Three darts, 170 points, and a bullseye to end it. That’s the biggest finish in the game, and every darts checkout chart starts there. Watch the crowd at Alexandra Palace when someone lands it. Beyond that, the noise is something else. If you’ve ever wondered how players know what to throw, this guide breaks it down in plain English. It also ties in with the PDC World Darts Championship 2027 coming in December.
What Is a Checkout in Darts?
A checkout is the finishing shot of a leg. In a standard game, each player starts on 501 and counts down to zero. However, you can’t just hit any number to win. In fact, you must finish on a double or the bullseye, which counts as a double 25.
So a player on 40 needs double 20. A player on 50 needs the bullseye. Anyone left on 1 is in trouble, because no double makes 1.
There’s also a bust rule. If you score more than you have left, your turn doesn’t count. The same goes if you leave yourself on 1, or reach zero without a double. In those cases, the score goes back to what it was before your three darts.
The double-out rule is what makes darts so tense. It’s why a player can lead by a mile and still lose a leg.
Reading a Darts Checkout Chart
A checkout chart is a simple list. On the left is your remaining score, and on the right is the usual route to finish it. Most charts use three darts, though many routes use two.
Here’s how to read the shorthand. S means a single, D means a double, and T means a treble. So T20 is treble 20, which scores 60. D16 is double 16, which scores 32. Bull is the bullseye, worth 50.
Charts show the most common route, but they aren’t the only route. Players change their path if a dart lands badly. That’s why pros learn more than one way to finish many scores.
The Big Finishes: 170 Down to 150
Only a small group of scores can be finished with three treble-heavy darts. Also, the classic is 170, made by T20, T20 and Bull. It’s the highest checkout in darts.
Beyond that, fans see it rarely. At the 2025 World Championship, five players hit a 170, including Luke Littler, according to the tournament record. Fair to say, it’s a moment worth waiting for.
Here are the top routes:
| Score | Route |
| 170 | T20, T20, Bull |
| 167 | T20, T19, Bull |
| 164 | T20, T18, Bull |
| 161 | T20, T17, Bull |
| 160 | T20, T20, D20 |
| 158 | T20, T20, D19 |
| 157 | T20, T19, D20 |
| 156 | T20, T20, D18 |
| 155 | T20, T19, D19 |
| 154 | T20, T18, D20 |
| 153 | T20, T19, D18 |
| 152 | T20, T20, D16 |
| 151 | T20, T17, D20 |
| 150 | T20, T18, D18 |
You’ll notice some numbers are missing from the list. 169, 168, 166 and 165 can’t be finished in three darts. Those gaps have a name, and we’ll cover it next.
The Bogey Numbers
Some scores above 100 can’t be finished in three darts, no matter how well you throw. In fact, players call them bogey numbers. Besides, the scores are 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159.
So what do you do when you’re sitting on one of them? Usually you score as high as you can and leave a number you can finish on the next visit.
Here’s the thing: the bogey numbers shape how pros pick their first dart. A good player thinks about the finish before the first dart leaves the hand.
Mid-Range Finishes: 140 Down to 60
Most club and pub finishes happen in this range. Also, players are often on two or three darts, and the routes get simpler. Here are some handy ones:
| Score | Route |
| 140 | T20, T20, D10 |
| 130 | T20, 20, Bull |
| 121 | T20, T11, D14 |
| 120 | T20, 20, D20 |
| 110 | T20, Bull |
| 100 | T20, D20 |
| 98 | T20, D19 |
| 90 | Bull, D20 |
| 80 | T20, D10 |
| 70 | T10, D20 |
| 60 | 20, D20 |
Notice how often T20 shows up. That’s because the treble 20 is the highest-scoring spot on the board. Then the player moves to a double that fits the score.
Beyond that, the highest finish possible with two darts is 110, using T20 and the bullseye. It’s a handy fact if you’re ever stuck in a pub quiz.
Easy Finishes and the Best Doubles
Below 60, every checkout is a single dart or a quick setup. On top of that, the key is leaving a double you like. In fact, most players have a favourite, often double 16 or double 20.
Double 16 is popular for one smart reason. If you miss it and hit a single 16, you’re left on 16, which needs double 8. Miss again and you’re on 8, which needs double 4. Besides, this halving pattern gives you a second and third chance.
Here are some simple set-ups:
- 40: D20 is the usual shot.
- 32: D16, with a safety net of D8 and D4 after a miss.
- 50: Bull. Hit it and the leg is yours.
- 37: S5 first, which leaves 32 and the friendly D16.
Beginners can use the same trick. If you’re on an odd number, hit a single to leave a double you trust. Always aim to leave an even number.
How to Practise Checkouts
You don’t need fancy gear to improve. A board, some darts and ten minutes a day will do. However, a little structure helps a lot.
Try this simple plan. Pick a score from the chart, say 100, and play it until you hit it. Then move to the next one. Keep a note of how many darts it takes. Over time, that number drops.
Also, practise the doubles on their own. Spend a few minutes on D16, D20 and D8. Players who hit doubles well don’t panic when the pressure builds.
One more thing: learn two routes for your favourite scores. That way, when the first dart lands in a bad spot, you won’t freeze. On top of that, fans who watch the stars, including Luke Littler, will see this all the time. In fact, the best players adjust in a heartbeat.
A Quick Checkout Drill
Here’s a simple drill you can try tonight. Start on 100 and aim for T20 then D20. If you miss, adjust and finish whatever is left. Then move to 80, 60 and 40.
Write down each result. After a week, you’ll see which scores trip you up. That tells you where to spend your practice time. It’s a small habit, but it builds real confidence at the oche.
The Perfect Leg: The Nine-Darter
The nine-dart finish is the dream. It’s a 501 leg done in the fewest darts possible. The classic route is 180, 180, then 141, made by T20, T19 and D12.
Beyond that, there are other paths, but they all need near-perfect throwing. It’s rare, and it always brings the house down.
Common Checkout Mistakes
Even keen players trip up on the same few things. Here are the most common, and they’re easy to fix.
- Aiming at the wrong double: Players panic and chase a double they rarely hit. Stick to the ones you’ve practised.
- Leaving an odd number: An odd score needs a single first, so it costs you a dart. Aim to leave an even number.
- Forgetting the bust rule: Scoring too much, or leaving 1, wastes a whole turn.
- Ignoring the next visit: On a bogey number, score well and set up a finish for the following turn.
That’s the practical side of the game. Beyond that, a bit of nerve helps. Also, many players find the double is as much a mental test as a physical one. So slow down and take a breath at the oche.
It’s no surprise that stars with great finishing end up in awards talk. For a look at who’s tipped for the big prizes this year, see the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2026 contenders.
Key Takeaways
- Highest checkout: 170, thrown as T20, T20 and Bull.
- Double-out rule: You must finish on a double or the bullseye.
- Bogey numbers: 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159 can’t be finished in three darts.
- Best double: D16 gives you D8 and D4 as back-ups.
- Perfect leg: The nine-darter can run 180, 180, then 141.
FAQs
What is the highest checkout in darts?
The highest checkout is 170, finished with two treble 20s and the bullseye.
What are the bogey numbers in darts?
The bogey numbers are 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159.
Why do you need a double to finish?
The double-out rule says the last dart must land in a double or the bullseye.
What happens if I go bust?
Your score returns to what it was before that turn, and play passes to your opponent.
What’s the best double to aim for?
Many players pick double 16 because a miss leaves them on double 8.
Conclusion
A good darts checkout chart takes the guesswork out of the finish. Learn the big routes from 170, respect the bogey numbers, and build around a double you trust. Whether you’re a beginner in the pub or a fan at the Palace, these shots make the game easier to follow. Start with 40, then 32, and work your way up the board.
