How to Play 301 Darts

Objective

301 plays exactly like 501 but starts from a lower score. Each player begins with 301 points and must reduce to exactly zero with the final dart on a double.

Setup

Two players stand at the oche. Each begins with 301 points. Some variations require a "double in" — meaning your first scoring dart must land on a double before you can begin counting points.

How to Play

Players alternate throwing three darts per visit. Scores are subtracted from the remaining total. The rules are identical to 501 in terms of scoring, busting, and checkout rules.

• •Each visit is three darts
• •Standard 501 scoring applies (singles, doubles, trebles, bull)
• •Some leagues require double-in to start scoring
• •Checkout must be on a double (same as 501)

Scoring

With only 301 points to work with, games are faster. A single 180 brings you down to 121 — already within checkout range. This makes the double-in rule important for balance.

Winning

Same as 501 — reach exactly zero with your last dart on a double. The lower starting score means fewer big-scoring turns and more emphasis on accurate doubles.

• •Must finish on a double or inner bull (50)
• •Bust rules identical to 501
• •Games are shorter — typically 6-12 visits per player

Tips

301 rewards accurate doubles even more than 501.

• •In double-in games, practice hitting D16 or D20 quickly to start scoring
• •With 301, one good visit (140+) puts you in checkout range immediately
• •Learn checkouts in the 100-170 range — you'll need them sooner
• •If playing without double-in, aggressive scoring from dart one is key
• •301 is great practice for checkout situations

Common Mistakes

Watch out for these in 301:

• •Forgetting the double-in rule (if playing with it) — throwing singles when you need a double first
• •Overshooting into bust territory faster because of the lower starting score
• •Not adjusting strategy — 301 is about getting to doubles quickly, not just scoring high