Double Out Rules
Double-out means you must reach exactly zero and the winning dart must hit a double. This is the finishing rule used in standard 501 matchplay.
- Double required to win The final dart must land in a double segment.
- Invalid zero is bust Reaching zero without a double does not count.
- Bust resets the visit Score returns to the turn start after a bust.
🧠 What Double Out Means
- You must reach exactly 0.
- The final scoring dart must land in a double.
- Hitting 0 on a single or treble does not count.
- If the finish is invalid, the turn is bust.
- Setup darts are often used to leave a preferred double.
✅ Valid and Invalid Double-Out Finishes
Use this as a fast legality check during real play.
Valid finishes
-
40 left -> D20
Exact zero on a double. Leg ends immediately.
-
32 left -> D16
Exact zero on a double with strong miss-split options.
-
50 left -> Bull
Valid in standard double-out where bull counts as 50 (double 25).
Invalid finishes
-
40 left -> S20, S20
Hits zero without a double as the finishing dart. Bust.
-
10 left -> S10
Reaches zero on a single, so the finish is invalid. Bust.
-
1 left
No legal finish exists in double-out. Any attempt busts.
📘 Core Double Out Rules
How finishing works
You must reduce your score to exactly 0, and the final scoring dart must land in a double segment. Finishing on a single or treble does not end the leg.
What causes a bust
A bust cancels the full visit and the score returns to the total at the start of that turn.
- Go below 0
- Leave 1 in double-out
- Reach 0 without a valid double finish
Why setup darts matter
In double-out, setup darts are often more valuable than raw scoring because they help you return to familiar doubles with higher success rates.
🎯 Common Double-Out Situations
These are practical finishes beginners see frequently in matches and practice sets.
40 left
D20
Standard one-dart close that most players train heavily.
32 left
D16
Popular because misses can still split to D8 and D4 cleanly.
24 left
D12
Useful top-half target for players who prefer cleaner sight lines.
16 left
D8
Simple repeatable double with familiar progression logic.
50 left
Bull
Valid in standard rules, but confirm bull policy before the leg.
⚠️ Common Beginner Mistakes
Trying to finish zero on a single segment
Players often forget the final scoring dart must be a double, especially under pressure.
Confirm the exact finishing double before every throw at checkout.
Ignoring backup doubles after a miss
One-route-only thinking leads to rushed darts and low-quality second options.
Choose routes that still leave a second playable double after dart one misses.
Not clarifying bull-out rule before the match
Most formats treat bull as 50 (double 25), but local house rules can differ.
Agree bull policy before leg one so finish calls stay clear.
🧭 How Double Out Changes Endgame Decisions
Protect a preferred double
Route choices should keep you on doubles you hit confidently, not force low-comfort rescue targets.
Do not chase low-percentage rescue shots
If the ideal line breaks, take the safer leave rather than gambling on miracle corrections.
Plan your route after the first dart
Double-out is a decision tree: adjust immediately after dart one to preserve legal and practical finishes.
🎬 Watch a Quick Explainer
How to play darts #6 - How to hit a double
by Straight to the point darts.
Use this as a short visual recap after reviewing the valid/invalid and endgame sections above.
Use this rule in real matchplay
Go from rule understanding to checkout decisions, setup habits, and practical in-game choices.
❓ Double Out FAQ
Does single bull finish double-out?
No. Single bull is 25, not a finishing double. In double-out, the winning dart must be a double segment.
Can bull finish double-out?
Yes in standard rules. Bull counts as 50 and is treated as double 25 when 50 is the exact score left. Confirm local rules before play.
Can I finish with my second dart?
Yes. A visit is up to three darts, but the leg ends immediately once you hit a valid finishing double.
What happens if I hit zero without a double?
It is an invalid finish and counts as a bust. The full turn is cancelled and your score returns to the value at the start of that visit.
Why is double-out widely used?
It creates a precise finishing condition that rewards route planning, composure, and setup discipline in the endgame.
🔎 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, matchplay conventions, and beginner-focused finish examples.