Checkouts win matches. If you play league darts, knowing your finishes means less time doing maths at the oche and more focus on hitting the double. This guide covers the checkouts every player should learn first, and how to practise them.
The basics
- You must finish on a double, or the bullseye (50).
- The highest checkout is 170: treble 20, treble 20, bull.
- Some scores cannot be finished in three darts: 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159.
Favourite doubles
Most players aim to leave double 16 (32) or double 20 (40). Double 16 is popular because if you hit the single 16, you still have double 8 left, then double 4, then double 2.
Key checkouts to learn first
| Score | Checkout |
|---|---|
| 170 | T20, T20, Bull |
| 167 | T20, T19, Bull |
| 164 | T20, T18, Bull |
| 161 | T20, T17, Bull |
| 160 | T20, T20, D20 |
| 141 | T20, T19, D12 |
| 121 | T20, T11, D14 |
| 100 | T20, D20 |
| 81 | T19, D12 |
| 80 | T20, D10 |
| 70 | T18, D8 |
| 60 | 20, D20 |
| 50 | 10, D20, or Bull |
| 40 | D20 |
| 36 | D18 |
| 32 | D16 |
Set-up shots: think one visit ahead
If you cannot finish this visit, score to leave a good double next time. From 99 or less, aim to leave 32 or 40 rather than an awkward odd number.
A 15-minute checkout drill
- Pick a score between 41 and 60.
- You have three visits (nine darts) to check out.
- Check out and you move up 1. Miss and you move down 1.
- Track your highest score reached each week.
For a full routine, see how to practise darts at home.
Struggling on the doubles?
Missing doubles is usually a technique problem, not a maths problem. A coach can spot what changes in your throw under pressure. Book 1-to-1 coaching in Wallingford or online coaching, or start with a free throw check.