How to Keep Score in Darts Like a Pro

Darts is one of those games that’s easy to start—but tricky to score.

Are you subtracting right? Did someone bust? Is that triple 20 or single 20?

Whether you're playing for fun or running a serious match, keeping score properly makes the game way more enjoyable.

That’s why we built the Darts Scorekeeper in UtilWiz. It handles the math, tracks each throw, and keeps your focus on the game—not the numbers.

Scoring Basics: 301, 501, and More

Most darts games start with a score of 301 or 501. Your goal? Count down to exactly zero.

Each dart throw subtracts from your total based on:

• 🎯 Where it lands on the board (1–20)
• 🔄 Multipliers (double ring, triple ring, bullseye)

💡 Example: Triple 20 = 60 points. Bullseye = 50 points.

To win, your final throw must hit a double that brings your score to exactly 0.

Common Game Types

Here’s how the most popular games work:

301 / 501 / 701

• Start at 301, 501, or 701 points.
• Subtract your score with each turn.
• Finish on an exact 0 with a double.

Cricket

• Hit numbers 15 through 20 and bullseye three times each.
• Close numbers by hitting them 3x before your opponent.
• Score extra points if your opponent hasn't closed that number yet.

Around the Clock

• Hit numbers 1 through 20 in order.
• First to hit all numbers wins.

Why Manual Scoring is Hard

Keeping score with pen and paper (or in your head) is a hassle:

• ❌ Easy to make subtraction mistakes
• ❌ Hard to track each player’s round
• ❌ No built-in validation (busts, doubles, checkouts)
• ❌ Slows down the game

That's where UtilWiz comes in.

The UtilWiz Darts Scorekeeper

Our Darts Scorekeeper lets you:

• Choose your game type (301, 501, or custom)
• Add 2+ players
• Enter each throw easily (with triple/double/miss options)
• See live score updates after every round
• Track busts, checkouts, and winning throws
• Play with zero math errors

It works great on mobile or desktop—perfect for game nights or local tournaments.

When to Use It

• 🎯 Hosting a darts night at home
• 🍻 Playing casual games at the bar
• 🏆 Running a local competition or bracket
• 📱 Keeping things fair and fun without pencil + paper