Why does a leg start on 501? The surprisingly logical explanation behind darts’ most iconic number

For the casual viewer, it may seem odd that a leg of darts begins on 501 rather than a clean, round number like 500. It’s a small detail that’s easy to overlook — but the reasoning behind it reveals a lot about the structure and strategic depth of the sport.

The answer is surprisingly logical. Starting from an odd number like 501 fundamentally increases the difficulty of the game. If every leg began at 500, players could theoretically throw a series of darts solely at the treble 20 — the most commonly used scoring segment — and never need to aim elsewhere. That would strip away much of the variety and tactical complexity that makes darts so engaging.

Starting from 501 forces players to be creative with their scoring and finishing routes. They must construct their scores carefully to land exactly on zero — and crucially, they can only finish on a double. Because they begin with an odd number, they’re inevitably required to use other areas of the board during their approach, such as the single 19, treble 17, or even the bullseye, in order to set up a precise and efficient finish.

In today’s darts landscape — one increasingly shaped by bold, young talents like Luke Littler — that creativity has only grown. The English sensation has recently made a name for himself by opting for unconventional routes to the finish. Instead of following the well-worn paths to double 20 or double 16, Littler often chooses daring checkouts via the bullseye or lesser-used doubles.

It adds flair to the game, certainly, but also reflects the ongoing evolution of professional darts. Where once efficiency and safety were paramount, today’s game also values showmanship and unpredictability. Players are even beginning to use two doubles to finish — for example, going double top twice on 80 — something that was once considered poor form, but now showcases confidence and modern flair.

In short, the odd number 501 isn’t just a quirk — it’s a cornerstone of darts' unique blend of precision, mathematics, and psychology. And as the game continues to evolve, that foundation is proving more relevant than ever.