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Darts rules explained

Understand the dartboard, scoring, visits, busts, checkouts and the most common match formats before you step to the oche.

Start Match Learn the basics

How the dartboard scores

SingleThe large and small single areas score the displayed number.

DoubleThe thin outer ring scores twice the displayed number.

TripleThe thin inner ring scores three times the displayed number.

Outer bullThe outer bull scores 25.

Inner bullThe centre bull scores 50 and counts as double 25.

MissA dart outside a scoring segment scores zero.

Visits and turn order

A normal visit contains up to three darts. After the visit, the next player takes a turn unless the leg or match has ended. A dart only scores when its point remains in or touches the face of the board until the score is recorded under standard steel-tip play.

Legs, sets and matches

A leg is one complete game. A set contains a chosen number of legs. Match formats are often described as “best of” an odd number, meaning the first player to win more than half wins the match.

Example

Best of 5 legs means the first player to win 3 legs takes the match.

X01 rules: 501 and 301

In X01, every player starts on the same total and subtracts each visit. The aim is to reach exactly zero. 501 is the standard longer format; 301 creates a faster game.

Checkout rules

Straight-out: any valid scoring segment may finish the leg.
Double-out: the final dart must land in a double.
Master-out: the final dart may land in a double or triple.

Busts

A bust ends the visit and restores the score from the start of that visit. Common busts include going below zero, leaving one in double-out or reaching zero with an invalid finishing dart.

Cricket rules

Cricket uses 15 through 20 and bull. Three marks close a target. Extra marks can score points while an opponent still has that number open. To win, close every target and have at least as many points as the opposition.

Round the Clock rules

Round the Clock moves through targets in numerical order. Variants decide whether only singles count, whether any segment advances or whether doubles and triples advance extra steps.

Shanghai rules

Shanghai assigns one number to each round. Only the active number scores. A single, double and triple of that number in one visit completes a Shanghai and may win immediately.

Common darts terms

Oche: The throwing line behind which the player stands.
Visit: One player's turn of up to three darts.
Checkout: A combination that takes the remaining X01 score to exactly zero.
Bust: An invalid X01 visit that restores the previous score.
Maximum: A score of 180 with three triple 20s.
Average: Points scored per three darts, normally calculated across a leg or match.

Choose a format

501Classic match darts with checkouts, legs and sets.301A faster X01 format for short games.CricketClose targets and control scoring numbers.Round the ClockProgress through the full dartboard in order.ShanghaiScore on one number and chase single, double and triple.

Frequently asked questions

How far is the oche from the dartboard?

For standard steel-tip darts, the horizontal distance from the board face to the oche is 2.37 metres. Check the venue setup before competitive play.

How many darts are thrown per turn?

Up to three. A visit may finish earlier when the player wins the leg or when the game rules end the turn.

Does the bull count as a double?

The inner bull scores 50 and counts as double 25 for double-out finishes.