Darts Checkout Strategy: Master the Finish from 170 to 2

What is a checkout?

A 'checkout' is the combination of darts that brings your remaining score exactly to zero and wins the leg. The standard rule in darts is 'double-out': the very last dart must land in a double segment or the bullseye (50 points).

This means your remaining score at the end of a turn must be an even number (divisible by 2) or 50, so you can finish. If your remaining score is odd or higher than any available double, you need to adjust your route.

The double-out requirement

Doubles are the thin outer ring on the dartboard. They represent twice their segment value. Double 20 = 40, Double 16 = 32, Double 1 = 2. The bullseye (inner circle) counts as Double Bull = 50 and is also a valid finish.

The maximum three-dart checkout is 170 (T20 + T20 + Bull). Scores above 170 cannot be finished in a single turn. Checkouts from 3 to 170 are all achievable in one three-dart turn, provided you choose the right route.

The best doubles to aim for

Not all doubles are equally convenient. The best doubles are those where a miss still leaves you in a good position for the next attempt. This principle is called 'split doubles' — the miss option gives you a second chance.

• D20 (remaining 40)

  Wide segment. Miss outside → 20 left (D10). Miss inside → 20 left (D10). Ideal learning double.

• D16 (remaining 32)

  Wide ring. Miss → 16 left (D8). Most played checkout double for club-level players.

• D10 (remaining 20)

  Miss → 10 left (D5). Small bed but safe miss fallback.

• D8 (remaining 16)

  Miss → 8 left (D4). Good fallback chain: D4 → D2 → D1.

Dealing with odd remaining scores

With an odd remaining score (e.g. 85, 71, 43) you cannot directly finish on a double. Your first dart must hit a single segment to make the remaining score even. You then have two darts left to finish.

ScoreApp automatically shows the best checkout suggestions for any remaining score of 170 or lower, including options for odd remaining scores.

Common checkouts

Below is a selection of the most commonly played checkout routes. See the full checkout table for all scores from 2 to 170.

How to practise checkouts

Improving checkouts is about repetition and focused practice. Three effective training methods:

• Double training (Around the Clock)

  Throw at every double on the board from D1 to D20 and then the Bullseye. Note how many attempts you need per double. Doing this 3× per week significantly raises your double accuracy.

• Fixed checkout practice

  Pick one fixed checkout (e.g. 32 → D16) and practise it for 20 minutes. Repeat next session with a different checkout (e.g. 60 → 20 + D20). Small, focused sessions build memory faster than random practice.

• Use checkout suggestions in ScoreApp

  During a real game, ScoreApp automatically shows the best checkout route. Try to consciously follow the suggested route each time — this builds checkout knowledge while you simply play.

Frequently asked questions