from your score.
- First to exactly 0 wins the leg.
- Most players finish on a double (double out); casual games often allow any dart to finish (straight out).
- If a visit would take you below zero — or, in double out, to 1 or to zero without a double — it's a bust and your score goes back to where it was.
The double-in variant
Many American and league games play 301 double in, double out: your score doesn't start counting down until you hit a double. Darts thrown before that first double score nothing. It makes the start of the leg much more tense, and evens things out between strong and weak scorers.
The ChillDarts scorer plays 301 straight in — every dart counts from the first throw — with double out as an option.
301 vs 501
| 301 | 501 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 301 | 501 |
| Fewest darts possible | 6 (e.g. 180 + 121) | 9 (e.g. 180, 180, 141) |
| Typical casual leg | 10–25 darts | 20–40 darts |
| Common variant | Double in, double out | Straight in, double out |
| Good for | Beginners, quick games, big groups | Matches, practice, league play |
Because you get to the finish sooner, 301 spends a bigger share of each leg on checkouts — it's a good way to practise your doubles. See the checkout chart for the best route from any score.
Tips
- From 301 you're only two good visits away from a finish — start thinking about your checkout earlier than in 501.
- With three or four players, 301 keeps the waiting time short.
- Want the full-length game? 501 rules are the same, just longer.
Play it free
Start a 301 leg in your browser — the free ChillDarts scorer handles the maths, busts and checkout suggestions.