Smart Darts - 501 Finishes

Although getting used to playing the various games of darts tends to come naturally, once you reach a level of confidence in your game it is a benefit to also learn the proper strategies and nuances that go along with it. This lens will focus on just a few of the challenging numbers that any "01" game presents when it comes to checking out for the win, as examples of smart decision making at the line.

158 Left Trip 20, Trip 20, Double 19. Even if the Trip 19 is your best number, that will leave 101 if you approach it that way. In addition, it would require a Trip 17, Double Bull to finish. Smart darts say stick to the 20's and bring it down.

156 Left Trip 20, Trip 20, Double 18. Again 19s would be poor judgment as a Trip 19 would leave you 99, which you can't take out with 2 darts.

152 Left Trip 20, Trip 20, Double 16. This time if you're a shooter that loves the 19s, Trip 19, Trip19 Double 19 would make for a fist pumping checkout.

150 Left Trip 20, Trip 18, Double 18 or Trip 19, Trip19, Double 18. Both work well however I prefer the 20s and 18s as they are in the same neighborhood.

Catch 40 - A GREAT Practice Routine

To really start getting familiar with your numbers as well as improve your game, I recommend Catch 40 - a practice routine concocted by three time World Champion John Part.

The routine involves taking 40 outs - beginning with 61 and ending at 100 - in six darts or less. Keeping score is simple. If you take the out in two darts award yourself three points. Take it out in three darts and give yourself two points. If it takes you four, five or six darts to take it out you get one point. No points are awarded for using more than six darts.

Start with 61 left, and move your way up until you take out 100. A perfect score is 120 points. You should chart your scores and use them as goals, trying to beat your highest score each time. This is a great tool not only for practicing, but also for learning the best approach to taking out each number you are faced with.