Nine-dart finish facts for kids

This image shows some of the many ways a player can achieve a nine-dart finish in darts.

A nine-dart finish is like scoring a perfect game in darts! It means a player wins a single game, called a "leg," using the fewest possible darts: just nine. In darts, players start with 501 points and must reduce their score to exactly zero. The final dart must land on a "double" ring or the "bullseye."

What is a Nine-Dart Finish?

A nine-dart finish is the best possible way to win a game of darts. It shows amazing skill and accuracy. Only a few darts players have ever achieved this incredible feat. It's a very rare and exciting moment in the sport.

How Do Players Score?

To understand a nine-dart finish, you need to know how darts scoring works. Players throw three darts at a time. They aim for different sections of the dartboard to score points.

Starting the Game: 501 Points

Most professional darts games begin with each player having 501 points. The goal is to subtract points from 501 with each throw. Players keep throwing until their score reaches zero. It's important not to go below zero points. If you do, your last throw doesn't count!

Finishing the Game: Doubles and Bullseye

To win a leg, your very last dart must hit a "double" area or the "bullseye." The double ring is the thin outer ring of the dartboard. If you need 20 points to win, you must hit the "double 10" section. The bullseye in the center is worth 50 points.

Common Ways to Get a Nine-Darter

There are many different ways to score a nine-dart finish. The most common way involves hitting high scores quickly.

• First three darts: Often, players hit three "triple 20s." A triple 20 is the inner ring of the 20-point section, worth 60 points. Three triple 20s equal 180 points.
• Second three darts: They do it again! Another three triple 20s for another 180 points.
• Last three darts: Now, the player has 141 points left (501 - 180 - 180 = 141). A common way to finish this is:

* One triple 20 (60 points) * One triple 19 (57 points) * Then, a double 12 (24 points) to reach zero. * (60 + 57 + 24 = 141)

This is just one example. Other combinations might use triple 17s or triple 18s. The key is to score as many points as possible with each throw.

Why is it So Hard?

Getting a nine-dart finish is incredibly difficult. It requires perfect aim and focus under pressure. Players must hit specific small targets on the dartboard nine times in a row. Even professional players rarely achieve it. That's why it's such a celebrated moment in darts!