In the world of darts, finishing with a perfect or near-perfect score is part of the theatre that keeps players and fans riveted. The phrase “highest darts checkout” captures the dreams of players who want to seal a leg with a spectacular finish, ideally on a double, under pressure, and in front of a watching crowd. This guide dives deep into what constitutes a legit highest darts checkout, how players train to chase big finishes, the historical milestones that have defined the pursuit, and practical strategies you can apply on your own boards. Whether you chase the record themselves or simply enjoy the drama of a big out, understanding the dynamics of high checkouts will sharpen your game and your enjoyment of the sport.
Highest Darts Checkout: What It Really Means
The term highest darts checkout refers to the largest possible finishing score that can be completed with three darts, under standard rules where the leg ends with a double. In most conventional formats, a player must finish on a double, and the maximum achievable checkout with three darts is 170. The combination for this pinnacle is T20, T20, Bull — triple 20, triple 20, then the bullseye (50). It is the gold standard of outshots, celebrated for its precision, nerve, and elegance.
When fans discuss the “highest darts checkout,” they are often also talking about the impressive variety of finishes that sit just below the summit. The 170 is the ceiling, but finishes such as 167 (T20, T19, Bull), 164 (T20, T18, Bull), and other long-range checkouts frequently appear in televised legs, thrilling spectators and challenging opponents. The terminology “out shot” or “finish” is common in commentary and coaching circles, and the layout of these finishes is a key part of any ambitious player’s study.
How High Checkouts Are Calculated and Why They Matter
To understand the allure of the highest darts checkout, it helps to unpack the arithmetic and the rules that frame these finishes. A leg begins with a fresh score of 501 (in most professional setups) and is reduced by each throw. The finish must be on a double, which means the final dart must land in any double section, such as D20, D16, or the bull (which counts as a bull’s eye and not a double). The total score required to finish over three darts is the checkout. If the player cannot finish on a double with the remaining score, the leg continues with throws that bring the score closer while still setting up a feasible double finish on the next attempt.
The reason 170 stands apart is not only its mathematical ceiling but also the difficulty of pulling off the sequence under pressure. Hitting T20 (60 points) twice reduces the remaining score to 50, which is then finished with the bull. Executed cleanly, it demands precision, crowd control, and a calm mental state. Lower finishes, though impressive, typically present more regular variations, such as finishing with T19, D16 or similar combos, each carrying its own tactical narrative.
Top High Checkouts in Darts: A Practical Ranking
While 170 is the aspirational peak, many players grow their confidence through practice and mastery of a broad set of high checkouts. Below is a practical overview of the most celebrated outshots, including how they’re commonly assembled. These are the kinds of finishes you’ll often hear described in commentary and in coaching sessions, and they form the backbone of a player’s repertoire for closing legs under pressure.
- 170 – T20, T20, Bull: The ultimate three-dart finish. The rarest and most celebrated checkout in darts folklore.
- 167 – T20, T19, Bull: A classic alternate to 170 that requires exacting accuracy on the outer ring and the bull.
- 164 – T20, T18, Bull: A fearless finish that leaves little room for error and demonstrates control of the high-out repertoire.
- 161 – T20, T17, Bull: Another formidable three-dart finish that tilts the pressure onto the opponent while showcasing speed and precision.
- 160 – T20, T20, D20: The tricky double-out on a familiar path. It rewards a clean three-dart rhythm and solid double targeting.
- 157 – T20, T19, D16: A bold sequence that’s popular in modern broadcasts for its dramatic arc and coverage of the board.
- 156 – T20, T20, D18: A strong, repeatable finish for players who like to stay on the T20 corridor and finish on a higher double.
- 155 – T20, T19, D16 or T19, T20, D16: Flexible variations that allow different routes to the target while maintaining a double finish.
- 154 – T18, T20, D20: A strategic option when the target sits in the double-out region and you want to exploit a symmetrical pattern.
These checkouts are representative, yet the exact path might vary depending on the player’s preference, the score to finish, and the layout of the board. The overarching idea is to work toward finishes that guarantee a double as the last throw, while managing the remaining score with precision and confidence. The skill to convert high checkouts consistently separates elite players from good players in high-pressure contexts.
Practical Strategies to Practice the Highest Darts Checkout
Developing a dependable attack on the highest darts checkout requires disciplined practice, smart planning, and an understanding of the board’s geometry. Here are practical strategies you can adopt to improve your ability to close legs with big finishes.
1) Build a Reliable Out Chart
Start by compiling a personal out chart that lists your preferred finishes from various scores. Include 170, 167, 164, 161, 160, and several mid-to-high checkouts you’re comfortable with. Memorise the exact sequences and the doubles you prefer for the final shot. A well-structured out chart acts as a mental map when you step onto the ockey, helping you make quicker, more confident decisions under pressure.
2) Simulate Pressure Scenarios
In practice sessions, intentionally simulate pressure by setting time constraints, playing against a partner who challenges you on every leg, or using a scoreboard app to track your outs as the clock ticks. The aim is to internalise your chosen out routes so that they become second nature, even when the adrenaline is up. The more your body knows a finish by heart, the less cognitive load you’ll experience in real matches.
3) Optimise Your Setup Outs
High checkouts often begin with a setup that leaves you a feasible finish. For instance, if you have a score of 140, you might aim for a T20 to leave 80, which itself could lead to a D20 and a final bull in some sequences, or you might target a 140-125- etc. The goal is to craft a plan that consistently gives you a clear double-out route. Learning the common three-dart patterns from various starting points will boost your confidence when you face the pressure of a televised finish.
4) Double Practice and Finishing Accuracy
While the big finishes capture attention, the daily habit of practicing doubles is essential. Dedicate blocks to practice finishing on different doubles (D20, D16, D8, etc.) from a variety of scores. A high checkout is only as good as your eventual double-out accuracy; if you’re less confident on the D20, for example, you’ll want to incorporate more practice from the 60–80 out range to ensure consistent closers.
5) Focus on Rhythm and Consistency
Rhythm helps you execute big finishes. Establish a consistent throwing rhythm, maintain your stance, and keep a steady follow-through. The best finishers often display a calm tempo that remains steady, regardless of the score or the crowd’s reaction. When you can throw confidently with a steady rhythm, the likelihood of hitting a high checkout rises considerably.
The Psychology of Going for the Highest Darts Checkout
Chasing the highest darts checkout is as much a mental game as a physical one. Players who pursue big checkouts must manage fear of failure, react calmly to pressure, and maintain focus through long sequences of throws. A few psychological principles can help improve performance in the closing stages of a leg.
- Belief in your set-up: Visualise the path to the finish before you throw. A clear mental image of the sequence can reduce hesitation and improve accuracy.
- Controlled breathing: Slow, measured breaths help keep the tempo and reduce tension. A deep breath before every throw can keep your rhythm intact.
- Positive self-talk: Replace anxious thoughts with positive cues about your target numbers and doubles. Confidence is a performance enhancer on the board.
- Detachment from outcome: Focus on the process—aim, throw, and finish—rather than fixating on the score or the crowd. The outcome then takes care of itself.
These psychological tools support a player’s physical skill, making big finishes not merely possible, but repeatable. The best players blend tactical planning with mental discipline to convert high checkouts into consistent results across matches and tournaments.
Equipment, Conditions, and Their Impact on the Highest Darts Checkout
Equipment choice and playing conditions can subtly influence your ability to execute the highest darts checkout. Although personal skill matters most, you can optimise your environment to support your finishing game.
Boards and Oche Alignment
A well-maintained board with a stable grip on the bed and a consistent throw line is essential. The standard distance and height for a darty setup are fixed, but a flat, level board reduces wobble and helps you maintain accuracy during intense finishes. The right oche marking ensures you can stand with consistent body alignment, reducing minor misalignments that compound during high-pressure checkouts.
Grips, Flights, and Dart Tuning
Choosing the right darts is a personalised process. In practice, many players find that a balance of weight and grip texture supports a confident finish. Lighter darts can help with rhythm for some players, while heavier models provide a sense of solidity that benefits long-range checkouts. Flights and shaft lengths influence aerodynamics and stability in flight—experiment to see what produces the most reliable path to the target for your setup.
Lighting, Noise, and Crowd Factors
Playing under bright lights and in a calm atmosphere often helps with focus when pursuing the highest darts checkout. Noise and distractions can spike anxiety, so consider practising in environments that mimic match conditions. The more familiar you are with pressure surroundings, the easier it becomes to execute complex finishes in real competition.
Historical Milestones: Notable Moments in High Checkouts
Throughout the history of darts, certain finishes have become legendary because of their difficulty, timing, or dramatic impact on the match. While the sport continues to evolve, these moments provide a context for why the highest darts checkout captures enduring fascination among fans and players alike.
- 170 as the apex: The maximum possible checkout with three darts, achieved by a flawless sequence of T20, T20, Bull, remains a landmark achievement that fans quote in discussions of “the greatest checkouts.”
- 167 and 164 as fan favourites: These finishes provide compelling narratives when players are under pressure, often turning momentum in a leg or even a match.
- High-checkout campaigns in televised events: When players channel long-range outs into decisive legs on the biggest stages, the beauty of strategy under pressure is laid bare for the audience to relish.
These moments have shaped how players approach finishes in practice and competition. They inspire younger players to push beyond conventional scores and train to convert rare opportunities into a routine part of their game plan.
Real-World Scenarios: How to Readouts and Setups Play Out
Understanding hypothetical scenarios helps you translate theory into practical performance. Here are common situations where the highest darts checkout might come into play, along with recommended paths and why they work.
Scenario A: You have 170, the dream finish
The pressure is on, the crowd is hushed, and you step to the line. A clean T20, another T20 leaves you on 50. The bull finishes the job. The ideal outcome is to hit the 170 exactly as planned, regardless of the surrounding context. Practice this path until your throw becomes physiologically automatic, so that in a real match you can execute with confidence rather than doubt.
Scenario B: 167 on the board
From 167, the standard route is T20 to leave 107, then a T19 to leave 50, then Bull. Alternatively, some players take T20, T17 to leave 50, finishing with Bull as well. The key is to be composed and know your preferred sequence in advance so you can deliver the finish without hesitation.
Scenario C: 164 and beyond on a televised stage
164 is a frequent out when players are controlling the leg. The common path is T20, T18, Bull. If the situation demands a different route due to personal comfort or board variance, have your secondary lines clearly defined so you can switch quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
Practice Plans: How to Build a Routine for the Highest Darts Checkout
Turning high checkouts from rare feats into routine elements of your game requires structured practice plans. The following plan balances volume, variety, and psychological conditioning to build a robust finishing game.
- Phase 1 – Foundation (weeks 1–2): Practice outshots from 40 to 170 in ascending order, focusing on doubles and the most common finish sequences. Build muscle memory for your preferred paths.
- Phase 2 – Variation (weeks 3–4): Introduce alternative routes to the same finish. For example, practice 167 with both T20,T19,Bull and T20,T17,Bull. Develop flexibility without compromising consistency.
- Phase 3 – Pressure Simulation (weeks 5–6): Add time constraints, crowd-like noise, and scoreboard pressure to mimic match conditions. Your aim is to preserve accuracy and rhythm even when nerves rise.
- Phase 4 – Consolidation (weeks 7+): Reinforce your baseline out chart while gradually integrating occasional riskier finishes when the situation warrants. Balance risk with reliability to maintain a healthy conversion rate of checkouts.
Consistency is the cornerstone. You should be able to approach a high checkout with a calm mind, execute the sequence cleanly, and know you have a reliable fallback if the initial route isn’t available on the day.
How to Measure Your Progress: Metrics That Matter
Tracking progress helps you understand whether your study of the highest darts checkout is translating into on-board results. Consider these metrics as you review practice and match performance:
- Checkout percentage: % of legs closed with a successful finish on or before the last dart.
- Average finishing distance: The average score needed to finish, across your high-checkout attempts.
- Doubles accuracy at finish: How often your final dart lands in the intended double to seal the leg.
- Time to close a leg: The amount of time from a leg’s start to its closing finish, highlighting efficiency under pressure.
- Consistency across formats: Your ability to perform high checkouts in singles, doubles, and team formats, showing adaptability to different competitive environments.
Regular review of these metrics helps you identify which finishes you execute best, which sequences you favour, and where you need to adjust your practice focus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Going for the Highest Darts Checkout
Even strong players slip when chasing big outs. Here are frequent pitfalls and how to sidestep them:
- Over-ambition without a plan: Going for 170 when you don’t have a reliable path should be avoided. Prioritise finishes you can hit consistently from your current score.
- Ignoring the double-out requirement: Forgetting to finish on a double is a classic error that derails even impressive sequences.
- Unnecessary drift in aim: Changing your target mid-session disrupts rhythm. Decide on a precise target rail for each score and stick to it.
- Inadequate practice under pressure: If you never practice finishing with crowd-like noise or time constraints, you’ll struggle when the situation arises in a match.
- Neglecting setup shots: Rushing to the finish without preparing a safe setup increases the risk of missing and losing the leg.
Avoiding these missteps relies on disciplined practice, a strong out chart, and a calm approach that prioritises reliability as much as spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Highest Darts Checkout
- What is the highest possible checkout in darts?
- The highest possible checkout with three darts is 170, achieved by T20, T20, Bull.
- Can you finish a leg with something other than a double?
- Under standard rules, the final dart must land in a double to validate the finish. The bull counts as the bull’s eye but is not itself a double, so finishes ending on the bull require the bull to be counted as the final shot within a double-out scenario, which typically means using a double on the previous dart to arrive at a finishing double or setting up a double-out on D20 or similar.
- Do professionals regularly hit 170 checkouts in competition?
- While 170 checkouts are celebrated, they are relatively rare in top-tier events due to the difficulty and the pressure of the moment. They are more common in practice and occasionally seen in televised matches when players are on a strong finish and the opportunity presents itself.
- What drills help improve high checkouts the most?
- Drills that combine out-chart practice with doubles work, pressure simulations, and rhythm-focused throwing tend to yield the best improvements. Create a routine that cycles through 170, 167, 164, 161, 160, and other high finishes, always finishing on a double.
Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge of the Highest Darts Checkout
The pursuit of the highest darts checkout is more than a numeric chase; it is a discipline that blends practice, strategy, and mental resilience. By understanding the key finishes, building a robust out chart, and training under pressure, you can elevate your finishing game and bring more menace and confidence to every leg you play. The thrill of a big finish—whether it’s a perfect 170 or a clutch 164—resides in execution, preparation, and the unwavering belief that you can finish on the double when it matters most. Practice smartly, play with poise, and let the best darts checkout moments become a natural part of your competitive repertoire.
