Last Updated: May 2026 | Reading Time: ~14 minutes
The Moment That Separates Throwers from Players
I remember my first real game of 501 like it was yesterday. I’d been hammering triple 20s all night, my score was melting away fast, and I was genuinely convinced I was going to win. Then I hit 32 remaining. Three darts later, I still had 32. Then another three. Then another.
The board felt like it was laughing at me.
Everyone around the table had one piece of advice: “Just hit double 16.” I knew what double 16 was. I just had absolutely no idea why, or what to do when I missed, or how to position myself to get there in the first place.
That’s the moment most dart beginners discover that knowing how to throw a dart and knowing how to finish a game are two completely different skills.
This guide fixes that. Whether you’ve never hit a double in your life, or you’re picking up the game and want to understand checkout strategy from the ground up — by the time you finish reading this, you’ll know exactly how doubling out works, why it matters, which doubles to learn first, how to read a checkout chart, and how to practice your way to confident, consistent finishes.
Let’s get into it.
What Does “Double Out” Mean in Darts?
In the standard 01 dart games — most commonly 501 and 301 — the rules require that you must finish the game by hitting a double segment or the bullseye with your final dart. You can’t just reduce your score to zero any old way. The last dart that takes your score to exactly zero must land in a double or the bull.
This rule is known as “double out” (sometimes written as “double out” in rulebooks or on scoreboards), and it is the defining skill that separates casual darts from competitive darts.
Here’s why it matters: the double ring is the thin outer band on the dartboard. It’s narrow. It’s precise. And when your score is down to a small number and the game is on the line, it becomes the most pressure-filled target in darts.
The Bullseye as a Double
One important clarification for beginners: the bullseye (the center circle of the dartboard) counts as a valid finishing double. More specifically, the inner bull (the small red or black centre, worth 50 points) counts as a double 25 and is a valid checkout target. The outer bull (worth 25 points) does not count as a double for finishing purposes in most standard rulesets.
Why Double Out Exists (And Why It Makes the Game Better)
The double-out rule isn’t arbitrary. It was designed to do several important things:
It adds strategy to the endgame. Without the double-out rule, you’d just hammer triple 20s until you reach zero. With it, you have to plan your approach from well above 170 — thinking several throws ahead about which numbers to leave yourself on.
It creates pressure at the finish. That narrow double ring is the same target in practice as it is when the game is on the line — but mentally, it feels completely different. The double-out rule means every game has a high-stakes moment.
It rewards consistency over luck. You can score big with triple 20s through luck or momentum, but finishing cleanly on a double requires deliberate accuracy. The double-out rule means the better player wins more consistently.
It makes comebacks possible. Because finishing requires precision rather than just high scoring, a player who is accurate on doubles can beat someone with a better average. This keeps games competitive right until the very last dart.
Understanding the Dartboard: Where the Doubles Are
Before we talk checkout strategy, let’s make sure you know exactly what you’re aiming at.
A standard dartboard has three scoring zones for each of the 20 numbers:
- Single — the large main area of each segment (scores face value)
- Double ring — the thin outer band around the edge (scores 2× face value)
- Triple ring — the thin inner band roughly halfway between the wire and the bullseye (scores 3× face value)
The double ring runs all the way around the outside of the board. Doubles are labeled by their number: Double 20 (worth 40 points), Double 16 (worth 32), Double 1 (worth 2), and so on.
The bullseye sits at the very center:
- Outer bull (green ring): 25 points — not a valid finish double in most rulesets
- Inner bull (red center): 50 points — valid as a finishing double (treated as Double 25)
To double out, your final dart must land in one of these 21 finishing zones: Double 1 through Double 20, or the inner bullseye.
The Bust Rule: What Happens When You Go Wrong
The “bust” rule is one of the most important things to understand before you play a competitive game of 501 or 301.
A bust occurs when:
- Your dart takes your score below zero
- Your dart takes your score to exactly 1 (you can’t finish on 1 — there’s no “Double ½”)
- Your dart takes your score to exactly zero but does NOT land on a double or the bullseye
When you bust, your entire turn is wiped. Your score goes back to exactly what it was at the start of that turn — not just that dart, but all three darts in that visit. You’ll have to try again next turn.
Example of a bust: You have 32 remaining. You need Double 16. You throw your first dart, miss the double, and hit Single 16 — leaving you on 16. Good so far. You throw your second dart and hit Single 16 again — you’re now on 0, but you didn’t hit a double. That’s a bust. Your score reverts to 32.
Example of NOT busting: You have 32 remaining. A single 16 brings the total down to 16. Another single 8 leaves just 8. Hit double 4, reach exactly zero on a double, and the game is yours.
Understanding the bust rule changes how you approach every turn once you’re inside checkout range.
How to Calculate Your Double Out
Here’s the simple math that beginners need to know:
If your remaining score is an even number: Divide by 2. That’s the double you need.
- 40 remaining → Double 20
- 32 remaining → Double 16
- 18 remaining → Double 9
- 2 remaining → Double 1
If your remaining score is an odd number: You cannot finish on your next dart unless you reduce it to an even number first. You need to hit a single to bring it to an even score, then aim for the double.
- 33 remaining → hit Single 1 (leaves 32), then Double 16
- 27 remaining → hit Single 3 (leaves 24), then Double 12
- 17 remaining → hit Single 1 (leaves 16), then Double 8
The highest possible double-out score in one turn is 170: Triple 20 + Triple 20 + Bullseye = 60 + 60 + 50 = 170
This is known as “The Big Fish” and is the most prestigious three-dart checkout in the game.
The 7 Bogey Numbers: Scores You Cannot Finish in 3 Darts
Here’s something most beginners don’t know, and it’s genuinely useful: there are exactly 7 scores below 170 that cannot be finished in three darts. These are called bogey numbers.
The bogey numbers are: 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162, and 159.
No combination of three darts can reach exactly zero from any of these scores while ending on a double or bullseye. If you find yourself on one of these numbers, you need to score strategically to get off them first.
Quick tip for remembering bogey numbers: All bogey numbers above 50 end in the digits 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, or 9. So if your score ends in 0, 1, 4, or 7 — you’re always on a checkable number. This is a useful mental shortcut mid-game.
The Darts Checkout Chart: Your Complete Reference (40–170)
This is the core of the guide — the checkout routes you’ll use in actual games. Study this section carefully. The more of these you memorize, the less mental arithmetic you’ll need at the oche.
Key: T = Triple | D = Double | S = Single | Bull = Inner Bullseye (50 pts)
Three-Dart Checkouts: 170 Down to 100
| Score | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 170 | T20, T20, Bull | The “Big Fish” — rarest and most celebrated finish |
| 167 | T20, T19, Bull | — |
| 164 | T20, T18, Bull | Or T19, T19, Bull |
| 161 | T20, T17, Bull | — |
| 160 | T20, T20, D20 | First 3-dart out that reaches a regular double |
| 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 | Leaves D16 — beginner-friendly finish |
| 150 | T20, T18, D18 | — |
| 148 | T20, T16, D20 | — |
| 145 | T20, T19, D14 | — |
| 141 | T20, T19, D12 | Used in the famous 9-dart finish route |
| 140 | T20, T20, D10 | — |
| 136 | T20, T20, D8 | — |
| 132 | T20, T20, D6 | — |
| 130 | T20, T18, D12 | Very common competitive checkout |
| 121 | T20, T11, D14 | Or T17, T18, D8 |
| 120 | T20, S20, D20 | The “Shanghai” checkout — same as the dart game concept |
| 117 | T20, T19, D10 | — |
| 116 | T20, T16, D14 | — |
| 115 | T20, T15, D20 | — |
| 114 | T20, T14, D16 | — |
| 113 | T20, T13, D20 | — |
| 112 | T20, T12, D20 | — |
| 111 | T20, T11, D19 | — |
| 110 | T20, D25, — | T20 + Bull (2-dart finish!) |
| 107 | T19, T10, D20 | Or T17, Bull |
| 104 | T18, T18, D5 | — |
| 100 | T20, D20, — | 2-dart finish |
Two-Dart Checkouts: The Most Valuable to Memorize
These are particularly powerful because they give you an extra safety dart if needed:
| Score | Route |
|---|---|
| 100 | T20, D20 |
| 96 | T20, D18 |
| 92 | T20, D16 |
| 88 | T20, D14 |
| 84 | T20, D12 |
| 81 | T19, D12 |
| 80 | T20, D10 |
| 76 | T20, D8 |
| 72 | T20, D6 |
| 70 | T18, D8 |
| 68 | T20, D4 |
| 64 | T16, D8 |
| 60 | S20, D20 |
| 57 | S17, D20 |
| 54 | S18, D18 |
| 50 | Bull (1 dart!) |
One-Dart Checkouts: Every Even Number 2–40
Any even number from 2 to 40 can be finished in a single dart on the corresponding double:
| Score | Double |
|---|---|
| 40 | D20 |
| 38 | D19 |
| 36 | D18 |
| 34 | D17 |
| 32 | D16 |
| 30 | D15 |
| 28 | D14 |
| 26 | D13 |
| 24 | D12 |
| 22 | D11 |
| 20 | D10 |
| 18 | D9 |
| 16 | D8 |
| 14 | D7 |
| 12 | D6 |
| 10 | D5 |
| 8 | D4 |
| 6 | D3 |
| 4 | D2 |
| 2 | D1 |
The Most Common Checkouts Every Beginner Should Memorize First
Don’t try to memorize the entire checkout chart at once. Start with these — they come up in nearly every game:
The 6 Must-Know Beginner Checkouts:
32 → Double 16 — The most common finish in casual darts. Miss inside (single 16) → leaves 16 → Double 8. Miss inside again → leaves 8 → Double 4. This halving chain is why Double 16 is the most beginner-friendly double on the board.
40 → Double 20 — Clean and simple. The highest single-dart finish. Psychologically comfortable for most players because the double 20 sits at the very top of the board.
36 → Double 18 — A favorite double for many club players. Slightly less traffic than D20, making it easier to find clean wire.
24 → Double 12 — A very “hittable” double that comes up regularly after breaking down scores through the mid-game.
50 → Bullseye — Sometimes the easiest finish on the board if your bullseye game is strong. Don’t overcomplicate it — if you have 50, go for the bull.
170 → T20, T20, Bull — Not for beginners to attempt, but every darts player should know what it is and recognize it when they see it.
Why Double 16 Is the Best Double for Beginners (The Halving Rule)
This is one of the most important concepts in beginner dart strategy, and most guides mention it without explaining why.
When you miss Double 16 and hit Single 16 instead, you’re left on 16 — which means you aim for Double 8. If you miss Single 8, you’re on 8 — Double 4. Miss Single 4 and you’re on 4 — Double 2. Miss Single 2 and you’re on 2 — Double 1.
This is called the halving chain: 32 → 16 → 8 → 4 → 2. Every miss that lands inside the double ring halves your remaining score and gives you another clean double opportunity. No wasted darts, no messy recalculations.
Compare this to Double 20: if you miss inside and hit Single 20, you’re left on 20 — so you need Double 10. Miss that and hit Single 10, you’re on 10 — Double 5. Miss Single 5, you’re left on 5 — an odd number, which means you need to throw a single dart (hit Single 1 or Single 3) just to get back to a finish position. One stray dart and you’ve lost your clean route.
The halving chain of Double 16 forgives your misses far more generously than Double 20. That’s why experienced players specifically set up to leave 32 (or 16, or 8) even when scoring earlier in the game.
Setting Up Your Checkout: Thinking Backwards from the Double
Here’s the shift in mindset that transforms a casual thrower into a real player: start planning your checkout before you reach finishing range.
The moment your score drops below 200, you should start thinking about which double you want to leave. Then work backwards — which numbers do you need to hit to set up that double?
Example — Setting up Double 16 (target: leave 32):
You have 98 remaining. You want to leave 32 for Double 16. So you need to score 66 with your first two darts.
- Option: Triple 18 (54) + Single 12 (12) = 66. Leaves 32 → Double 16.
- Option: Triple 14 (42) + Single 24 (skip — aim for S12+S12 or T18) → many routes work.
The key principle: Always aim to leave yourself on an even number, and ideally one with a clean halving chain (32, 16, 8) or your own personal strongest double.
Avoid leaving odd numbers below 40. If you’re on an odd number like 17, 23, or 27, you must first hit a single to make it even, wasting one of your three darts.
8 Double-Out Strategies That Will Immediately Improve Your Game
1. Pick One Preferred Double and Own It
Don’t try to spread your practice across all 20 doubles equally. Pick one — most beginners choose Double 16 or Double 20 — and make that your home base. Shape your entire endgame around leaving that double.
2. Always Plan to Leave Even Numbers
Never settle for an odd number when you’re inside 100. If you have 3 darts and 85 remaining, don’t just aim for maximum score — aim for a score that leaves you on 32, 40, or 36.
3. Know Your “Cover Shots”
A cover shot is a dart that leaves you on the same double if you miss inside. From 36 (aiming Double 18), if you miss and hit Single 18, you’re left on 18 — Double 9. That’s not ideal. Better to aim for Double 18 from 54 (Triple 18 as setup), so a miss into Single 18 leaves 36 → another shot at Double 18. This kind of planning keeps your checkout attempt alive even when you miss.
4. Don’t Fear the Bullseye
Many beginners avoid aiming at the bull because it seems difficult. But at 50 remaining, it’s a completely valid and often the most efficient one-dart finish. For scores like 110 (Triple 20 + Bull), the bullseye is your second dart — not your scary last resort. Include it in your practice regularly.
5. Know the 7 Bogey Numbers
Memorize these: 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162, 159. Avoid landing on them. If you’re scoring near these numbers (e.g. you have 259 and are tempted to score a clean 100), adjust slightly to land on 160 instead of 159. One point of adjustment can save you an entire extra visit.
6. Use the “Odd Number Escape” Quickly
If you land on an odd number below 40 (like 23, 17, or 11), don’t freeze. Know immediately which single dart gets you to an even finish:
- 23 → hit Single 7 → leaves 16 (D8)
- 17 → hit Single 1 → leaves 16 (D8)
- 11 → hit Single 3 → leaves 8 (D4)
The faster you identify your escape route, the less pressure you feel.
7. Build Your Checkout Route Before You Step to the Oche
Walking up to throw without a plan is one of the biggest beginner mistakes. As soon as your turn begins, you should already know: “I have 76. I’m going for Triple 20 to leave 16, then Double 8.” The plan should exist before the first dart leaves your hand.
8. Practice Checkouts in Isolation
Don’t just play full games of 501 and hope your doubles improve. Set up isolated checkout practice: stand at the oche with 40 remaining, and don’t move until you hit Double 20. Then move to 32. Then 36. Building a dedicated practice routine around doubles accelerates improvement faster than anything else.
Common Checkout Mistakes Beginners Make
Mistake 1: Aiming for the nearest double without checking the halving chain Not all doubles are equal on a miss. Always consider what happens if you hit the single instead of the double.
Mistake 2: Leaving odd numbers inside 40 An odd score below 40 means you need to waste a dart just to reposition. Always plan to finish your scoring darts on an even number.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the bullseye as a finish The bull is 50 points and a valid double. Players who practice their bullseye game have an extra finishing tool that most beginners ignore entirely.
Mistake 4: Not knowing your route before stepping to the oche Mental arithmetic under pressure leads to rushed decisions and busts. Memorize your most common checkout routes so you’re not calculating mid-throw.
Mistake 5: Giving up on a checkout route after one miss Missing your first dart in a checkout attempt doesn’t mean the leg is over. Know your backup routes — what happens if you hit single instead of triple, what even number you land on, and which double that points to.
Mistake 6: Underestimating the bust risk Many beginners bust by not paying attention to what happens on a slightly errant throw. If you have 41 remaining and aim for Single 1 then Double 20 — but accidentally hit Single 20 first — you’re now on 21, which is an odd number and requires another single before you can finish. Always track every dart.
How to Read a Darts Checkout Chart
A printed or digital checkout chart lists every score from 170 down to 2 with the recommended route to finish. Here’s how to use one effectively:
- T means Triple (e.g. T20 = Triple 20 = 60 points)
- D means Double (e.g. D16 = Double 16 = 32 points)
- S or no prefix means Single (e.g. S20 or just 20 = Single 20 = 20 points)
- Bull means inner bullseye = 50 points
Charts are read left to right: the first dart listed is what you aim for first. After hitting (or missing) you recalculate your remaining score and continue with the next dart.
Charts show the recommended route, not the only route. As you gain experience, you’ll develop personal preferences — maybe you’re better at Double 18 than Double 20, or maybe your bullseye is more reliable than a specific triple. A checkout chart is a starting framework; your game will personalise it over time.
Hang a checkout chart next to your dartboard while you’re learning. Referencing it between turns builds familiarity faster than any other method.
Checkout Quick Reference: The Scores You’ll See Most Often
| Score | Best Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 170 | T20, T20, Bull | Maximum checkout — The Big Fish |
| 121 | T20, T11, D14 | One of the trickiest common checkouts |
| 100 | T20, D20 | Clean 2-dart finish |
| 96 | T20, D18 | — |
| 81 | T19, D12 | Tricky but common |
| 80 | T20, D10 | — |
| 76 | T20, D8 | — |
| 61 | T15, D8 | Or S11, D25 (bull) |
| 50 | Bull | 1-dart finish |
| 40 | D20 | Classic 1-dart finish |
| 36 | D18 | — |
| 32 | D16 | Best beginner double |
| 20 | D10 | — |
| 16 | D8 | — |
| 8 | D4 | — |
| 2 | D1 | The “madhouse” — hardest 1-dart finish |
Frequently Asked Questions About Doubling Out
Can I finish on a single dart without it being a double?
No. In standard 501 and 301, the final dart must land in a double segment or the inner bullseye. Reaching zero with a single counts as a bust.
What is Double 1, and why is it called the Madhouse?
Double 1 is worth 2 points and sits on one of the narrow outer double rings, making it tricky to hit under pressure. Players call it the “Madhouse” because missing it repeatedly can quickly become frustrating.
What is the lowest possible checkout?
The lowest possible checkout is 2 points, finished by hitting Double 1. To win, you must leave exactly 2 remaining and hit that double cleanly.
What is a nine-dart finish?
A nine-dart finish is the perfect game in 501, completed in just nine darts. A classic route is 180 + 180 + 141, using:
T20, T20, T20 → T20, T20, T20 → T20, T19, D12. It’s one of darts’ rarest achievements.
Does the bullseye count as a double for finishing?
Yes—but only the inner bullseye (50 points) counts as a valid finishing double in standard rules. The outer bull (25 points) does not qualify as a double-out finish.
What does double in, double out mean?
Some dart formats require players to hit a double before scoring can begin (double in) and also finish on a double (double out). These formats are more common in competitive leagues than casual games.
Should beginners memorize the full checkout chart?
Not immediately. Start by learning simple one-dart finishes using even numbers from 2 to 40. Then move to common two-dart checkouts like 40, 32, 36, 24, and 50. With regular play, the patterns become easier to remember naturally.
Practice Drills to Master Your Double-Out Game
Drill 1: The Double 16 Ladder
Start at Double 16. Keep throwing until you hit it. Once you land it, move down the halving chain: Double 8, then Double 4, then Double 2. Then start again. Do this for 10 minutes before every session.
Drill 2: Random Double Challenge
Write the numbers 1–20 on separate slips of paper. Draw one at random — that’s your double for the next 9 darts (3 turns). Count how many you hit. Track your percentage over time.
Drill 3: Checkout Simulation
Set your score to a common checkout number (try 100, 76, 61, 40, 32). Attempt the checkout within 3 darts (one turn). If you bust or don’t finish, reset to the same number. If you hit it, increase by 20 and repeat. Track your conversion rate.
Drill 4: The Pressure Game
Play a full game of 501 but add a rule: every time you reach a score of 170 or below, you must announce your checkout route before throwing. Speaking the route aloud builds the mental habit of planning before throwing, which transfers directly to competitive play.
Drill 5: Doubles Around the Clock
Starting at Double 1, work your way around the board in order. You get 3 darts per double. If you hit it within 3, move on. If not, try again next round. Complete the full circuit of all 20 doubles as a regular practice session.
Quick Reference: Double-Out Rules Cheat Sheet
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final dart requirement | Must land in a double or inner bullseye |
| Inner bullseye (bull) value | 50 points — valid as a double finish |
| Outer bull value | 25 points — NOT a valid double out in standard rules |
| Bust rule | Score returns to start-of-turn total if you go below 0, hit 1, or reach 0 without a double |
| Highest possible checkout | 170 (T20, T20, Bull) |
| Lowest possible checkout | 2 (D1) |
| Bogey numbers (3-dart) | 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162, 159 |
| Best beginner’s double | Double 16 (halving chain: 32→16→8→4→2) |
| Checkout planning tip | Start planning your double from 200+ remaining |
Final Thoughts: The Double Is Where the Game Is Won
Scoring big numbers is the exciting part of darts. But doubling out? That’s where the game is. Every serious dart player will tell you the same thing: your average will get you to the finish line, but your doubles will decide who crosses it.
The good news is that unlike raw scoring power, checkout knowledge is learnable. Memorizing routes, understanding the halving chain, recognizing bogey numbers — these are intellectual skills as much as physical ones, and they improve every single time you stand at the oche and practice.
So here’s your challenge: the next time you play 501, pick Double 16 as your home double and deliberately steer every endgame toward 32. Don’t aim for maximum score in your final scoring darts — aim for 32 remaining. Do that for 10 games, and you’ll see exactly how quickly checkout planning changes your win rate.
The double is waiting. Now you know exactly how to find it.
Found this guide useful? Share it with your darts group before your next game night — and let us know in the comments which double you’re going to practice first!
