301 Darts Rules: How to Play 301 (Double In, Double Out) | Oche

301 is the short game in the X01 family. Same idea as 501 — count down from a fixed score to exactly zero — but with 200 fewer points, so legs are fast and punchy. It is a favourite for casual matches and quick practice.

The rules of 301

• Each player starts on 301.
• You throw three darts per turn and subtract the total from your score.
• The leg can be played straight-in (every dart counts) or double-in (see below).
• You must finish on a double or the 50 bull. A finish any other way — or going below zero, or leaving one — is a bust.
• First to zero wins the leg.

Double-in vs straight-in

This is the main thing to agree before a game of 301:

• Straight-in — every dart scores from the first throw, just like standard 501. Simplest for beginners.
• Double-in — your score stays at 301 until your first dart lands in a double; only then do your darts start counting. It demands accuracy from the opening dart and is a traditional way to play 301.

Either way, the finish is always double-out.

301 vs 501

Because 301 is shorter, one big visit has a much larger impact — a single 180 clears more than half the game. For a deeper comparison see 301 vs 501 vs 701.

Scoring and finishing

Scoring is identical to every X01 game: see darts scoring explained for singles, doubles, trebles and the bull. The highest checkout is 170; plan finishes with the double-out guide or the checkout charts.

The X01 scorer supports straight-in and double-in 301, suggests every checkout and tracks your stats automatically.