X01 Darts

X01 is the most popular darts game format played worldwide, from casual pub games to professional tournaments. The "X" stands for any digit — common variants include 301, 501, and 701. Each player starts with the chosen score and works their way down to exactly zero.

Objective

Each player starts with a set number of points (e.g. 501) and subtracts the score of each throw. The first player to reach exactly zero wins.

Equipment

• A standard dartboard with numbered segments 1–20, plus the bullseye
• Three darts per player per turn

The Dartboard

The dartboard is divided into 20 numbered segments, each with four scoring zones:

The centre of the board has two additional zones:

• Single Bull (outer bull): 25 points
• Double Bull (bullseye): 50 points

Bull-Off (Diddle for the Middle)

Before the game begins, a bull-off determines who throws first:

1. Each player throws one dart at the bullseye.
2. The player whose dart lands closest to the bull throws first.
3. If both players hit the same ring (e.g. both hit single bull), they throw again.

The bull-off is sometimes called "diddle for the middle" or "middle for diddle".

Starting the Game

Standard Start (Single-In)

By default, players can begin scoring with any dart. The first dart that lands in a scoring zone counts immediately.

Double-In

When double-in is enabled, a player must hit a double before they can start scoring:

• The first scoring dart must land in a double segment (including the double bull).
• Any darts thrown before hitting a double do not count toward the score.
• Once a double is hit, that dart and all subsequent darts count normally.

Scoring

Each turn consists of three darts. The sum of all three throws is subtracted from the player's remaining score.

Examples

The maximum score per turn is 180 (three triple-20s).

Checkout (Finishing the Game)

To win, a player must reach exactly zero. The rules for the final dart depend on the checkout mode:

Single Out

The simplest variant — the last dart can land in any scoring segment. Just reach zero.

Example: With 20 remaining, a single 20 wins.

Double Out

The most common competitive rule — the last dart must land in a double segment (including the double bull).

Example: With 40 remaining, a double 20 wins. A single 20 would leave 20, but could not finish because the final dart was not a double.

Example: With 50 remaining, a double bull (bullseye) wins.

Master Out

A relaxed variant of double out — the last dart must land in either a double or a triple segment.

Example: With 60 remaining, a triple 20 wins.

Example: With 40 remaining, a double 20 wins.

Bust Rules

A throw is a bust if any of the following occur:

1. Score goes below zero: The throw would reduce the score below 0.
2. Score reaches 1 with double/master out: It's impossible to finish on 1 with a double, so this is a bust.
3. Score reaches 0 without the correct out: For example, reaching exactly 0 with a single when double-out is active.

When a bust occurs:

• The entire turn is voided — the score resets to what it was at the start of that turn.
• The turn passes to the next player.

Bust Examples (Double Out)

Common Checkout Combinations

Knowing efficient checkouts is key to competitive play. Use the tabs to switch between 3-dart, 2-dart, and 1-dart finishes for double out:

The highest possible checkout in double-out is 170 (T20, T20, Bull).

Game Variants

Strategy Tips

• Start strong: Aim for triple 20 (60 points) to reduce your score quickly.
• Plan your finish: When below 170, start thinking about your checkout route.
• Know your doubles: Practice finishing on all doubles — D16 and D20 are the most common targets.
• Leave even numbers: When on double out, try to leave yourself an even number for your next turn.