X01 Explained: 301 vs 501 vs 701 | Oche

You’ll see “X01” all over the darts world — 301, 501, 701, even 1001. They’re all the same game with one variable changed: the starting score. Here’s what X01 means, how the three common formats differ, and which one to reach for.

What “X01” actually means

X01 is shorthand for any countdown game whose starting score ends in 01: 301, 501, 701, and so on. The shared rules are simple:

• You begin on the starting score.
• Each turn you throw three darts and subtract the total.
• You race to exactly zero, finishing on a double (the double-out rule).

The “01” on the end is deliberate. It prevents a leg being completed purely with doubles and the bull, forcing at least one odd scoring dart into every game. The shared mechanics live on our X01 rules page.

301: short and sharp

301 is the quickest of the three. With only 301 to clear, legs are fast — often just a few turns — which makes it popular for quick matches and tight tournaments.

The catch: 301 is frequently played double-in, meaning your scoring doesn’t start until you hit a double. That raises the skill floor and can leave beginners stuck on 301 for several turns. The full ruleset is on our 301 page.

501: the standard

501 is the professional and league standard, and the format you should learn first. It’s almost always straight-in — you score from the very first dart — so beginners aren’t punished before they’ve started.

501 strikes the ideal balance: long enough to reward consistent scoring (hello, treble 20), short enough to stay exciting. If you only learn one game, make it this one — our 501 rules and 501 explainer cover everything.

701: the endurance test

701 simply starts higher, so legs last longer. With more darts thrown per leg, consistency matters more and a single hot turn matters less. It’s a favourite for doubles (pairs) play and for players who want to grind out a scoring battle rather than rely on a quick finish.

Straight-in vs double-in

The biggest difference between formats often isn’t the number — it’s the start rule:

• Straight-in — score immediately (standard for 501).
• Double-in — you must hit a double before any darts count (common in some 301 and 701 variants).

Whatever the start rule, every X01 game ends the same way: a double, exact zero, and the ever-present risk of a bust.

Play any X01 format instantly

Whether you fancy a rapid 301, a standard 501, or a marathon 701, the Oche app scores it for you — straight-in or double-in — tracks both players, and suggests the best checkout the moment you’re on a finish. Pick a starting score and play; the maths takes care of itself.