How to Play 301 Darts

301 is a faster alternative to 501, perfect for quick pub games or when you want a shorter match. The rules are nearly identical, but the lower starting score changes the strategy completely.

The Objective

Each player starts at 301 and subtracts their score each turn. First player to reach exactly 0 wins — but your final dart must land on a double (double out).

Basic Rules

1. Each player starts with 301 points.
2. Throw 3 darts per turn. Subtract your total from your remaining score.
3. To win, reach exactly 0 with your last dart landing on a double.
4. If you go below 0 or hit exactly 1, your turn is bust — score resets to what it was before that turn.

Common Variations

• Double Out only (standard) — You can start scoring immediately, but must finish on a double. This is the most common pub rule.
• Double In, Double Out — You must also hit a double before your score starts counting. Until you hit a double, your darts don't count. This is used in more competitive settings.
• Straight In, Double Out — No requirements to start scoring — just throw and subtract. Must still finish on a double.

Strategy Tips

• Start fast: In double-out-only, aim for treble 20 (T20 = 60) to bring your score down quickly. Three turns of T20, T20, T20 gets you to 301 - 180 = 121.
• Plan your checkout early: With 301, you're in checkout range (170 or below) after just a few turns. Start thinking about your finish when you're around 140–170.
• Know your doubles: The most common finishing doubles are D20 (40), D16 (32), D10 (20), and D8 (16). If you miss, these leave another double.
• Double-in tip: If playing double-in, aim for D20 or the bullseye (D25 = 50) to start with a strong opening.

301 vs 501: What's the Difference?

The only rule difference is the starting score. But this changes the feel of the game significantly:

• Speed: 301 games are about 40% shorter. Great for pub settings or when time is limited.
• Checkout pressure: You're in finishing range much sooner, so the pressure to close out is constant.
• Fewer "dead" turns: In 501, the first few turns are just bringing the score down. In 301, every turn matters.

Read our full 501 guide →

Key Checkouts to Know

Since 301 gets to low scores fast, memorize these common finishes:

• 170: T20 → T20 → DB (highest possible checkout)
• 121: T20 → S11 → D25 (after one turn of 180)
• 100: T20 → D20
• 80: T20 → D10
• 40: D20
• 32: D16

See all checkouts in our checkout chart →

Try the interactive checkout calculator →

FAQ

Do you have to double in for 301?

It depends on the house rules. Double out only is the most common pub rule — you start scoring right away but must finish on a double. Some leagues use double-in, double-out.

What happens if I go below zero?

Your turn is bust. Your score resets to what it was at the start of that turn, and the next player throws.

Can I finish on a bullseye?

Yes — the inner bull (50 points) counts as a double, so if you have 50 remaining, you can finish with a bullseye.