Dart Rules for Beginners

New to darts? This guide covers everything you need to know to pick up your first set of darts and start playing — from how the board works to the most popular games.

The Dartboard

A standard dartboard has 20 numbered segments arranged in a specific order (not sequential). Each segment has four scoring zones:

• Single — The large areas. Score equals the number shown.
• Double — The thin outer ring. Score is 2× the number.
• Treble — The thin inner ring. Score is 3× the number. The treble 20 (60 points) is the highest single-dart score on the board.
• Bullseye — The center. Outer bull (green) = 25 points. Inner bull (red) = 50 points and counts as a double.

How a Turn Works

Each player throws 3 darts per turn from behind the throwing line (called the oche), which is 2.37 m (7 ft 9.25 in) from the board. After throwing all 3, you add up your score, pull your darts, and the next player throws.

Popular Dart Games

501 (Most Popular)

Both players start at 501 and subtract their scores each turn. To win, you must reach exactly 0 — and your final dart must land in a double (this is called "double out"). If you go below 0 or hit exactly 1, your turn is "bust" and your score resets to what it was before that turn.

Read our full 501 guide →

Cricket

Players take turns hitting numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye. You need 3 marks (hits) to "close" a number. Once you've closed a number but your opponent hasn't, additional hits on that number score points. To win, close all numbers and have equal or more points than your opponent.

Read our full Cricket guide →

301

Same as 501 but starting from 301. Some variations require you to "double in" (hit a double to start scoring) as well as double out. The lower starting score makes for faster games.

Read our 301 guide →

Around the Clock

A fun practice game — hit each number from 1 to 20 in order. Great for beginners working on accuracy.

Scoring Notation

Darts uses a shorthand notation to describe throws:

• S20 = Single 20 (20 points)
• D20 = Double 20 (40 points)
• T20 = Treble 20 (60 points)
• SB = Single Bull (25 points)
• DB = Double Bull (50 points)

See the full checkout chart →

Dart Etiquette

1. Stand well behind the oche when it's not your turn.
2. Don't distract the thrower — stay quiet and out of their line of sight.
3. Shake hands before and after a match.
4. The loser of the previous leg usually throws first in the next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the highest possible score with 3 darts?

180 — three treble 20s (60 + 60 + 60). Hitting a 180 is a milestone achievement in darts.

What's "double out" in 501?

Your final dart to win must land on a double segment (the thin outer ring) or the inner bullseye. For example, if you have 32 remaining, you need double 16.

How far do you stand from the dartboard?

The throwing line (oche) is 2.37 metres (7 feet 9¼ inches) from the face of the board. The board is mounted so the bullseye is 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) from the floor.

What darts should a beginner buy?

Start with a set of brass or nickel-silver darts in the 20–24 gram range. Tungsten darts are higher quality but more expensive — upgrade once you've been playing regularly.