Credit: darthelp.com
How To Play 51 By 5s Darts: Master the Game with Expert Tips
Darts is a game of precision, strategy, and adaptability, and “51 by 5s” is a thrilling variation that tests your ability to score efficiently while targeting specific segments. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive enthusiast, this guide will break down the rules, strategies, and expert tips to help you dominate 51 by 5s darts.
What Is 51 By 5s Darts?
51 by 5s is a practice-oriented darts game designed to sharpen accuracy in scoring multiples of 5 and finishing with doubles. Players start at 51 points and subtract their scores in multiples of 5, aiming to reach exactly zero with a strategically placed double. It’s a fantastic way to improve your checkout skills and tactical play.
Basic Rules and Objective
Objective
The goal is to reduce your score from 51 to exactly 0 by hitting segments that are multiples of 5 (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 50). The final dart must land in a double segment (e.g., double 5, double 10).
Key Rules
Scoring: Only darts that hit multiples of 5 count. All other segments score 0.
Valid targets: 5, 10, 15, 20, outer bullseye (25), inner bullseye (50).
Subtraction: Subtract the total of your three darts from your current score.
Winning Condition: Reach exactly 0, with the final dart landing in a double segment.
Bust: If you overshoot 0 or fail to finish on a double, your turn ends, and your score resets to its previous value.
Setting Up the Game
Players: 1+ players (commonly played 1v1).
Starting Score: 51 points.
Throws Per Turn: Three darts.
Dartboard: Use a standard dartboard with numbered segments 1–20 and bullseyes.
Scoring System Explained
Each turn, players aim for segments that are multiples of 5. Here’s how scoring works:
Segment | Single | Double | Triple | Bullseye |
---|---|---|---|---|
5 | 5 | 10 | 15 | – |
10 | 10 | 20 | 30 | – |
15 | 15 | 30 | 45 | – |
20 | 20 | 40 | 60 | – |
Outer Bull | 25 | – | – | – |
Inner Bull | 50 | – | – | – |
Example Turn:
Dart 1: Triple 20 (60)
Dart 2: Single 15 (15)
Dart 3: Double 5 (10)
Total: 60 + 15 + 10 = 85 (Subtract from current score).
Strategies to Master 51 By 5s
1. Prioritize High-Value Multiples of 5
Aim for triple 20 (60) or inner bullseye (50) to maximize score reduction. However, balance aggression with consistency—missing these targets scores 0.
2. Plan Your Checkouts
Always leave yourself a multiple of 10 (e.g., 10, 20, 40) for an easier double finish.
Example: If you have 40 left, aim for double 20.
3. Avoid “Bust” Scenarios
Bad Strategy: Reducing your score to 6 or 11 (non-multiples of 5) leaves no valid finish.
Good Strategy: Subtract scores to leave 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 for manageable doubles.
4. Use Safe Scoring Routes
From 51: Aim for 20 + 20 + 10 = 50, leaving 1. Avoid this! Instead, aim for 15 + 15 + 15 = 45, leaving 6. Adjust to leave 50 – 45 = 6 is risky.
5. Master Key Doubles
Practice these critical doubles for checkouts:
Double 5 (10)
Double 10 (20)
Double 20 (40)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-Ambition: Going for triple 20 every turn risks scoring 0. Mix in safer singles/doubles.
Poor Checkout Planning: Leaving scores like 15 or 25 forces difficult finishes.
Ignoring the Bullseye: The inner bull (50) is a high-value, low-risk target.
Advanced Tips for Competitive Play
Practice “Setup Shots”: From 51, aim to leave 40 or 20 in two turns.
Pressure Opponents: Force rivals into tricky finishes by playing strategically.
Mental Math Mastery: Quickly calculate remaining scores and viable checkouts.
Practice Drills to Improve
Double Focus: Aim for doubles 5, 10, and 20 for 10 minutes daily.
Checkout Challenges: Start at 51 and try to finish in 3 darts.
Pressure Simulation: Play against a timer to mimic competitive stress.
FAQs About 51 By 5s Darts
Q: Can I finish on a bullseye?
A: Only the outer bull (25) and inner bull (50) count as valid scores, but the final dart must be a double (e.g., double 5, double 10).
Q: What happens if I overshoot 0?
A: You “bust,” and your score resets to its value before the turn.
Q: How do I avoid non-multiple leftovers?
A: Always subtract scores that leave multiples of 5 (e.g., 51 – 45 = 6 ❌ vs. 51 – 40 = 11 ❌).
Conclusion
51 by 5s darts is a game of precision and foresight. By targeting multiples of 5, planning checkouts, and mastering doubles, you’ll elevate your gameplay and enjoy a rewarding challenge. Use the strategies and drills above to refine your skills, and soon, you’ll be hitting winning doubles with confidence.
Grab your darts, aim for those multiples, and let the checkouts begin! 🎯