121 Checkout Practice
BackBasic Rules
Starting Score
Begin with 121 points. Your goal is to checkout (reach exactly 0) with your final dart landing on a double.
9-Dart Limit
You have exactly 9 darts (3 turns) to complete each checkout. If successful, progress to the next number. If unsuccessful, reset to 121.
Double Out Required
Like X01 games, you must finish on a double. The outer ring doubles and bullseye count as valid finishes.
Progressive Challenge
Successfully checkout 121, then move to 122, then 123, and so on. Each number must be completed within 9 darts.
Reset on Failure
If you don't checkout within 9 darts, your score resets to 121 and you start the progression over.
Victory Condition
Reach and successfully checkout 170 to win the game. This is the maximum checkout score.
Checkout Tips
Understanding Bogey Numbers
A bogey number is a score that cannot be checked out in three darts, despite being below 170 (the highest possible 3-dart checkout). These numbers are mathematically impossible to finish because no combination of three darts can reach them while ending on a double.
The 7 Bogey Numbers
159, 162, 163, 165, 166, 168, 169
Why Bogey Numbers Matter
- Landing on a bogey number forces you to use additional darts to finish, giving your opponent extra opportunities
- Even hitting big trebles from a bogey number keeps you on a bogey number
- Strategic scoring prevents you from landing on these impossible finishes
Strategy Example
If you have 186 with one dart remaining, don't aim for T20 — a single 20 would leave you on bogey 166. Instead, aim for T19 or adjust your target to avoid bogey numbers.
Pro Tip
Calculate your score remaining after every dart thrown. Aim to leave scores ending in0, 1, 4, or 7 to set up good checkout opportunities.
Lower Numbers (121-140)
- Plan 3-dart combinations carefully
- Leave common doubles like D16, D20, D18
- T19, T18, T17 are your friends for setup
- Don't rush - use all 9 darts if needed
Mid Range (141-160)
- Requires consistent treble hitting
- Aim for T20+T20 combinations when possible
- Bull is a valid finish - consider it for odd numbers
- Know your 2-dart and 3-dart outs cold
High Numbers (161-170)
- 170 is T20+T20+Bull - the ultimate challenge
- 160+ requires two trebles minimum
- Stay calm and execute your planned combination
- These are the numbers that separate good from great
Practice Recommendations
Build your checkout mastery with 121 practice:
Checkout Cheat Sheet
Like the classic charts you see hanging in dart bars, here are the essential checkout combinations you should memorize: