How to Avoid 169 in Darts

169 is the highest bogey number in darts. After two treble 20s (120), you're left with 49 — which is not a double. No combination of three darts finishes on 169.

Bogey number — cannot be finished in three darts

A bogey number is any score under 170 that cannot be taken out in three darts. 169 is one of seven such numbers. Here is why:

T20 (60) + T20 (60) = 120, leaving 49. 49 is not a double — and since there is no way to split 49 into a double finish with one dart remaining, 169 is a dead end.
T20 (60) + T19 (57) = 117, leaving 52. 52 needs D16 with two darts — impossible with one dart left.
T19 (57) + T19 (57) = 114, leaving 55. 55 needs... nothing. Not a double in one dart.

Instead of leaving 169, you should have left 170 on your previous visit. Here is the route:

170 checkout

T20 + T20 + bullseye

On your previous visit, aim to leave 170 or 167 instead. That means knowing your out shots before you step to the oche. If you're on 329 after 5 visits, calculate backward: the last three darts should target 170, not 169.

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There are seven bogey numbers in darts. Learn how to handle each one:

169 168 166 165 163 162 159

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