Best Doubles to Leave
There is no single official "best double," but most players perform better when they repeatedly leave the same finish targets and build routes around them.
- Preferred-double strategy Protect familiar doubles to keep finishes repeatable under pressure.
- Setup efficiency When direct routes break, convert quickly to your best next leave.
- Consistency over novelty Keep this principle visible so route decisions stay clean under pressure.
📊 Preferred Doubles Table
| Double | Why players like it | Split behavior | Best use case | Common route fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D20 | Clear visual anchor and classic top-board reference. | Misses can force awkward adjustments if split control is weak. | Players who like tops under pressure. | Frequent in 40/60/80/100 route families. |
| D16 | Very common with controlled board entry and repeatable rhythm. | Strong split ladder: D16 → D8 → D4 → D2. | Primary anchor for players building split-friendly habits. | Fits many setup routes from 64, 80, and 96-style patterns. |
| D12 | Comfortable mid-lower board target for many release styles. | Splits to D6 then D3, so miss management needs planning. | Useful backup when tops lines feel rushed. | Appears often in 72/84/96 treble-led routes. |
| D10 | Popular in control-oriented matchplay patterns. | Splits to D5, so backup planning is important. | Good for players who prefer right-side board lanes. | Common in 50/70/90 setup decisions. |
| D8 | Calm fallback anchor with easy visual framing. | Splits cleanly to D4 then D2. | Backup double when route one breaks. | Useful in recovery routes and low-stress control finishes. |
🧠 Why Some Doubles Feel Better to Leave
Most preferences come from visibility, repeatability, and what happens when you miss just outside the double.
D20 familiarity
Top-of-board visibility makes D20 a classic anchor for many players.
D16 split ladder
If D16 misses inside, you still fall into D8 then D4, which many players trust.
D12 and D10 alternates
These doubles suit players who like different board angles and entry lines.
D8 as safety net
D8 gives a practical backup route when your primary double path breaks.
Primary + backup model
Choose one main anchor and one backup so route decisions stay fast under pressure.
📘 Practical guide
Why preferred doubles work
Using familiar doubles reduces decision load and throw variability. You spend less time choosing and more time executing under pressure.
Common anchor doubles
D20, D16, D12, D10, and D8 are common anchors because players can build many setup routes that return to them after partial misses.
Build setup routes backward
Before throwing at high scores, ask which double you want to leave. Then choose first and second darts that maximize the chance of landing there.
🧩 Example Setup Routes
Leave D20 from common setup scores
From 62, controlled singles can leave 40 when a direct finish is no longer your best option.
Action: Use this when you want tops as your default next-visit close.
Leave D16 with split-friendly control
From 64, a simple S16 then S16 leaves 32 and keeps the split ladder alive.
Action: Useful when treble confidence drops but you want a clean backup chain.
When D12 or D10 fits better
Some routes naturally return to D12 or D10 based on angle comfort and throw path.
Action: Use the double you convert most under pressure, not the most popular one.
Backup double after route breaks
If the D20 line collapses, redirect early to numbers that leave 32 or 24 instead of awkward odds.
Action: Protect the next visit rather than forcing low-percentage rescue darts.
✅ Action checklist
- Pick one primary and one secondary double.
- Practice routes that land on those doubles.
- Avoid switching target double every visit.
- Track checkout success by double target.
❓ Best Doubles to Leave FAQ
Is D20 better than D16?
Neither is universally better. D20 is popular for visibility and familiarity, while D16 offers clean split behavior if missed.
Should I practice only one double?
Practice one main double deeply, but keep one backup option so you can adapt when setup paths change.
Do pros always leave the same doubles?
They have preferences, but adapt by score, opponent pressure, and first-dart result.
Which double should beginners choose first?
Most beginners do well starting with D16 or D20. Pick one primary double, repeat it heavily, then add one backup double after your baseline is stable.
Why do some players prefer D16 over D20?
D16 offers cleaner split behavior (D16 to D8 to D4), which helps players recover from near misses without changing their rhythm too much.
Build the full skill around this route
Checkout execution improves faster when rules, setup, and route choices work together.
🔎 Sources and Editorial Review
Written by
The Darts Fan editorial team
Reviewed against
WDF Playing Rules and PDC Rules of Darts
Last reviewed
March 2026
How this page was built
This guide combines official rules, standard matchplay conventions, and beginner-focused checkout explanations.
Editorial note
Routes can vary by player preference, but all examples here respect standard double-out logic.