The darts lowest non checkout is, simply put, any score between 2 and 170 that cannot be legally finished in a single turn at the dartboard. This article will delve into understanding those impossible scores, the mathematics behind them, and why knowing them can subtly improve your darts strategy.
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Understanding the Concept of ‘Darts Lowest Non Checkout’
To truly grasp the concept of the darts lowest non checkout, it’s important to understand how a leg of darts is typically won. Players must reduce their score from a starting point (usually 501 or 301) to zero, and they must do so by finishing on a double or the bullseye (which counts as double 25). This finishing requirement creates scenarios where certain scores become ‘unfinishable’ in a single visit, meaning they’re non-checkout numbers.

Knowing which scores are non-checkout numbers can be an advantage. For example, if you’re nearing the end of a leg and your opponent is on a score that is a non-checkout, you know they need at least two visits to win the leg, giving you a slight tactical edge. You might consider adopting more aggressive scoring strategy.
The Basics of Darts Checkout
Before diving deeper into the specifics of the darts lowest non checkout scores, let’s revisit the fundamental rules of checkout in darts.
- The Final Dart: The last dart thrown in a leg must land in either a double or the bullseye.
- Reaching Zero: A player must reduce their score exactly to zero. Going below zero, even if a double is hit, results in a “bust,” and the player’s score reverts to what it was at the start of that turn.
- Three Darts Per Turn: A player throws a maximum of three darts per turn.
These rules dictate which numbers can and cannot be successfully checked out, directly influencing the existence of darts lowest non checkout values.
Identifying the Darts Lowest Non Checkout Scores
The darts lowest non checkout scores are those that cannot be reduced to zero with a single dart landing in a double or the bullseye. It’s important to note that “checkout combinations” are the opposite of this, being the best way to end the game with the lowest number of throws. The most notorious and frequently discussed examples include scores like 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162, 159, etc. Let’s look into the reasoning why.
- Scores above 160: Any score above 170 is automatically impossible to checkout in one visit as the highest possible score is 180 (three treble 20s), and a double is still needed for the final dart. 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, and 162 are all impossible.
- Scores that don’t leave a double: For example, if you need 5, no matter what number you hit with your first dart, you’ll never leave a double or the bullseye to checkout with.
As you can see, this is where the knowledge of checkout routes comes into play.
Why Knowing ‘Darts Lowest Non Checkout’ Matters
Knowing the darts lowest non checkout scores isn’t just trivia; it has practical applications during a match. It subtly alters your decision-making process and can influence your strategy.
Tactical Advantage
As mentioned, if your opponent is left with a non-checkout number, you gain a psychological advantage. Knowing they cannot win on their next turn allows you to focus on maximizing your score and potentially setting up a good checkout for yourself. You have more time to plan your moves. You can also look at some advice from darts headphones to focus on your game even more.

Strategic Play
Sometimes, intentionally leaving yourself on a number that avoids leaving your opponent with an easy checkout can be a smart play. For instance, if you’re ahead and your opponent is on a low score, you might deliberately aim for a slightly lower score on your visit to avoid setting them up with an easy double. This is advanced darts strategy, but it highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of checkouts and non-checkouts. Consider the impact a dartboard hanging kit can have on your setup and how consistent placement leads to consistent scoring.
Improving Your Game
Understanding the darts lowest non checkout scores forces you to think more critically about your game. It encourages you to analyze possible outcomes and develop a more strategic approach to scoring. This deeper understanding can translate to improved accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
Common Darts Checkout Strategies and Avoiding Non-Checkout Numbers
Beyond knowing which numbers are non-checkout, understanding common checkout strategies is crucial for effective darts play. Let’s explore some frequently used checkout paths and how to avoid inadvertently landing on a darts lowest non checkout number.
Popular Checkout Routes
- 170: T20, T20, Bullseye (The Big Fish)
- 167: T20, T19, Bullseye
- 164: T20, T18, Bullseye
- 161: T20, T17, Bullseye
- 160: T20, T20, D20
- 100: T20, D20,
- 81: T17, D15,
- 60: 20, 20, 20 or T20
Memorizing these routes (and others) helps you quickly calculate your next move and increases your chances of setting up a successful checkout. There are also many Dart game scoring app options available to help you master the routes!
Avoiding Non-Checkout Traps
One common mistake is focusing solely on hitting big scores without considering the checkout implications. For example, aiming for a treble 20 every time might seem like a good strategy, but it can lead to awkward scores that are difficult to finish. Consider the following to avoid the darts lowest non checkout trap:
- Plan Ahead: Before throwing, visualize the potential scores you could leave yourself on. Think about your preferred checkout routes and try to steer your score towards those numbers.
- Be Flexible: Don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy mid-leg. If you realize you’re heading towards a difficult number, change your target to try and course-correct.
- Practice Checkouts: Dedicate time to practicing different checkout combinations. The more comfortable you are with various finishes, the less likely you are to panic and end up on a non-checkout number.

Advanced Strategies: Exploiting Darts Lowest Non Checkout
Experienced darts players can take their understanding of darts lowest non checkout beyond basic avoidance and use it as a weapon. This involves intentionally manipulating scores to put pressure on opponents.
Creating Difficult Situations
Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. If you’re confident in your ability to check out, you might intentionally leave your opponent with a tricky score, even if it means slightly delaying your own finish. This puts pressure on them to perform under duress.
Psychological Warfare
Darts is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Knowing the darts lowest non checkout scores allows you to subtly influence your opponent’s mindset. For example, if you leave them on a score of 169, a well-known impossible checkout, you might notice them becoming more anxious or hesitant, giving you a psychological edge. Some may even look for advice in the darts forum to help improve their game.
Calculating Risk vs. Reward
Ultimately, the decision to manipulate scores comes down to a risk-reward calculation. You need to weigh the potential benefits of putting pressure on your opponent against the risk of leaving yourself in a vulnerable position. This requires careful assessment of your own abilities and your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
The Mathematics Behind ‘Darts Lowest Non Checkout’
The existence of darts lowest non checkout scores is rooted in simple mathematics. Understanding the number combinations that cannot result in a double or bullseye finish in a single turn requires a logical approach.
Possible Outcomes
Consider all the possible scores that can be achieved with three darts. With each dart, a player can score between 0 (missing the board entirely) and 60 (hitting three treble 20s). However, the requirement to finish on a double drastically limits the possible checkouts. No matter how 3 darts in bullseye is called, it’s useless if you can’t finish on a double.

The Double Constraint
The fact that the final dart must be a double (or bullseye) means that certain scores simply cannot be reached. For example, an odd number requires the final dart to be an odd double, which is impossible. This inherent limitation creates the phenomenon of the darts lowest non checkout scores. Similarly, using the correct dart shaft empfehlung can also help to ensure you can optimize your throws.
Analyzing the Number Range
By systematically analyzing each number between 2 and 170, you can identify those that cannot be finished on a double in a single turn. This exercise highlights the mathematical foundation of the darts lowest non checkout concept and underscores the importance of strategic scoring.
Practice Drills for Mastering Checkout Combinations and Avoiding ‘Darts Lowest Non Checkout’
To truly internalize the concepts discussed and improve your checkout proficiency, incorporating specific practice drills into your training routine is essential. Here are some drills designed to help you master checkout combinations and avoid the pitfalls of darts lowest non checkout numbers.
The “Around the Clock” Checkout Drill
Start with the number 2 and work your way up to the bullseye, aiming to hit each double in sequence. This drill helps you improve your accuracy on the doubles ring and builds confidence in your ability to finish under pressure. As you progress, try to complete the drill in the fewest possible darts. This can be improved further with smartness dartscheibe to help track your progress.
The “Random Checkout” Drill
Use a random number generator or an app to select a score between 2 and 170. Then, attempt to check out that score in as few darts as possible. This drill forces you to think on your feet and adapt your strategy to different situations, helping you avoid inadvertently landing on a darts lowest non checkout number.

The “Pressure Checkout” Drill
Simulate a high-pressure match scenario by giving yourself a limited number of darts to check out a specific score. For example, give yourself three darts to checkout 81, then three darts to checkout 64, and so on. This drill helps you improve your focus and accuracy when the stakes are high, and reduces the likelihood of succumbing to the darts lowest non checkout trap.
Conclusion: Mastering Darts Requires Understanding More Than Just the Throw
Understanding the darts lowest non checkout is more than just knowing trivia; it’s about deepening your understanding of the game’s nuances and developing a more strategic approach. By familiarizing yourself with these impossible-to-finish scores, memorizing common checkout routes, and practicing strategic play, you can gain a competitive edge and elevate your darts game to the next level. So, next time you’re at the oche, remember that darts is a game of both skill and strategy – and knowing your numbers can make all the difference. Now go forth, practice diligently, and dominate the dartboard!
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.