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Play Darts

The classic 501 format. Play against the computer or a friend.

Game Type

Game Mode

Choose Opponent

First to 3 legs wins
Adaptive Difficulty
The computer adjusts to your skill level, playing harder when you are doing well and easing off when you are struggling.

How to Play

  • Both players start on 501 points
  • Subtract your 3-dart score each turn
  • Must finish on exactly 0 with a double
  • Going below 0 or leaving 1 is a bust

About 501 Darts

501 is the most popular format in professional darts. Both players start with a score of 501 and race to reduce their score to exactly zero, finishing on a double. It's the format used in all major PDC and WDF tournaments, including the World Championship at Alexandra Palace.

How to Play

Each player takes turns throwing three darts. The score from each visit is subtracted from their remaining total. To win a leg, you must reach exactly zero and your final dart must land in a double segment (or the bullseye, which counts as double 25).

  • Starting score: Both players begin on 501
  • Scoring: Subtract your 3-dart total each turn
  • Bust rule: Going below zero, or leaving exactly 1, is a bust, and your score reverts
  • Double out: You must finish on a double to win the leg

Computer Difficulty Levels

Our computer opponent has four skill levels to match your ability:

  • Beginner (~35 average): Perfect for newcomers learning the game. Takes around 40 darts to finish a leg
  • Amateur (~50 average): A casual pub player level, finishing legs in roughly 29 darts
  • Club Player (~70 average): Competent league standard, around 21 darts a leg
  • Professional (~95 average): Tour-level challenge, finishing in about 15 darts and capable of the occasional nine-darter

Rather than picking scores from a list, the opponent aims at a spot on the board and its dart lands somewhere around that point, with the spread set by its skill level. The segment is then read from the real board layout. That means a missed treble 20 drops into 20, 1 or 5 exactly as it would in real life, a missed double slips into the single below it, and the computer busts for the same reasons you do. Each level's average is verified by simulation whenever the site is built.

Key Statistics

The game tracks several important statistics to help you improve:

  • Three-dart average: Points scored divided by darts thrown, multiplied by three. This is the figure the PDC quotes, and it is the standard measure of scoring ability
  • Checkout percentage: How often you finish when on a score you could have finished from
  • Highest visit: Your best 3-dart score in the match

Improving Your Average

Professional players average around 95-105, with the very best pushing towards 110+. Club players typically average 50-70. Here's a rough guide to skill levels:

  • 30-40 average: Beginner. Focus on consistency and hitting the board
  • 40-55 average: Improving. Work on grouping and treble accuracy
  • 55-70 average: Club level. Refine your doubles and big finishes
  • 70-85 average: County/Super League standard
  • 85-100 average: Professional level
  • 100+ average: Elite world-class standard

Related Practice Games

Complement your 501 practice with these targeted training games: