How to Play Darts for Beginners: Scoring, 301, 501, and Cricket

Learning how to play darts starts with three ideas: understand the scoring areas, take turns of up to three darts, and know the winning condition for the game you selected. In 301 and 501, you subtract points until you reach exactly zero. In Cricket, you try to close the numbers 20 through 15 and the bull while managing the score.

The rules can change with the format. Professional steel-tip 501 normally uses a straight start and a double finish, while electronic leagues and home machines may offer open-in, open-out, double-in, double-out, split-bull, or full-bull options. Check the selected game on your board before the first throw so everyone is playing by the same rules.

Dartboard Scoring Explained

A dart scores according to the section where its point lands. The large wedge areas score the number printed around the board. The narrow outer ring is the double ring, and the narrow inner ring is the triple ring.

The bull setting deserves special attention on electronic boards. Under the National Dart Association's electronic rules, open '01 can use a full bull worth 50, while Masters double-in/double-out play and Cricket use a split bull with 25 for the outer bull and 50 for the inner bull. A home board may present its own selectable options, so use the display and matching manual rather than assuming every mode scores the bull in the same way.

On an electronic dartboard, the machine records the score and advances the game. On a bristle board, players or a scorer add and subtract the values manually. If you are still choosing between the two formats, see Electronic vs. Bristle Dartboard: Which Is Better for Your Home?.

What Happens During a Turn?

Players take turns at the throwing line. NDA electronic rules allow a maximum of three darts per turn and also allow a player to pass or throw fewer than three. Once the turn is complete, retrieve the darts only after the thrower has finished and the machine or scorer is ready for the next player.

A simple home-game sequence is:

1. Confirm the correct player and game setting.
2. Stand behind the throwing line.
3. Throw up to three darts, one at a time.
4. Let the machine register the darts, or record the score on a manual scoreboard.
5. Retrieve the darts after the turn is over.
6. Move behind the next player and keep the throwing lane clear.

For electronic league play, the NDA treats a bounce-out or complete miss as a dart thrown, even when it does not score. House rules may differ, but agreeing on the rule before the game prevents arguments later.

Before playing, make sure the board and throwing line are positioned correctly. The step-by-step measurements are covered in How to Set Up a Dartboard at Home.

A Simple Throwing Motion for Beginners

Start with a repeatable motion rather than trying to throw hard. Place the same foot forward each time, keep your balance behind the line, aim, draw the dart back under control, and release it toward the target. Your grip should be secure without squeezing the dart.

There is no need to copy another player's stance exactly. The classical, closed, and open positions in the illustration are starting points. Choose a stable position that lets you repeat the motion without stepping across the line. Keep your forearm movement controlled and finish with your hand directed toward the target.

How to Play 301 Darts

In 301, every player starts at 301 and subtracts the value of each turn. The first player to reach exactly zero under the chosen checkout rule wins.

Beginner 301 setup

For a first home game, open-in/open-out is the easiest version to understand: scoring begins with the first valid dart, and any valid scoring area can take the total to zero. This is a beginner house-rule choice, not a universal tournament standard.

The NDA's open electronic '01 format uses any-in/any-out, while its Masters format can use double-in/double-out. That difference is why selecting “301” alone does not tell you every rule. Before play, confirm:

• open-in or double-in;
• open-out, master-out, or double-out; and
• full bull or split bull.

What is a bust in 301?

A bust happens when a player's turn cannot produce a valid zero under the selected rules. Under the NDA's '01 rules, scoring more than the amount required to reach zero is a bust and the score returns to what it was at the start of that turn.

For example, a player on 18 who scores 20 has gone below zero. The 20 does not become the new score; the player returns to 18 and waits for the next turn. In a double-out game, reaching zero without the required double also fails to finish the leg.

How to Play 501 Darts

501 follows the same countdown idea as 301 but starts each player at 501. The higher starting total gives players more scoring turns before the checkout phase.

Under the DRA Rules 2026, in force from March 31, 2026, DRA-regulated 501 uses a straight start and requires the winning dart to land in a double, unless the event format states otherwise. The inner bull can count as double 25 when 50 is needed to finish.

A basic 501 turn looks like this:

• Start on 501.
• Add the values of up to three darts.
• Subtract that turn from the remaining score.
• Continue until a player can reach exactly zero with a permitted finishing dart.
• If the player busts, restore the score from the start of the turn.

Beginners do not need to memorize a full checkout chart before playing. Start by understanding the double ring and a few simple finishes. If 40 remains, for example, double 20 completes a double-out game. If you are using an electronic board, its display may suggest a finish or enforce the selected option automatically; confirm this behavior in the manual for your exact model.

How to Play Cricket Darts

Cricket uses only 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bull. Each target needs three marks to close.

• A single scores one mark.
• A double scores two marks.
• A triple scores three marks.
• Under NDA split-bull Cricket, the outer bull is one mark and the inner bull is two marks.

Once you have three marks on a number, that number is closed for you. If your opponent has not closed it, additional hits on that number score points for you. Once every player or team has closed it, no one can score more points on that target.

To win standard scoring Cricket under the NDA rules, close all seven targets and have a score that is equal to or greater than the opponent's. Closing everything first is not enough when you are still behind on points.

A short Cricket example

Suppose you hit triple 20. That gives you three marks and closes 20 in one dart. If your opponent has not closed 20, a later single 20 can add 20 points. If your opponent also closes 20, further hits on 20 no longer add points.

Electronic scoring is especially helpful here because the display can track open numbers, marks, and points. The underlying objective remains the same: close the required targets and manage the score.

Which Dart Game Should a Beginner Play First?

Choose the game that matches what you want to learn.

Around the Clock works well as a simple practice game: begin at 1 and try to hit each number in order. Agree before starting whether doubles and triples count only as a hit or move the player forward by more than one number. This is a flexible home format rather than one fixed tournament rule.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Starting without checking the game options

“301” or “501” describes the starting total, but not every entry, bull, or checkout setting. Confirm the options on the screen or with the other players before throwing.

Counting a turn after a bust

In '01, a bust returns the player to the score held at the start of the turn. Do not subtract the earlier darts from the same turn and keep only the final mistake.

Trying to close Cricket without watching the points

A player can close every target and still be unable to win while behind on points. Watch both the marks and the score.

Throwing too hard

More force does not replace a repeatable motion. Begin with a comfortable grip, stable stance, controlled draw-back, and smooth release.

Using the wrong darts for the board

Use soft-tip darts with electronic boards that specify soft-tip play. Use the dart type and any weight or size limits stated in the manual for your exact board. Do not throw steel-tip darts at an electronic target unless a model-specific source explicitly permits it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many darts does each player throw per turn?

A standard turn allows up to three darts. Under NDA electronic rules, a player may pass or use fewer than three, but cannot exceed three in the turn.

What is the difference between 301 and 501?

The main difference is the starting total. Both are '01 countdown games, but 301 begins at 301 and 501 begins at 501. Entry and checkout options must still be confirmed separately.

Do you have to finish 301 or 501 on a double?

Not in every format. DRA-regulated 501 normally requires a double finish, while NDA open electronic '01 uses any-in/any-out and Masters formats can use double-in/double-out. Use the rule selected for your game.

What numbers count in Cricket?

Standard scoring Cricket uses 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bull. Each target requires three marks to close.

Do bounce-outs count?

The answer depends on the format. NDA electronic league rules count a bounce-out as a dart thrown and do not allow it to be thrown again. DRA steel-tip rules state that a dart that bounces or falls out before retrieval does not score and is not re-thrown.

Start With the Board That Fits Your Game

The easiest first game is the one everyone understands. Use 301 open-in/open-out to learn subtraction, Cricket to learn the key targets, or 501 double-out when you are ready to practice finishes. Confirm the options, keep the lane clear, and focus on a repeatable throw.

For automatic scoring and soft-tip play, browse YIRINATEK's electronic dartboards. For traditional steel-tip play with a manual scoreboard, explore the sisal dartboard cabinet collection. Whichever format you choose, use the matching darts and product manual.

Sources

• National Dart Association: Recommended League Play and Rules Guidebook — accessed September 12, 2026
• Darts Regulation Authority: DRA Rules 2026, in force from March 31, 2026 — accessed September 12, 2026
• YIRINATEK owner-supplied throwing and stance illustration — reviewed September 12, 2026; used as a visual reference only
• yirinatek-brand-llm/knowledge/manuals.json and yirinatek-brand-llm/knowledge/product-families.json — reviewed September 12, 2026; used to scope electronic-board statements