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The nine-dart finish: a perfect leg of 501

Nine darts is the fewest you can throw to win a leg of 501 — the perfect game. It needs a flawless 501 with a double-out finish, and it's one of the rarest sights in the sport.

  1. 1 T20T20T20 180
  2. 2 T20T20T20 180
  3. 3 T20T19D12 141

The classic route: 180, 180, 141

The best-known nine-darter is two maximums followed by a 141 checkout: 180 + 180 + 141 = 501. The finish is T20, T19, D12 (60 + 57 + 24 = 141) — the route Phil Taylor took on the first televised nine-darter in 1990.

Other ways to do it

Any three visits that total 501 and end on a double count. A popular variation is three 167s — each thrown as T20, T19, Bull (60 + 57 + 50 = 167), since 167 × 3 = 501. Players also finish 141 via T19, T18, D18 or close from 132, 144 and other big numbers — the maths just has to land exactly on a double with the ninth dart.

How rare is it?

A nine-darter demands a perfect leg with no margin for error — every dart in the right bed, finishing on a double. Even at the top level it happens only a handful of times a season on television, which is why it draws the loudest roar in darts.

Nine-dart finish — questions answered

What is a nine-dart finish?
It's a leg of 501 won with the minimum possible nine darts — the perfect leg. It requires scoring exactly 501 across three visits and finishing on a double with the ninth dart.
What is the most common nine-dart route?
Two 180s and a 141 checkout: 180, 180, then T20 T19 D12. The all-bull three 167s (T20 T19 Bull × 3) is the other classic.
Can you finish 501 in fewer than nine darts?
No. Nine is the mathematical minimum, because the most you can score per dart is a treble 20 (60) and the leg must still end on a double.

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