Darts is an old game that has successfully retained its authenticity over the years. When you hold a dart staring at the board opposite you, what goes on in your head is how to hit the perfect spot. There are three acts of dart-throwing, and they include taking back, releasing, and following through.
So, how many darts do you need for a 501? In 501 darts, each player takes turns throwing three darts each. The score they gain for every turn is then deducted from the total “501,” with the first player to reach zero wins. The shortest possible 501 checkout is 9 darts.
How Many Darts Throws Do You Need for A 501?
Darts 501 is popular amongst pub players where there is enough time to settle down and enjoy the game. Professional players also play darts 501 in their tournaments. It is usually a popular game in various championships.
This game is usually best of five sets, a set is equal to five legs of 501. What this means is that any player who reaches three legs automatically wins the set. Another name for the 501 darts game is the double out. This name is derived from the rule that a double score must finish the game.
To determine who goes first in this game, a coin is flipped. The first player usually has an advantage as they have a higher winning chance in a particular leg before the opponent can rebut. He/she may even have more turns to play.
In this game, every player takes three throws turn by turn. But if your numbers left are small, then no need to throw the last one.
How to Score in 501
A standard board has an innermost circle in the color red which gives fifty points. This may be considered as double in some places. There is another green section called the outer bull which gives you twenty-five points. Then there is an outermost section with a tripe ring that gives you points equivalent to its numerical value.
The whole purpose of 501 is to make sure that you can make as many points as possible in each turn, so you can easily reach zero. The trick here is in the ability to win a value that is much larger than the numbers remaining for your score to become zero. This is referred to as bursting the darts.
When this happens, you win and the round starts afresh. A bust can also happen when the point left is just one. The reason for this is that it is impossible to throw one. It will only give you a negative value. So if your score is zero or one, then you win. Most places accept this rule.
Three Rules in Darts
As mentioned in the first paragraph, there are three acts when it comes to dart throwing. These are taking back, following through, and releasing. To take back means to draw back with your dart in hand.
In this position, your arm should be away from your elbow to make a fan-shaped folding movement. If you do not want to stress your wrists, then let your hand be positioned with your palms facing downwards.
The next step is the release. When you do this, throw your dart like a kite paper without moving your elbows. Allow your fingers to be released all at once. A delay in the finger release may make the dart’s flight unstable.
The third and final step is the follow-through. It is a movement where your arm is extended after the release. They will be pointing towards the target.
Tips for Better Darts Throwing
If you have only three shots in a round to get your perfect win, then you’d better be good at it. These tips will help you become a better dart thrower.
Practice
You can never have enough practice. As the popular saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” With this in mind, spend as much free time as you have to practice, especially if you are looking to go into darts professionally. When practicing, do not just throw at the board aimlessly. Have a target goal, and work with it.
Hold Still
Many players make the mistake of losing their body awareness while throwing, and this affects their shots. If you will improve, then you should develop a more conscious awareness of your body movement during the entire throw. This starts to form when you approach the lineup until the darts are released from your hands. Do not bounce, sway, or swing your body. Keep controlled and steady breathing with consciously performed motions.
Eliminate Variables
Darts involves consistency. Your success is to a large extent determined by your ability to keep on throwing. This will improve your accuracy. But consistency comes before accuracy. Consider eliminating variables. These include your grip, stance, and throw. Figure out your preferred routine and stick with it.
Compete Against Champions
New players in most games tend to shy away from competing with professionals, and this stunts their growth. One secret of growing in any new venture is to monitor those who have gone ahead of you, see how they do their thing, and learn from them. If you have the opportunity, then work with them. Get out of your comfort zone to foster maximum growth.
Conclusion
The game of darts is a rather interesting one that is intricate with mathematics. Take time to study the board, all the gimmicks of the game, and the different rules that it abides by. Asides from 501 darts, there is also the 301 and several others so explore and have fun with. If it is just a game for you, go with the flow, but if you are a professional, then work hard to achieve excellence in your beloved sports.