What Is the Highest Checkout in Darts? A Comprehensive Guide to Outshots, 170 and Beyond

Darts enthusiasts have long debated the intricacies of finishing a leg, and the question of what is the highest checkout in darts is one that captures the imagination of players and fans alike. In the world of 501, where each leg tests nerve, precision and strategic thinking, the ultimate outshot stands as a symbol of mastery. This article unpacks the concept of a checkout, explains why 170 is regarded as the ceiling, and explores the history, rules, and tactics behind the iconic high finish.

What is a checkout in darts and why does it matter?

To understand the highest checkout in darts, first grasp what a checkout actually is. In standard professional play, most darts games begin at a fixed score—commonly 501. Players throw up to three darts per turn, subtracting the score from their remaining total. A checkout occurs when a player finishes the leg by reducing their score to exactly zero on a double. The final dart must land in a double segment, meaning a hit on the double ring (the outer ring of the board) or, in some cases, the double bull is accepted as a double finish. Finishing on a double is a fundamental rule in most major darts formats, including the Professional Dayers Association (PDC) and World Darts Federation (WDF) events.

Why is the “highest” checkout treated as a peak? Because while players can consistently score three-dart outs in the 100s and 120s, achieving the largest possible finish in a single turn—without ending the leg early or breaking a rule—is a prestige feat. It combines skill in scoring, a calm mindset under pressure, and the ability to close the leg efficiently when the pressure is on. The question what is the highest checkout in darts thus revolves around both the mathematical maximum and the practical difficulty of landing it on demand in a match.

The ceiling: why 170 is considered the ultimate checkout

The number 170 is widely recognised as the highest possible checkout in a standard 501 game when finishing on a double. It is achieved with three perfect or near-perfect darts: two treble 20s followed by a finishing double (the inner bull, commonly known as the bull’s eye, is counted as a double in many rule sets). The classic sequence is:

• T20 (60)
• T20 (60)
• Bull (50) – counted as the double finish

60 + 60 + 50 equals 170, making it the maximum possible checkout. The fact that the final dart is a double finish—the inner bull in this case—respects the rules requiring a double to finish. This is why 170 stands as a symbolic pinnacle in darts. While 170 is mathematically the ceiling, hitting it in a televised match or a high-stakes final remains a rare and dramatic moment, celebrated by players and fans alike.

Why the bull’s-eye matters in an outer-edge finish

Many players and commentators highlight the role of the bull’s-eye in a 170 checkout. The outer bull is worth 25 points, but the inner bull—often referred to as the double bull or the bull’s eye—is worth 50 points and is treated as a double for finishing purposes. Because a finish must be on a double, the 50 from the bull allows a precise and elegant final shot after two darts of maximum scoring. This nuance is part of what makes 170 such a revered milestone in darts culture.

How to achieve a 170: the practical pathway to the ultimate finish

Realising a 170 checkout is less a matter of luck and more a demonstration of precision, set-up play, and concrete practice. While the ideal route is three perfect darts in quick succession, professionals train extensively to convert even less-than-ideal setups into outs that approach the ceiling of 170, or to execute other high checkouts under pressure. Here are the core elements that underpin a successful 170 and other high finishes:

1. Build the distance with two perfect tops: T20, T20

The first two darts in a typical 170 outs are both treble 20s. Hitting T20 twice from even modest positions is a mark of high skill, consistency and confidence. Each treble 20 gives you 60 points, bringing you to 60 + 60 = 120. From there, you face the finisher on the bull.

2. The finishing move: inner bull as the double

The final dart, an inner bull (50) or the inner bull’s double, completes the 170 without needing a concession to a different segment. The double nature of the bull means that this final shot is both high-ceiling and technically permissible under standard double-out rules. Practising the bull’s-eye finish—especially under pressure—rewards players with the most dramatic finishes in the sport.

3. Alternative high-checkout routes and contingencies

Not every player can hit back-to-back T20s with precision, especially in a tense match. Alternative high-checkout sequences exist, though they may not reach the exact number 170. For example, a 167 or 164 finish can be achieved with three darts that end on a double, using a combination that leverages the bull or other doubles to complete the leg. The exact numbers differ, but the principle is the same: the last dart must be a double, and the total must equal the target. In practice, most players focus on their routine to hit the best possible finish in a given moment, with 170 as the aspirational benchmark.

What is the highest checkout in darts? Notable variations and considerations

When exploring what is the highest checkout in darts, it’s helpful to look beyond the pure mathematics and consider how different formats, rulesets, and contexts can influence the perception of the highest finish. Here are some key points to bear in mind:

1. Variations across formats: 501, 301, and beyond

Most professional play uses 501 as the standard game format, but other formats exist where finishing rules can vary. In 301, for example, players again must finish on a double, and the ceiling can still reach 170 in a similar fashion, although pushing to the maximum may occur less frequently depending on starting scores and practice. In any format where a finish must be on a double, the bull’s-eye double remains a valid and exciting option for high checkouts.

2. The role of the bull in different rulesets

Across various rule sets, the inner bull remains a critical tool for finishing. In rule palettes where the bull is treated as a double, the ability to close out with a bull becomes a common feature in high checkouts. Players who cultivate a reliable bull finish gain a valuable weapon in their arsenal, even when their setup darts do not land perfectly in the treble rings.

3. Televised moments and record attempts

Televised darts history is filled with dramatic outs, and many fans remember the excitement when a 170 checkout is achieved on a grand stage. While the exact players and matches may differ over the years, the symbolic importance of 170 remains constant. For aspiring players, watching such outs in real time can be a powerful motivator to practice and refine finishing routines.

Historical context: the evolution of one of darts’ most celebrated checkouts

The concept of finishing on a double is a long-standing rule that has shaped how players approach every leg. As the sport evolved from pub games to a global professional circuit, players began to structure their practice around finishing consistency. The 170 checkout emerged as a natural milestone—an attainable, yet exceptionally challenging, target that embodies the precision of top-tier darts. The enduring allure of the 170 is partly due to its combination of two perfect yet distinct darts and a final finishing throw that must double the score. This combination creates moments of theatre that live long in fans’ memories and inspire new generations of throwers to refine their craft.

Strategies for finishing: turning pressure into a pathway to higher checkouts

Whether you dream of hitting 170 or simply improving your finishing under stress, several practical strategies can help you become more proficient at what is the highest checkout in darts. Here are tried-and-tested approaches for players at all levels:

1. Build a reliable pre-finish routine

Consistency is built through routine. A dependable pre-finish routine—taking stock of your score, visualising the target, and executing a short, repeatable sequence—reduces the cognitive load when you’re about to throw for the win. A well-practised routine makes even the highest checkouts feel more achievable.

2. Learn multiple finishing combos

While the classic 170 (T20, T20, Bull) is the aspirational finish, having a repertoire of finishing combos helps you seize outs when your initial plan isn’t available. For example, learning to finish on D20 + D20 + D20 in certain configurations, or using a bull finish when a treble three is not possible, broadens your closing toolkit. The more options you have, the more you control a leg’s outcome.

4. Practice under pressure: simulate the moment

Practice while simulating score pressure and crowd noise can be beneficial. Set up drills that require you to finish with a double when the pressure is on, such as “double-out practice” where you must finish on a double within a chosen time window or with a tight countdown. This helps your nerves align with your technical skills when it matters most.

5. Analyse shot selection and risk management

Strategic finishing isn’t only about hitting the exact number; it’s also about choosing safe routes when the risk of missing is high. If two treble 20s would leave you a difficult double, it might be wiser to aim for a different combination that preserves your two remaining darts for an assured finish.

Rules and reality: finishing requirements in official play

To set expectations about what is the highest checkout in darts, it’s important to be clear about the governing rules that determine finishes. For standard competitive play, including PDC and WDF events, the following principles apply:

• The leg must be finished by reducing the remaining score to exactly zero with a double. This is known as a “double-out” finish.
• The bull’s-eye—specifically the inner bull (50)—is treated as a double in many rule sets, making a 170 checkout possible with two T20s and a bull finish.
• In some less common formats or informal games, alternative finishing rules may apply, but the double-out rule remains dominant at the highest level of the sport.

Understanding these rules helps players avoid disqualification or misinterpretation of a potential finish. It also clarifies why 170 is the official ceiling in a standard 501 game where a double-out is required.

Notable high checkouts: memorable outs from the history books

Over the decades, darts has produced countless outs that inspired players and fans alike. While the exact details of every high-out moment can vary across broadcasts and records, one thing remains constant: the thrill of watching a three-dart finish that reaches the sport’s pinnacle. High checkouts—including 170 and its close cousins such as 167 and 164—are celebrated for their drama and the skill required to execute them under pressure. For many supporters, these moments crystallise the essence of professional darts: precision, nerve, and the joy of finishing on a double when it counts most.

What makes a great finisher beyond the 170: training for all finishing scenarios

A well-rounded finisher is not merely a specialist for 170 outs. The best players develop the capability to close legs from a variety of scores, with a focus on consistency, accuracy, and mental resilience. Here are key facets of finishing excellence that go beyond chasing the ultimate 170:

• Precision with doubles of all numbers: D1 through D20, as well as the possibility of a double bull, to ensure you have a viable finish from many starting points.
• Regime-based practice: building habits that translate to match conditions, including practice games that end on doubles under time constraints.
• Strategic thinking: selecting the most reliable path to finish when the ideal route isn’t on the table, thereby increasing your win probability in tight legs.
• Pressure management: developing routines to stay calm and collected when the scoreline hinges on your next three darts.

Common misconceptions about the highest checkout in darts

There are a few myths that tend to surface around the concept of the highest checkout. Here are a couple of the most common, with clarity on the facts:

• Myth: 170 is always hit as T20, T20, BULL. Reality: While 170 is the maximum possible checkout and most commonly associated with T20, T20, Bull, variations exist depending on the exact rules in play, such as whether the bull is treated as a double in a given format.
• Myth: 170 is easily achievable by most players. Reality: Hitting back-to-back treble 20s and finishing on the bull is extremely challenging and rare at the highest levels; it is a milestone that requires exceptional skill and nerve.
• Myth: Higher numbers must be finished with the same three-dart sequence. Reality: Finishes depend on the scores remaining and whether a player can reach a legal finishing double; the highest number is a theoretical maximum, not a guaranteed outcome in every leg.

Your journey: turning knowledge into better performance at the oche

For those who want to advance their playing and know more about what is the highest checkout in darts, there are practical steps you can take to raise your finishing ability. The following plan combines understanding with actionable practice:

A practical practice blueprint

1. Master the finishing zones: practice doubles D1–D20 and the inner bull (50) to create a versatile set of finishing options.
2. Establish a go-to 170 sequence in your mind and practise it until it becomes second nature, but also practice alternative endings in case you’re not on T20s.
3. Work on your set-up shots: the more you can place your first two darts in favourable zones, the easier your third shot becomes.
4. Use match simulations: create scenarios from common scores (e.g., 170, 151, 136) and practice closing out under time pressure or with a scoreboard on display.
5. Record and review: keep a log of your finishes, noting what worked, what didn’t, and how your mindset shifts under pressure.

Final thoughts: embracing the chase for the highest checkout in darts

What is the highest checkout in darts? The short answer is 170, achieved with T20, T20, Bull in the standard double-out setting. Yet the broader takeaway is about the journey toward finishing. The pinnacle reflects not only raw scoring capability but also the mental fortitude and strategic clarity required to close a leg when everything is on the line. In the modern era of darts, players continue to push the envelope—combining heavy scoring with precise finishing, all while maintaining composure in front of a live audience and millions watching from home. The fascination with the highest checkout is a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal: a blend of arithmetic, dexterity, and a touch of drama that keeps fans coming back for more.

Glossary: key terms explained

To help you navigate the language of high-checkout discussions, here is a quick glossary of essential terms:

• Checkout: The act of finishing a leg by reducing the score to zero on a double.
• Double-out: Finishing the leg with a double; the last dart lands in a double segment.
• T20: Treble 20, worth 60 points.
• Bull: The bullseye; inner bull is worth 50 points and is treated as a double in many rulesets.
• 170: The highest possible checkout in a standard double-out 501 game, commonly achieved with T20, T20, Bull.

Putting it all together: your guide to the ultimate finish

Whether you aspire to nail a spectacular 170 or simply want to become more proficient at closing legs, the core ideas remain the same: practice the fundamentals, build a reliable finishing repertoire, and learn to perform under pressure. With time, patience and disciplined training, you’ll find yourself more capable of delivering the kind of high-out finishes that define the best players in the game. And while the precise number—what is the highest checkout in darts—will always be a topic of fascination, the real reward is the confidence that comes from being able to finish a leg cleanly, every time you step up to the oche.