How to Play Darts: 501, Cricket, Around the Clock & More (Rules Explained)

Darts is one of the easiest games in the world to start and one of the most rewarding to master. You can learn the basics in five minutes, but there’s a lifetime of skill in finishing on a double or hitting three treble-twenties for a 180. This guide covers how to read the board, how scoring works, and the full rules for the most popular darts games — from the classic 501 to Cricket and Around the Clock.

Reading the dartboard

A standard dartboard has 20 numbered segments arranged in a circle, plus a bullseye in the centre. Each numbered segment is split into scoring zones:

• The large areas score the face value of that number (e.g. landing in the big part of 20 scores 20).
• The thin outer ring is the double — it scores twice the number (double 20 = 40).
• The thin inner ring (about halfway in) is the treble — it scores three times the number (treble 20 = 60, the highest single-dart score).
• The outer bull (green ring) scores 25.
• The inner bull (red centre) scores 50.

The numbers aren’t arranged in order — they’re deliberately scattered so that a wild throw is punished. Miss the 20 and you might land in the 1 or the 5 either side of it. That layout is what makes accuracy matter.

The basics: turns, throws and scoring

Players take turns throwing three darts per turn. After each turn the score is tallied and the darts are collected. Whether a high score or a low score wins depends on the game — in 501 you’re counting down, in Cricket you’re closing numbers, and so on. The throwing distance is 2.37 m (7 ft 9¼ in) from the board for steel-tip play, with the bull set at 1.73 m high. If you haven’t set your board up yet, read our guide to dartboard height and distance first.

How to play 501 (the classic game)

501 is the game you’ll see on television and the standard for most leagues and tournaments. The rules are beautifully simple.

The objective

Each player (or team) starts with a score of 501. You take turns throwing three darts, subtracting whatever you score from your running total. The first player to reach exactly zero wins. But there’s a catch that makes it interesting.

The double-out rule

To win, your final dart must land in a double (the outer ring) or the inner bullseye (which counts as a double 25). You can’t just hit any number to reach zero — you have to “check out” on a double. This is the skill that separates good players from great ones, and it’s why finishing is an art form.

The bust rule

If you score more than your remaining total, or leave yourself on exactly 1 (which can’t be finished on a double), or reach zero without ending on a double, you “bust”. Your turn ends immediately and your score returns to whatever it was at the start of that turn. So if you’re on 40 and your first dart hits a 30, you’re on 10 — you must now finish on double 5, not panic.

A worked example

You’re on 40. The classic finish is double 20 — one dart, game over. Miss into the single 20 and you’re left on 20, so you aim for double 10. This is where a checkout chart becomes invaluable: it tells you the best double to aim for from any score.

Many games are played as 301 (a shorter version) or 701/1001 for longer matches. The rules are identical — only the starting number changes. Some leagues also require a “double in” (you must hit a double before your score starts counting), though most casual play uses straight start, double finish.

How to play Cricket

Cricket (sometimes called “Mickey Mouse”) is the second most popular darts game and a brilliant tactical contest. It uses only the numbers 15 through 20 plus the bullseye.

The objective

You’re trying to “close” each of those numbers by hitting them three times, while scoring points on numbers your opponent hasn’t closed yet. The winner is the player who closes all their numbers and has an equal or higher score.

How it works

• To close a number you need to hit it three times. A single counts as one, a double counts as two, and a treble closes it in a single dart.
• Once you’ve closed a number but your opponent hasn’t, every further hit on that number adds its value to your score.
• Once your opponent also closes that number, it’s “dead” and nobody can score on it.
• The bullseye counts too: outer bull (25) and inner bull (50), needing three hits to close.

The strategy lies in deciding when to rack up points and when to race to close numbers before your opponent shuts the door. It rewards thinking as much as throwing.

How to play Around the Clock

Around the Clock (also called Around the World) is the perfect game for beginners and for warming up. It’s pure target practice dressed up as a game.

The objective

Hit every number in sequence, from 1 all the way to 20, then finish on the bullseye. The first player to complete the journey wins.

How it works

You start aiming at 1. Once you hit it (anywhere in the 1 segment), you move to 2, then 3, and so on. You throw three darts per turn and progress as far as you can. To make it harder, advanced versions require you to hit the double or treble of each number. It’s a fantastic way to learn the whole board rather than just camping on the 20.

Other games worth trying

• Shanghai — over several rounds you target one number per round, scoring singles, doubles and trebles. Hit a single, double and treble of the same number in one turn (a “Shanghai”) and you win instantly.
• Killer — a great party game. Each player gets a number; once you become a “killer” you can knock out opponents’ lives by hitting their number. Last player standing wins.
• Halve It — you target set numbers each round, but miss and your score is halved. Punishing and fun.

Darts etiquette and tips for beginners

A few unwritten rules keep the game friendly: don’t throw until the previous player has collected their darts, stand back from the oche when it’s not your turn, and never distract a thrower mid-throw. When it comes to improving, the fundamentals matter more than fancy darts:

• Keep a steady stance with your dominant foot forward, behind the line.
• Bring the dart to the same point near your eye every time.
• Follow through — don’t stop your hand at the moment of release.
• Aim for the treble 20 to build accuracy; it’s the highest-scoring target on the board.
• Practise your doubles. Most beginners can score but freeze on the finish.

Get the right gear and start playing

All you really need to start is a quality board and a set of darts you enjoy throwing. Browse our dartboards and darts, and if you’re kitting out from scratch, our bundles & sets pair everything you need at a better price. Then pick a game, mark your oche, and start counting down from 501.