X01 Rules

X01 is the world’s most popular darts game. Players start with a score of X01 and aim to reduce it to exactly zero by throwing three darts per turn and subtracting their total from the current score.

Winning: If no one reaches zero after all rounds, the lowest score wins.

Starting Rules (Getting “In”)

Rule Type	Description
Straight-In	Any dart counts from the first throw
Double-In	Must hit any double before scoring begins. Previous darts don’t count until a double is hit
Master-In	Must hit any double or triple before scoring begins

Finishing Rules (Getting “Out” aka “Checkout”)

Rule Type	Description
Straight-Out	Any dart can finish the game at exactly zero
Double-Out	Must finish with a double that makes the score exactly zero
Master-Out	Must finish with a double or triple that makes the score exactly zero

Bust Rules

You bust (lose your turn and score reverts) if you:

Score more points than remaining (go below zero)
In Double-Out: finish with exactly 1 point remaining
In Double-Out: reach zero without hitting a double

When you bust, all three darts from that turn don’t count and “No Score” is called.

Strategy Tips

Recommended Finish: Aim for 32 points remaining (double 16)

Why: Missing into single 16 leaves 16 points (double 8)
Progression: 16 → 8 → 4 → 2 (all even numbers with double options)
Avoid: Odd number finishes (e.g., 38 for double 19) - missing leaves odd numbers requiring extra darts

Scoring Metrics

PPD (Points Per Dart): Average points scored per individual dart - primary skill measurement
PPR (Points Per Round): Average points scored per three-dart turn (alternative measurement)

Tools

Checkout Chart: Reference guide showing optimal dart combinations to finish games in 2-3 darts from scores of 170 or less. Multiple versions available for different skill levels.