Key Takeways:
- In some variations of 301, players must hit a double before they start scoring. This means their first scoring dart has to land in the outer narrow ring of the dartboard.
- To win the game, players must reduce their score to exactly zero, and the final dart must be a double.
- If a player goes below zero or leaves themselves with one point, it’s considered a “bust”.
- The first player to reduce their score to exactly zero (and finishing on a double) wins the game.
Introduction
Have you ever been caught up in the thrill of a darts game, feeling the weight of the dart in your hand, the hush of the crowd as you take aim, only to realize you’re a little fuzzy on the rules? Especially when it comes to the intriguing world of the 301 darts rules.
Dive into this article, and you’ll not only master the nuances of how to play according to the 301 darts rules, but also unlock the strategic secrets to dominate the board. From understanding the critical importance of “doubling out” to deciphering the quickest way to finish, we’ve got you covered.
Moreover, we’ll touch upon the related world of cricket darts rules, introduce you to tools like the 301-dart scoring app, and answer some burning FAQs. By the end, you’ll be prepped and primed, ready to impress your friends the next time you step up to the oche. So, let’s take aim and delve into the captivating realm of 301 darts!
In “301 darts,” players start with 301 points. They throw darts at the board to lower their score. The goal is to reach exactly 0 points. You must hit a double to begin scoring and hit a double to finish. The player who hits 0 first, wins! Be careful not to go below 0! 🎯
how to play 301 darts
The game of “301” is one of the most popular dart games played around the world. The goal of this game is to get your score down from 301 to 0 as quickly as possible, preferably before your opponent does. The regulations are summarized here:
- 1. Starting Score: The initial score for each player is 301.
- 2. Order of Play: The player who throws the dart closest to the target often goes first in a game of darts.
- 3. Scoring:
- On their turn, players take it in turns throwing three darts in a row.
- The total score of the three darts is subtracted from the player’s remaining total.
- For example, if a player has a score of 301 and hits a 20, a 1, and a 19 on their turn, their new score would be 261.
- 4. Double to Start:
- In many versions of 301, players must hit a double (the outer narrow ring of the dartboard) before they can begin scoring. This is known as “double in.”
- So, for example, if a player hits a double 5 as their first dart (worth 10 points), they would then subtract any subsequent points from their starting score.
- To win, a player must reach exactly zero points, and the final dart that brings the score to zero must land in a double.
- If a player reduces their score to 1 or if a player throws a score that takes their total below zero, their turn is considered “bust,” and their score reverts to what it was at the beginning of that turn.
- 6. Bust Rule:
- If a player goes below zero or reduces their score to 1, it’s a bust.
- Their turn ends immediately, and their score reverts back to what it was at the start of that turn.
- For example, if a player has 32 points left, and they hit a double 20 (40 points), they would bust and remain at 32 points for their next turn.
- 7. Winner: The first player to reduce their score to exactly zero, finishing on a double, wins the game.
- 8. Variations:
- Some versions of the game don’t require a “double in,” meaning players can start subtracting from their total immediately.
- There are also games of “501,” “701,” etc., which follow similar rules but start with a higher initial score.
When playing 301, strategy plays a role, especially as a player gets closer to zero. The player must think ahead to leave themselves with an “outshot” (a score that can be finished with a double). Remember to practice your doubles since they are crucial for both starting and finishing the game!
What’s the strategy for winning 301 darts?
- Here are some strategies and tips for winning 301 darts:
- Aim for the triple ring as much as possible to quickly lower your score. The triple ring deducts 3 times the number value, so a triple 20 deducts 60 points.
- When your score gets below 100, start setting up your finish. For example, if you have 80 points left, aim for a triple 20 to leave double 10.
- Memorize common out shots and practice hitting the doubles you need to finish. For example, practice hitting D16, D20, D12, etc.
- Be careful not to “bust” (go below 0 points) when you have a low score. It’s better to intentionally score a little high if you’re worried about busting.
- Pay attention to your opponents’ scores and where they are aiming. You may need to adjust your shooting to finish before they can.
- Volley the dartboard by aiming for different sections so you don’t keep hitting the same numbers. This helps balance your decreasing score.
- Stay calm and confident even if your opponent’s hit a hot streak. Stick to the basics of your strategy.
- Shoot for the triple 20 when you have a chance at a high score. This is the highest scoring section of the board.
- Practice and get consistent at your dart throwing. Accuracy is key in a close 301 game.
Do you have to double out in 301 darts?
- Yes, doubling out is required in the game of 301 darts. Here are some points on the double out rule:
- If your score is below 170, your last dart must hit a double to win. For example, if you have 32 points remaining, you must hit double 16.
- If your score is 170 or higher, you do not have to finish on a double. In this case you can simply reduce your score to exactly 0 with any dart throws.
- So, once you get to 170 points or lower, you strategically want to set up a double finish by leaving yourself on an out number like 32 or 16.
- Hitting the triple ring does not count for finishing. You must throw your final dart into the thin outer double ring to win.
- If you “bust” by going below 0 points, or fail to finish on a double when required, you lose the game.
- The double out rule makes 301 more challenging and competitive, since doubles are harder to hit consistently than other numbers. It tests a player’s skill at finishing.
- So, the double out is absolutely mandatory in 301 darts. Managing the double out and avoiding busts is often what separates amateur players from professionals. Mastering the checkouts is key to winning.
Darts 301 rules double out
The double out rule is a critical component of the game 301 in darts. Here are some key things to know about doubling out in 301:
- Once a player’s score falls below 101 points, they can only continue subtracting points by hitting a double.
- For example, if they have 50 points remaining, they must hit a double 25, double bullseye, or other combination equaling 50 to win.
- Hitting a single 25 or any other score that does not finish on a double does not count when below 101 points.
- After getting below 101, players must check out and end the game by hitting a double of the number that brings their total exactly to 0.
- All games of 301 must finish on a double – either double bullseye or a double of the required points.
- If a player fails to hit a double when finishing, this is called “busting”. Their score does not change and they must try to double out again on the next turn.
- The double out rule requires strategy, accuracy, and mastery of math. Players must calculate their remaining outs and the optimal finishing combinations.
- Going for the bullseye is common when finishing, but harder to land. Starting doubles are safer but limit later options. The best players can finish a 301 game in 9 darts or less by maximizing high scoring triples early on.
The mandatory double to finish rule is what makes 301 such a challenging darts game requiring both consistency and mental toughness to win.
301 dart scoring app
Using a scoring app can be very helpful when playing the game of 301 in darts. Some popular 301 scoring apps to consider are Dartbee, Dart Buddy, MyDartTraining, and Dart Counter. The best apps make playing 301 even more fun and strategic.
| Apps | Features |
| Darts Scoreboard by ZapSmart | A popular electronic scoreboard app for 301/501 games. Has different game modes, stats tracking, and gestures for easy scoring. |
| Winmau Tournament Scorer | Made by the dartboard company Winmau. Good for 1v1 games up to 8 players. Calculates outs and has statistics. |
| Dartbee | Connects with Bluetooth dartboards. Automatically keeps score and stats for 301, cricket, and other games. |
| Dart Buddy | Tracks scores, stats, averages, and percentages for each player. Can manually input scores or connect to e-dart boards. |
| MyDartsTraining | Besides scoring, also has training games and exercises for improving your dart skills. |
| Dart Counter | A basic manual counter with clear interface, averages calculation, and game shot history. |
| DartChecker | Unique feature is giving advice on the best shots and optimal route for closing games. |
| Dart Scorer | Simple scorekeeping with stats tracking and different game modes for practice and competitive play. |
Most of these apps are free or have affordable upgrades. Having an electronic scorer makes it easy to focus on your dart game without manual scorekeeping. The statistics also help track your improvements. I’d recommend trying a few to see which dart scoring app you like best.
Darts 301 quickest finish
In the game of 301 darts, the quickest possible finish is 9 darts. This is known as the “perfect nine-dart finish” and requires throwing nothing but triple 20s, triple 19s, and double 12s.
Certainly! Here’s a table illustrating the progression of a 9-dart finish in a darts game:
| Throw | Target | Multiplier | Score | Total Score |
| 1 | Triple 20 | x3 | 60 | 180 |
| 2 | Triple 20 | x3 | 60 | 240 |
| 3 | Triple 20 | x3 | 60 | 300 |
| 4 | Triple 19 | x3 | 57 | 357 |
| 5 | Triple 18 | x3 | 54 | 411 |
| 6 | Triple 17 | x3 | 51 | 462 |
| 7 | Triple 16 | x3 | 48 | 510 |
| 8 | Triple 15 | x3 | 45 | 555 |
| 9 | Double 12 | X2 | 24 | FINISHED |
This pattern allows the player to take the maximum 180 points on the first throw, set up the optimal checkout combination, and finish on doubles in just 9 darts.
A 9-darter is the pinnacle feat in darts requiring perfect throwing under pressure. It is very rare even among professionals.
More common quick finishes in 301 are in 10-12 darts. These still require strong throwing and math skills to maximize points and successfully hit the doubles when finishing. But any finish under 15 darts is considered quality dart play in a 301 game.
Darts 301 open in open out
The open in, open out rule is a variation on the standard rules for the darts game 301. Here is an overview:
Open In: This means players do not have to start by hitting a double to begin scoring. They can score points starting with any dart that lands in a numbered section. Normally in 301, players must hit a double before their score starts counting down from 301. With open in, hitting a single 14 would immediately subtract 14 points from the player’s total. This allows players to start scoring right away.
Open Out: This rule means players do not have to finish the game by hitting a double out. They can end the game by hitting any single number that reduces their score to exactly zero. Usually, 301 requires hitting a double bullseye or double of the player’s remaining points to finish. With open out, a player with a 32 score could simply hit single 16 to win the game. The double our challenge is removed. Open in and out makes 301 easier and faster paced. It’s common in casual games among amateur players. Traditional rules of 301 require doubles in and out, which add greater difficulty and professional standards.
So, open in and open out remove the doubling requirements for starting and finishing in 301 games. This variation reduces the challenge but speeds up gameplay.
FAQ: What happens if you go over 301 in darts?
Going over 301 is called a “bust” in darts and there are specific rules for how it is handled:
If a player’s three darts in a turn add up to a score that reduces their total below 0, this is considered a bust.
For example, if a player has 290 remaining and they score 120 points with their three darts, their total would go down to 170. This is below 0 from their starting 290, so it is a bust.
On a bust, none of the darts thrown in that turn count. The player’s score reverts back to what it was before the turn began.
In the example above, the player’s score would go back to 290 (the starting amount), as if they had never thrown the 120 points in the bust.
The player loses their turn after a bust. The next player shoots for their turn as normal.
There is no direct penalty for busting beyond losing the points from that turn. It is simply an invalid turn.
Busting can happen at any point in the game, but is especially costly late in the game on an “out” shot.
So, going over 301 is called a bust, doesn’t count for that turn, and simply reverts
FAQ: What is the score for 301 dart game?
The game of 301 darts is a popular choice for many dart enthusiasts. In this game, players begin with a score of 301 and the objective is to reduce that score to zero as quickly as possible. Each player takes turns throwing three darts at the board, and the total points they score are subtracted from their remaining score. It’s vital to hit exactly zero to win, and the game’s final dart must land in a double or the bullseye.
Any score that reduces a player’s total to below zero doesn’t count, and their score reverts back to what it was prior to that throw. Strategy often comes into play, especially as players near zero, as they’ll need to plan their shots to ensure they can finish on a double or bullseye. Whoever hits zero first is declared the winner. The game is a test of precision, tactics, and nerves, especially when the endgame is in sight.
FAQ: How do you win 301 in out on darts?
To win a game of 301 in darts and finish “in out,” there are two key objectives. First, a player must reach exactly 0 points from the starting total of 301. This is achieved over multiple rounds of throwing by scoring different values through hits on the numbered sections of the dartboard.
As doubles and triples count, experienced players aim for high-value targets to lower their score rapidly. The second critical objective is to finish the game by hitting a double. This is called “doubling out” and requires precision. Once a player’s score reaches 100 or below, they can only start scoring in a round by hitting a double.
And to win, the final dart must land in a double bullseye or other double segment to bring their total precisely to 0. So, finishing “in out” in 301 involves reducing your score through accuracy and math skills, then mastering the pressure of hitting that last double to win. Going below 0 at any point is a “bust” and loses the player’s next turn. Managing the tricky double out is the key to success in competitive 301 games.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our journey through the realm of “301 Darts rules”, you’re armed with a wealth of knowledge to take your darting skills to new heights. From understanding the rules and strategies to mastering the art of the “double out,” you now possess the tools to navigate the dartboard with confidence. The insights into the 301 Dart Scoring App and the thrill of achieving the quickest finish have added a new dimension to your gameplay.
With a nod to the intriguing “open in, open out” approach and a deep dive into FAQs addressing common queries, you’re well-prepared to step up to the oche and face the challenges of “301 Darts rules” head-on.
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