Darts Checkout Chart Explained

How Checkouts Work in 501

In 501, you must finish on a double (or bull). Good checkout strategy matters because a higher-percentage route dramatically increases your chance of winning tight legs.

Below are the most common three-dart and two-dart finishes, why they’re chosen, and when to switch to alternatives.

Most Reliable Three-Dart Checkouts

These routes are used because they leave safe doubles and minimise “blocking” risks. Alternatives are listed where useful.

Score	Route	Notes
170	T20, T20, Bull	Perfect finish — no safer alternative
167	T20, T19, Bull	Standard PDC route
164	T20, T18, Bull	Preferred vs T19 blockage
161	T20, T17, Bull	Reliable shape
160	T20, T20, D20	Classic three-dart finish
121	T20, S11, D15	Many viable routes exist
100	T20, D20	Or S40, D30 depending on block
82	Bull, D16	Or T14, D20 for left-side players
72	T12, D18	Or S20, D16 if preferred
50	Bull	Single-dart finish (match darts)

Outer bull may count 25 depending on house rules. Confirm before starting.

Popular Two-Dart Patterns

These are reliable setups used in serious match play.

• 40 → D20
• 32 → D16
• 24 → D12 (or S8 → D8 if angle blocked)
• 50 → Bull
• 58 → S18, D20 or T20, D9

General Checkout Strategy Rules

• Avoid leaving 1, 2, 3, or 5 (awkward, no finishes).
• Prefer D16 and D20 — largest healthy doubling beds.
• Plan ahead — don’t rely on one perfect treble.
• Stay central if you block the bed (switch fast).

Top players aim to leave doubles that “feel” right based on throw trajectory and dart lie.

Good Checkouts for Beginner or Casual Players

These aren’t mathematically optimal, but they’re practical:

• 40 → D20
• 36 → D18
• 32 → D16
• 28 → D14
• 16 → D8 (split potential)

FAQ — Darts Checkout Basics

• Best double to finish on?
  D20 and D16 — large beds, easiest grouping.
• Why is 170 “perfect”?
  No alternative three-dart route exists.
• Should I always go T20?
  Usually, but adjust when beds block.
• Why not leave 1 or 2?
  You can’t checkout on 1, and 2 is technically finishable but extremely low-percentage, so anything other than the D1 and you’re effectively forced to regroup.