Bust Rule
Bust rule guide for darts: when a turn is invalid, score reset behavior, and ways to avoid costly checkout errors.
- Bust cancels the full visit No points from that visit are counted.
- Score resets to turn start You restart from the score at the beginning of the turn.
- Leaving 1 is bust in double-out A score of 1 cannot finish in double-out formats.
🧠 What Bust Means in Darts
- A bust makes the whole turn invalid.
- The score goes back to what it was at the start of the visit.
- Going below zero is always bust.
- Reaching zero the wrong way can also be bust.
- In double-out, leaving 1 is bust because there is no legal finish.
🎯 What Counts as a Bust
Below zero
If your running total drops below 0, the visit is bust.
Example: 12 left → hit T20.
Invalid zero
Reaching 0 without satisfying the finish rule is bust.
Example: 10 left in double-out → hit S10.
Leaving 1 in double-out
A score of 1 has no legal double finish, so the visit is bust.
Example: 18 left → hit S17.
Bust ends scoring immediately
Extra darts after bust do not count and cannot repair the visit.
Turn stops as soon as bust is confirmed.
↩️ What Happens After a Bust
A bust affects the full visit immediately, not only the final dart.
- The full visit is canceled, not just the final dart.
- The score resets to the value at the start of that turn.
- Throw passes to the opponent for the next visit.
- The leg does not end when bust occurs.
🧩 Common Bust Examples
18 left in double-out, hit S17
Bust: leaving 1 is an illegal finish state in double-out.
12 left, hit T20
Bust: score goes below zero, so the visit is invalid.
32 left, hit D16
Valid finish: no bust, leg ends immediately.
10 left in double-out, hit S10
Bust: reaching 0 without a double is invalid.
40 left, hit S20 and leave 20
Not bust: leg continues from 20 on the next dart/visit.
🧠 How Players Avoid Bust Under Pressure
Use bust logic as a decision routine before and after every dart in checkout range.
- Plan the leave after dart one.
- Do not chase low-percentage rescue shots.
- Reset immediately when bust happens.
⚠️ Common beginner mistakes
Pitfall 1
Applying partial score after a bust.
Reset to the turn-start score immediately.
Pitfall 2
Not recognizing an invalid leave quickly.
Recognize illegal leaves before dart two.
Pitfall 3
Throwing extra darts after bust already occurred.
Stop the visit as soon as bust is confirmed.
🎬 Watch a Quick Bust Rule Explainer
How to Play 501 in Darts | Rules, Scoring, Busts & Checkouts
by ChopperDartsUK (13:54)
Includes explicit bust examples and score reset behavior.
- Bust triggers explained
- Score reset logic
- Safer setup decisions
Use this rule in real matchplay
Go from rule understanding to checkout decisions, setup habits, and practical in-game choices.
❓ Bust Rule FAQ
Does bust end the leg?
No. It only ends that player turn and play continues.
Can bust happen in straight-out?
Yes, if the score goes below zero.
Why is bust strict?
It keeps checkout pressure and match conditions consistent.
Does a bust remove only the last dart or the whole visit?
The whole visit is canceled. Score resets to the total at the start of that turn.
Is leaving 1 always a bust?
It is a bust in double-out formats because no legal double can finish from 1.
🔎 Sources and Editorial Review
Written by
The Darts Fan editorial team
Reviewed against
WDF Playing Rules and PDC Rules of Darts
Last reviewed
March 2026
How this page was built
This guide combines official rules, matchplay conventions, and beginner-focused explanations.