How to Play 301 Darts Game (in Less Than 5 Minutes)

Welcome to How to Play 301 Darts. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about playing 301 darts. This includes the basics of the game, how to score, and some tips on how to win. Playing 301 darts can be a lot of fun, and we hope this blog will help you get started!

Introduction to 301 Darts

301 Darts game is a variation of 501 and 701 darts games (which are the most popular games and the standard games in darts competition).

The object of the game is to be the first player/team to reduce the score from 301 points down to zero. You will take turns throwing darts to hit different targets on the dartboard (3 darts per turn). Different areas on the board are worth different points. The scored points will then be subtracted from the total 301 points or your remaining points at the beginning of each turn.

The double ring of the dartboard gives you double points, while the triple ring helps you triple the scoring points. The inner bullseye is worth 50 points, while the area around it (aka outer bullseye) is worth 25 points. The rest of the board is worth single points.

How to Play 301 Darts

The above is the core concept of 301 darts. However, to actually get started playing it, you need to follow a few rules.

Start Scoring by Doubling in

First of all, to start scoring points, you have to land a dart on a double section. This is called “doubling in.” Before doubling in, any points you score don’t count.

You can also hit the bullseye for doubling in since it’s also considered a double section. The points scored by doubling in and the following darts in that turn will be deducted from the 301 total points.

For the throw line (aka the oche), the distance is 7 feet, 9 and ¼ inches (or 2.37 meters) away from the board if you’re playing with steel tip darts. If you’re playing with soft tip darts, you need to stand 8 feet (or 2.4384 meters) away.

Get the Score Down

Right after doubling in, your next mission is to get the points down to 0 before your opponents. This means you’ll need to score as many points as possible. The highest score you can get per a dart throw is 60 points by hitting the double 20 section.

Win 301 Darts by Doubling out

To win the game, you have to bring the points down to precisely 0 by hitting a double section again. This is called “doubling out.”

If you let your remaining points go down below 0, you will “bust.” A bust will end your turn immediately and all the points you score in that turn don’t count. That means the remaining points after a bust will return to the number at the beginning of the turn.

Let’s say, your remaining points are 20. You could win by landing the first dart in this turn on the double 10. But you actually land it on the double 15, making your remaining points equal to -10 (20 – 30 = -10). Your turn ends immediately and the remaining points return to 20.

Check out our Darts Average Calculator Tool to know you darts averages

Tips on How to Play 301 Darts for Beginners

If you’re starting to play 301 darts, here are some tips to help you out.

First, you will need to practice hitting a double section (to start scoring and win the game). So, make sure to put your time into practicing. When you are better at doubling, move up to another level, try to hit the double 20, and bullseye. This will help you get the best score when doubling-in since they are worth 40 and 50 points respectively.

Next, practice hitting the triple sections. The most points you can score in a turn is 180 (aka a ton-80) with 3 darts all landed on the triple 20.

Third, you should know how to calculate your score to win the game. As you are bringing the points down, learn to calculate the chance of winning and avoid getting a bust.

Fourth, practice regularly with friends and have fun. Don’t forget to ask whether there’s any additional rule added to the game before playing.

301 Darts Variations

Sometimes, players can agree to exclude the rules of doubling in and out. They can start scoring right from the start and win by hitting any scoring areas on the board. This will make the 301 darts game become much easier to practice for beginners.

To add more playtime, fun, and challenges, you can switch to 501 or 701 darts. The objectives and basic rules are the same as 301 darts. The key difference is you’ll start with a significantly higher number (501 or 701). This is more fun when playing in teams with multiple members.

Let’s Play

Now that you know the basics of how to play 301 darts game, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Practice makes perfect. Just start playing without any strict rules. Then, try to aim for double and then triple sections. When you get more comfortable at throwing darts, learn to calculate your chance of winning and avoid busts.

Most importantly, enjoy the game and have fun!