How Darts Tournament Scoring Works

When you first look at a dartboard, it can seem like a confusing web of numbers and colors. However, understanding darts scoring is surprisingly simple once you break it down. Whether you are stepping up to the oche for the first time or looking to refine your competitive edge, mastering the darts scoring system is essential.

In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to score darts, from understanding the different sections of the board to executing a perfect darts checkout scoring finish to win the match.

Dartboard Sections and Point Values

A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, radiating from the center like slices of a pie. These sections are numbered 1 through 20. The numbers are not in numerical order; instead, high numbers are placed next to low numbers (for example, 20 is flanked by 5 and 1). This is deliberately designed to punish inaccurate throws. If you aim for the 20 and miss slightly, you might hit a 1 or a 5.

When a dart lands in one of the large black or white areas within a numbered pie slice, you score that base number. So, a dart landing in the large section under the number 20 scores 20 points. A dart in the section under 19 scores 19 points, and so on.

Singles, Doubles, and Triples Explained

To make the game more challenging and rewarding, the dartboard features two narrow rings that multiply the base score.

• The Outer Ring (Doubles): This is the outermost ring on the scoring area of the board. If a dart lands here, the score is double the segment's number. Hitting the outer ring of the 20 segment scores 40 points (Double 20).
• The Inner Ring (Triples/Trebles): This ring is located roughly halfway between the outer edge and the center. It multiplies the segment's score by three. Hitting the inner ring of the 20 segment scores 60 points (Treble 20) — the highest single score achievable with one dart.

The large areas between the bullseye and the treble ring, and between the treble ring and the double ring, are the "singles" beds, which just award the face value of the number.

Bullseye Scoring (Outer/Inner)

The center of the dartboard is known as the bullseye, and it consists of two distinct parts:

• The Outer Bull (Green): Often called the single bull, this outer ring is worth 25 points.
• The Inner Bull (Red): Also known as the double bullseye, this small center circle is worth 50 points.

While hitting the inner bullseye is a great achievement, professional players often aim for the Treble 20 instead, as it yields a higher score (60 points) for a similarly sized target area.

Counting Down from Your Starting Score

In most competitive matches, including those played at Darts Club, players compete in a 501 darts game. The darts scoring system works backwards in this format. Both players start with 501 points.

Each turn consists of throwing three darts. The total score of those three darts is subtracted from the starting score. For instance, if you score 100 points on your first turn, your new total is 401. The objective is to be the first player to reduce your score to exactly zero.

What a Checkout or Finish Means

A "checkout" (or finish) refers to the final throw that reduces a player's score to exactly zero, winning them the leg. However, you cannot simply hit any number to reach zero. Tournament rules mandate a "double-out" finish.

This means your final dart must land in a double ring (or the inner bullseye, which acts as double 25). For example, if you have 32 points remaining, you must hit Double 16. If you have 40 points, you need Double 20. Mastering darts checkout scoring is the most crucial skill in the game; you can outscore your opponent easily, but if you cannot hit your finishing double, you cannot win the leg.

Common Scoring Mistakes Beginners Make

Beginners often make simple mathematical errors or strategic blunders. A common mistake is "busting," which happens when you score more points than you have remaining, or if you reach a score of 1 (which cannot be finished on a double). When you bust, your turn ends immediately and your score resets to what it was at the start of that turn.

Another mistake is not knowing which combinations leave a preferred double. Players should familiarize themselves with darts tournament rules and learn the standard checkout routes to avoid getting stuck on odd numbers.