Learn How to Play Darts 301: A Beginner’s Guide

Dart 301 is one of the most favorite games for dart lovers. It’s not only fun but also easy to learn, making it perfect for new players. The best part is that you can mix and match different gameplay variations, keeping each round fresh and exciting.

Having said that, dart 301 has a few simple rules that aren’t too complicated but essential to know. Also, you must learn how to track the score and keep a record. Here you will know everything about dart 301’s rules and scoring.


Rules of Dart 301


Being a very popular game, dart 301 has some basic rules. This game is barely played in different patterns so following these rules are enough to learn dart 301.

1. Dart 301 is typically played between two players. However, if there are enough players to form two equal teams, you can also play Dart 301 in teams.

2. For equipment, you will need either soft-tip or steel-tip darts, depending on your preference, as well as a standard-sized dartboard. Set up the dartboard, ensuring that the bullseye is 5’8″ high from the ground, and take your position. If you play darts regularly, you must know how far to stand from the dartboard.

3. Each player will start with a score of 301.

4. The objective of the game is to reduce your score from 301 to 0. This process of reducing scores is known as ‘checking out.’ So, you must check out before anyone else to win the game.

5. Each player will have three darts per turn in each round to score. 

6. To start subtracting from the starting score one must hit a double first. It’s called ‘Double-in’.

7. After a double is hit,the number of points hit per round will be subtracted from the starting score. For example, if a player scores 3,7 and 13, at the end of his turn the total score is 3+7+13= 23. So in this round the player’s score is 301-23= 278

8. The game ends when a player’s score reaches exactly zero. If the score drops below zero, it’s called a ‘bust,’ and the score returns to what it was before the bust.

9. To conclude the game, a player must hit a double, also referred to as ‘doubling out.’ 


Rules of Dart 301


How to Play Dart 301: Step-by-step guide


To make the learning phase easier for you, we’ve come with a 5-step guide to play dart 301. This guide covers everything from determining the first player to ending the game smoothly. The steps are explained in a simpler but detailed way, so you don’t have to pause in the middle wondering what to do next. 

  • Step 1: The first step is to decide who will go first. For that, players usually go for the bulls-eye method where everyone targets the bulls-eye on the dartboard. Whoever gets his dart close to the bulls-eye, goes first. 
  • Step 2: The first player starts with a score of 301. He can hit the dart 3 times in one turn to score as much as possible. The player should first aim for a double so the game can be started.
  • Step 3: After the player has double-in, whatever the player earns is deducted from the starting score at the end of his turn.
  • Step 4: The next player takes his turn and acts accordingly to earn a higher point so the score goes lower from 301 to zero fast.
  • Step 5: The rounds will continue until someone reaches zero and is declared the winner of that round.

Scoring in Darts 301


Scoring

The scoring of dart 301 is very simple and exciting. As you throw the dart, wherever it lands, that’s your point for that turn. And after you are done with one round, the total score will be subtracted from the base score. 

For example, if you score 20,18 and then 6 in three turns, the total score of 44 will be deducted from 301. So your score will be 257 after that round. Thus the more points you earn, the faster your score reaches 0.

We suggest aiming at bigger numbers first, like the bulls-eye. Note that the Green bull is worth 25, and the center bullseye is worth 50. These increase your chance to beat your competitors faster. If you target double and triple circles, you will get extra points. Apply these tricks in between to win 301.

Gradually when you come closer to 0, make sure your points aren’t going below 0. It will be called a bust, and your score will return to whatever it was before your turn. Also, your turn will be given to your opponent. 

Since ‘doubling out’ is how one must finish the game, you’ve to plan and play very carefully to increase the chances of your win.We’d like to give you an example. Suppose you have 40 points remaining. In that case, you must finish the game by hitting double 20. Or hitting a 20 and double 10. 

See how simple that is! 

Even if you are not a math genius, you can play Dart 301 and your own success record. About the scores, it can be kept using pen and paper. But using a dart scoreboard to record the score is better. And if you own electronic dartboards, it will do the job for you.


Master Your Dart Skills


Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player looking to perfect your game, we have resources tailored just for you. Our detailed guides will help you improve every aspect of your dart-playing technique:

Invest time in mastering these skills, and you’ll soon notice an improvement in your performance in Darts 301 and other dart games.


Conclusion


We hope our guide focused on dart 301 was helpful. But if you need more calcification you can watch this video explaining the rules and everything of Dart 301!

If you make a zero, you win.’

That’s how dart 301 is played. The interesting rules of this game have turned dart 301 into one of the most played games. Moreover, it doesn’t require high-functional equipment or many players. 

All you need is a good throwing style and control over your darts to enjoy dart 301. Now that you know it all, we hope you will not leave a single chance to play it!

Written by Zach Barnes

Zach Barnes is a sport enthusiast and a sports column writer. He is dedicated to continuously expanding his knowledge and sharing his expertise with others who have a passion for indoor games like foosball, badminton, air hockey etc. Zach Barnes aims to use his expertise to educate new players in improving skills and heighten excitement for these exciting games.

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