Finishing · 2 min read
Bogey numbers in darts
What bogey numbers are in darts, the full list (169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159), why they can’t be checked out, and what to throw instead.
A bogey number is a score of 170 or less that can't be finished in three darts. There are seven of them:
Why can't you check them out?
The biggest score from two darts is 120 (two treble 20s), and the biggest finishing dart is the bull at 50. Together that's 170. Below 170, some numbers just can't be made from two scoring darts plus a double. For example, finishing 169 on the bull would need 119 from the first two darts, and no two darts add up to 119. Finishing on any smaller double would need more than 120 from two darts, which is impossible.
What to do on a bogey number
Treat the visit as a setup. Score as many as you can while leaving a good finish for next time. On 169, treble 20, treble 20, single 9 leaves 40, which is double 20. Each bogey number's page shows a sensible setup.
Avoid leaving them
The better habit is to avoid leaving a bogey number in the first place. If you're on, say, 230 and your first two darts go well, think about where your third dart will leave you. A score of 171 or more isn't a disaster, but landing on 169 when 170 was possible costs you a chance to finish.