Darts 501 Tips: 8 Ways to Finish Faster
501 has two parts: scoring heavily, then finishing cleanly. New to the game? Read the rules.
1. Aim for treble 20
It's the highest bed on the board. Most players throw at it until they're close.
2. Switch to treble 19 when 20 is blocked
If your darts are crowding the treble 20, the 19 area is nearly as good.
3. Learn the checkouts
From 170 down, each score has a standard route. The checkout chart lists them all.
4. Leave double 16 or double 20
32 and 40 are the favourite finishes: a miss into the single often leaves another double.
5. Avoid leaving odd numbers
An odd score needs a single first. Set up an even number when you can.
6. Don't bust yourself
Near the end, check what each dart could leave. A big score can go below zero.
7. Use all three darts
Plan the turn as a whole: if the first dart misses, the route changes.
8. Stay steady
On kawu, darts land near your aim. Aim at the middle of a bed, not its edge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best double to leave?
Double 16 (32) and double 20 (40). Miss double 16 into the single 16 and you're on double 8; miss again and you're on double 4.
Last updated 2026-10-18