Mastering 501: A Complete Strategy Guide

The game of 501 is the professional standard for darts, a race to zero that combines powerful scoring with deadly accuracy on the doubles. A single turn can change the entire leg. This guide breaks down the strategy of 501 into its core phases, helping you play smarter at any skill level.

Phase 1: The Scoring Phase (501 down to ~170)

Your only goal in this phase is to score as many points as possible, as quickly as possible.

• The Treble 20 is King: The T20 is your home base. Every turn should start with a dart aimed at the T20. A 100-point turn is solid, a 140 is excellent, and a 180 is perfect.
• When to Switch: If your first dart blocks the T20, don't try to force another one in. The professional move is to switch to the Treble 19. A blocked T20 and two T19s results in a 134-point turn, which is far better than a blocked 20 followed by two single 20s for a total of 60.
• The Cover Shot: If your first dart lands in the single 20, don't automatically move to the T19. Aim your second dart at the T20 again. If you hit it, you've scored 80 points. You can then decide to go for a third T20 or switch to the T19 for a solid 97 or 99-point turn.

Phase 2: The Setup Phase (Below 170)

Once you're within checkout range, your thinking must change. It's no longer about raw scoring; it's about leaving yourself a finish on your next turn. 170 is the highest possible checkout (T20, T20, Bullseye).

• Know Your Outs: You must know the three-dart checkout chart. This is not negotiable for serious players. Start by memorizing the outs from 100 down.
• Leave a Good Double: The goal is to leave yourself on a double you are comfortable with. The most common and statistically easiest doubles are on the left side of the board: D20 (40), D16 (32), and D8 (16).
• Avoid Bogey Numbers: A "bogey number" is a score from which you cannot finish in one turn (e.g., 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162, 159). If you have 220, you do not want to hit a 60 to leave 160, because you can finish 160. You want to hit at least 61 to leave 159, which is a bogey number, meaning your opponent cannot win in the next turn.

Phase 3: The Finishing Phase (Checking Out)

This is where games are won and lost. The pressure is on, and a steady hand is crucial.

• Two-Dart Finishes: When you have two darts in hand, focus on the setup. For example, if you have 84, you don't have to hit T20. A single 20 leaves 64. A T16 on the next dart leaves D8. Play the percentages.
• One-Dart Finishes: Know your favorite double and try to leave it whenever possible. If you have 32 left, you have three darts at D16. This is the classic finish for a reason.
• Splitting the Number: If you have an odd number to finish, like 59, your first dart must hit a single to leave an even number. A 19 leaves 40 (D20). A 9 leaves 50 (Bull or 10-D20). A 7 leaves 52 (12-D20 or T12-D8).

Strategy by Skill Level

• Beginner (0-40 average): Don't worry about complex checkouts. Your goal is to hit the biggest number on the board (20 or 19). When you get under 100, just try to leave any even number and get a dart at a double.
• Intermediate (40-60 average): Start memorizing checkouts from 100 down. Identify your favorite doubles and practice them relentlessly. Learn to switch from T20 to T19 when blocked.
• Advanced (60+ average): Master the entire checkout chart. Understand bogey numbers and how to leave them for your opponent. Your setup shots should be as precise as your finishing.

Advanced Concept: Playing the Opponent

• Apply Pressure: If your opponent is not on a finish, and you are on a two-dart out (e.g., 80), it might be wise to shoot for the bullseye. Hitting a single bull leaves 55, but hitting a double bull wins the game with two darts. It's a high-risk, high-reward play that can demoralize an opponent.
• Strategic Lay-up: If you are on a difficult finish (e.g., 149) and your opponent is far behind (e.g., 350), don't go for the heroic out. A simple score of 99 leaves you 50 for your next turn, a much more manageable finish.

Mastering 501 is a journey. It starts with brute force scoring and evolves into a delicate chess match of setups and finishes. Practice with purpose, learn your outs, and you will see dramatic improvement in your game.