Instructions for 501 Darts

Start the game by determining who will throw first. This is usually decided by the rules of the house, or by the players involved. A common method of determining who goes first can be done by each player throwing a single dart, with the highest scorer going first. Players should stand behind the designated throwing line, which is again determined by the house or by the players involved.

Take turns throwing three darts, one at a time, at the dartboard. A standard dartboard is sectioned into 20 segments randomly numbered 1 to 20, with a small black circle found in the middle of the board called the "bull's-eye," which is also surrounded by a red ring called the "25" ring. The twenty segments are partitioned off by a "double" ring, found on the outermost edge of the board, and a "treble" ring, found between the "double" ring and the "25" ring.

Keep score using pen and paper, unless the dartboard is electronic, by tallying up the combination of points from the darts thrown. If a player lands in the "double" ring of a segment, then they are awarded double the point value of that segment. If the throw lands in the "treble" ring of a segment, the player is awarded triple the point value of that segment. The "25" ring awards 25 points, and the "bull's-eye" awards 50 points.

Win the game by deducting your points from 501, and getting to zero, with the only disclaimer being that the game must be won with a dart landing in the "double" ring of a segment or the "bull's-eye." For example, if a player needs a score of 50 to win, she must either get a "bull's-eye," or land a dart in the 10 segment of the board, followed by another dart landing in the "double" ring of the 20 segment of that turn. If a player goes over when throwing for zero, then her score is reverted back to what it was before this turn. It is not necessary to throw all three darts to win.