NUMBERS TO RECOGNISE
Bogey numbers cannot be finished in three darts
The seven bogey numbers below are impossible checkouts with three darts under standard double-out rules. Recognising them matters one visit earlier: avoid leaving one when a different scoring dart can create a finish.
POPULAR DOUBLE PATHS
Even doubles keep the next dart simple
The number before the colon is the starting score. The arrows show the next double after each dart lands in the inner single segment.
40: D20 → D10 → D5
A single in D20 leaves D10; a single in D10 leaves D5.
32: D16 → D8 → D4 → D2 → D1
The complete D16 family halves cleanly all the way down to D1.
24: D12 → D6 → D3
A single in D12 leaves D6; a single in D6 leaves D3.
ROUTE THINKING
A good route survives an imperfect first dart
Protect a useful leave
Before throwing, check what the single and treble both leave. A route with a playable miss is often stronger than the shortest-looking arithmetic.
Use familiar combinations
Players often build around doubles they see frequently in practice. D16 divides cleanly after misses; D20 is familiar and leaves D10 when hit inside.
Count before moving
Know the second target before the first dart lands. Pausing to recalculate interrupts rhythm and makes accidental bogey leaves more likely.
WHY ROUTES DIFFER
There is no single professional route for every player
Two strong players can choose different finishes because they favour different doubles, group around different trebles and react differently to blocked beds. Broadcast checkout charts describe common routes, while match choices also depend on confidence, sight line and the opponent's score.
Use the finder as a decision aid. Practise one dependable default route, then learn the useful branch when the first dart lands in the single.