Darts fans question why matches start on 501 instead of 500

Viewers of the World Darts Championship are questioning why players start each leg on 501 instead of 500. The reason is that starting on 501 adds difficulty, requiring players to hit odd numbers to reach zero. This format forces players to navigate the board strategically. If they started on 500, they could simply hit 20s to reach zero without the added challenge of finishing on a double. The 501 rule has sparked discussions among darts fans, highlighting its role in increasing the complexity of the game. This has contributed to the sport's growing popularity, especially with young talents like Luke Littler.