Yes, you can win 301 in six darts if the format uses double-out rules and you finish exactly on a double. One example route is to score 160 with the first three darts, leaving 141, then check out 141 with the next three.
It is a perfect short-format leg. The idea is simple, but the execution is extremely difficult because there is no wasted dart.
Quick answer
Yes. A six-dart 301 leg is possible. For example, score 160 on the first visit, then take out 141 on the second visit. The last dart must finish the leg correctly under the rules you are playing.
Example six-dart route
| Visit | Route | Score | Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | - | - | 301 |
| Visit 1 | T20, T20, D20 | 160 | 141 |
| Visit 2 | T20, T19, D12 | 141 | 0 |
That is not the only route, but it shows the principle: big scoring first, then an exact checkout.
Why not just score 180 first?
In 301 double-out, a first visit of 180 leaves 121, which can also be finished in three darts. Six darts is still possible. The key is leaving a three-dart checkout and completing it.
What makes six darts so hard?
- You need elite scoring immediately.
- You must leave a valid finish.
- You need a clean checkout under double-out rules.
- One missed dart usually ends the six-dart attempt.
301 versus 501
301 is shorter than 501, so fewer darts are needed. The perfect leg in 501 is nine darts. In 301, six darts is the short-format equivalent: two visits, no waste, exact finish.
Practice tip
Practise from 141, 121 and 101 rather than only throwing at 301. Checkout practice gives your scoring a destination. A consistent dartboard and comfortable dart set make those practice routes easier to repeat.
Related guides
Why six darts is the perfect-leg idea for 301
Because 301 starts 200 points lower than 501, the perfect leg is shorter. In 501, the famous perfect leg is nine darts. In 301, a six-dart leg plays a similar role: two visits, exact route, no wasted dart.
Different six-dart routes
The route shown above uses 160 followed by 141, but other routes can work. A 180 first visit leaves 121, which can be finished with routes such as T20, T11, D14 or T20, 11, bull depending on rules and preference. The key is not one single route; it is leaving a finish you can take.
How to practise 301 properly
Play solo 301 legs but score the quality of the leave. If you cannot finish in six, ask whether you left a clean two-dart or three-dart finish for the next visit. This builds real match skill rather than only chasing a rare perfect route.
Double-in and double-out variations
Some 301 games are played straight-in, double-out. Others use double-in, double-out, especially in certain local formats. Double-in makes the perfect route harder because the first dart must also satisfy the starting rule. Always check the format before comparing routes.
Why checkout choice matters
Leaving 141 is useful only if you know a 141 route. Leaving 121 is useful only if you are comfortable with the bull or alternative routes. A six-dart leg is not just about scoring big; it is about leaving a number you can actually finish.
Good 301 practice games
Play 301 with a target of reaching a finish after two visits. If you do not finish in six, continue the leg and count how many darts it takes. Over time, try to lower your average leg length. This gives beginners a realistic target while still teaching the perfect-leg structure.
What beginners should learn from six-dart 301
The main lesson is planning. Know what your first visit leaves. Know your preferred checkouts. If you are not yet a heavy scorer, practise leaving clean numbers such as 40, 32 and 36 rather than chasing impossible routes every visit.
Bottom line
Yes, you can win 301 in six darts. It requires a perfect two-visit leg: heavy scoring, smart route planning and a valid double-out finish.
FAQs
Can you win 301 in five darts?
No, not under normal scoring and double-out logic.
Does 301 have to finish on a double?
Many 301 formats use double-out, but house rules can vary.
What is a common 141 checkout?
T20, T19, D12 is a common route.
