01 Games (301/501/701)

Overview

01 Games (301/501/701) is a classic darts game for 2 to 4 (singles or pairs); team formats common in leagues.

Players & Teams

• Players: 2 to 4 (singles or pairs); team formats common in leagues.
• Team play: Teams of 2–4 players; each player throws in a fixed rotation.
• Each player throws three darts per turn in a fixed rotation.

Equipment & Board

• Mainly bristle boards with steel‑point darts; also available on soft‑tip..
• Standard throwing distance: 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m) to the board face for steel‑point; soft‑tip machines follow posted lines.
• Board height: bullseye at 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m).

Setup & Basic Play

• Starting score: 301, 501, 701, or 1001.
• Subtract your turn total from your remaining score.
• Busts: going below zero or leaving 1 resets the turn (score reverts).
• Finishes: plan routes to leave a preferred double (e.g., 40=D20, 32=D16).

Scoring & Winning

• Win condition: First player/team to reduce the score to exactly 0 with a valid out (most leagues use Double‑Out).
• Singles=face value, Doubles=×2, Triples=×3, inner bull=50, outer bull=25 (unless variant specifies otherwise).

League & Format Notes

• Very common in steel‑point leagues; also played on soft‑tip machines.
• Round robin or match‑play formats are common in clubs; confirm local leg order and tie‑breakers.

Variations

Common house rules adjust targets, required finishes, or innings. Agree variations before the first throw.

Strategy & Tips

• Count ahead—aim to leave comfortable doubles or setups rather than random totals.
• Miss on the “safe side” that still leaves a finish on the next dart.
• Track marks (Cricket) or remaining scores clearly to prevent disputes.

Common Mistakes

• Throwing extra darts after a bust (01).
• Ignoring bull until too late (Cricket).
• Poor record‑keeping—use a scoreboard or app.