Mastering the darts finishing rules is crucial for success in any darts game, allowing you to strategically aim for the winning checkout. This article will break down the standard checkout rules, common darts checkout charts, and offer tips for improving your darts finishing strategy.
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Understanding Darts Finishing Rules
The standard game of darts involves players starting with a score, typically 501 or 301, and reducing it to zero. The crucial part is the darts finishing rules. You must finish on either a double or the bullseye (which is treated as a double 25). You cannot go below zero (known as ‘busting’). Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.

A valid checkout requires the final dart to land in a double or the bullseye. This means if you have 32 remaining, you need to hit double 16. If you have 50 remaining, you need to hit the bullseye. If you miss the double or bullseye and score less, you continue your turn. If you score more than you need, causing your score to go to 1 or below (or exactly 0 but *not* on a double/bull), your turn ends immediately and your score reverts to what it was at the start of that turn – this is known as busting.
The Double Out Rule
The requirement to finish on a double is commonly known as the ‘double out‘ rule. Some variations of darts games might not require a double out, but the standard 501 and 301 games almost always do. This adds a layer of strategy as players need to set themselves up for a double to win.
Busting: Avoiding the Dreaded Zero
Understanding busting in darts is essential. As mentioned, going to 1, 0 (without hitting a double/bull), or below zero immediately ends your turn. For example, if you have 6 remaining and hit a single 19, you are at -13 and have busted. Your score returns to 6. Strategic play often involves avoiding leaving yourself with numbers that are difficult to checkout or easily bustable.
Common Darts Checkout Charts and Strategies
Familiarizing yourself with common darts checkout charts can significantly improve your game. These charts outline the best routes to finishing scores from various starting points. Memorizing key checkouts allows for quicker decision-making and more accurate throwing.
The Top Checkouts to Know
Here are some of the most common and useful checkouts to learn:
- 170: T20, T20, Bullseye
- 167: T20, T19, Bullseye
- 164: T20, T18, Bullseye
- 161: T20, T17, Bullseye
- 160: T20, T20, D20
- 157: T20, T19, D20
- 154: T20, T18, D20
- 151: T20, T17, D20
- 100: T20, D20 or 20, D40
These are just a few examples. There are many other checkout combinations, but mastering these common ones will give you a solid foundation. Consider using a darts scoring app like Best darts scoring app to help you practice and memorize checkouts. Learning good darts strategy can help too.

Creating Your Own Checkout Strategies
While checkout charts are helpful, developing your own personalized strategies is even better. Consider your strengths and weaknesses. Are you better at hitting trebles or doubles? Tailor your strategy to what works best for you. Practice different routes from various scores to build confidence and versatility. Knowing darts home set up will help.
Improving Your Darts Finishing Strategy
Simply knowing the darts finishing rules isn’t enough; you need to develop a strategic approach to consistently hit those crucial doubles. Practice routines and mental preparation can greatly improve your finishing ability.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Dedicated practice is key to improving your finishing. Focus specifically on hitting doubles and the bullseye. Set up drills where you repeatedly attempt to checkout from different scores. Use a unicorn smart board to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Mental Toughness and Focus
Finishing darts requires mental fortitude. The pressure of needing that final double can be intense. Develop techniques to stay calm and focused. Visualize yourself hitting the target. Practice under simulated pressure situations to build resilience. Maintaining focus through long games, especially if dart flights keep coming off, can be difficult.
Setting Up Your Finishes
Don’t just focus on the final dart; plan your entire turn to set up the ideal checkout. This might involve leaving yourself with a preferred double or a more comfortable scoring opportunity. Think several throws ahead and consider the potential outcomes of each dart. For example, if you are playing darts game dnd, take your time and aim for the double.
Advanced Darts Finishing Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced finishing techniques to gain a competitive edge. These techniques often involve calculated risk-taking and a deeper understanding of probability.
Playing the Percentages
Consider the odds of hitting different targets. For example, if you need 80, you could go for T20, which leaves you with 20. However, if you miss the treble, you might leave yourself with a difficult score. Alternatively, you could go for S20, which leaves you with 60. If you miss, you still have a reasonable score to work with. Playing the percentages involves weighing the risks and rewards of each option.

Using Multiple Darts to Set Up
Sometimes, it’s better to use two darts to set up the final double. For example, if you have 82 remaining, you could go for T14 (leaving 40). If you hit it, great. If you miss, you are still close to a double. This strategy reduces the risk of busting and allows for more flexibility. Check for a good dartboard fixing kit to make sure everything is setup well.
Recognizing Problem Scores and Adjusting
Certain scores are notoriously difficult to checkout, such as 169, 163, 166, 169 and 159. Recognizing these scores and planning your throws to avoid them is crucial. If you accidentally leave yourself with one of these scores, be prepared to adjust your strategy accordingly. The goal is to consistently play to the darts finishing rules.
The Importance of Practice Routines for Darts Finishing
Consistent practice is paramount in mastering darts finishing rules. Establishing a structured practice routine can dramatically improve your consistency and confidence when aiming for those crucial doubles.
Warm-up Drills
Before each practice session, start with simple warm-up drills. Focus on throwing straight and hitting the board consistently. This will help you get a feel for the darts and the throwing motion. Include practice rounds of treble less darts for different types of aim.
Targeted Double Practice
Dedicate a significant portion of your practice time specifically to hitting doubles. Focus on the doubles you find most challenging. Try hitting each double a set number of times consecutively before moving on to the next. This will build muscle memory and improve your accuracy.

Game Simulation
Simulate game situations in your practice sessions. Start with a score of 501 and play against yourself, focusing on efficient checkouts. This will help you develop your strategic thinking and decision-making skills under pressure. Remember that darts finishing rules apply!
Conclusion
Mastering the darts finishing rules is essential for becoming a successful darts player. By understanding the double out requirement, avoiding busts, and memorizing common checkout combinations, you can significantly improve your game. Practice regularly, develop your own strategic approach, and stay mentally focused to consistently hit those crucial doubles. Remember to use online resources, checkout charts, and practice routines to hone your skills. Now, pick up your darts and put these strategies into action!
Hi, I’m Dieter, and I created Dartcounter (Dartcounterapp.com). My motivation wasn’t being a darts expert – quite the opposite! When I first started playing, I loved the game but found keeping accurate scores and tracking stats difficult and distracting.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one struggling with this. So, I decided to build a solution: an easy-to-use application that everyone, no matter their experience level, could use to manage scoring effortlessly.
My goal for Dartcounter was simple: let the app handle the numbers – the scoring, the averages, the stats, even checkout suggestions – so players could focus purely on their throw and enjoying the game. It began as a way to solve my own beginner’s problem, and I’m thrilled it has grown into a helpful tool for the wider darts community.