nine-dart finish

A nine-dart finish, often referred to as a "nine-darter," is one of the most coveted achievements in the sport of darts. It is the highest possible checkout a player can achieve in a single leg of 501-point darts. Here's everything you need to know about a nine-dart finish:

1. Objective: In the game of 501, the goal is to reach zero points as quickly as possible. Players start with 501 points and must subtract their scores with each throw until they reach zero. To win a leg in the fewest darts possible, players aim for a nine-dart finish, which means checking out from 501 points in just nine darts.
2. Components: A perfect nine-dart finish consists of hitting nine consecutive darts, each scoring the maximum possible in a standard game of 501. Here's how it's typically done:7x Triple 20 (T20): 7 darts score 7x60 = 420 points.1x Triple 19 (T19): 1 dart scores 3x19 = 57 points.1x Double 12 (D12): The final dart scores 2x12 = 24 points.
3. 7x Triple 20 (T20): 7 darts score 7x60 = 420 points.
4. 1x Triple 19 (T19): 1 dart scores 3x19 = 57 points.
5. 1x Double 12 (D12): The final dart scores 2x12 = 24 points.
6. Achievement: Achieving a nine-dart finish is incredibly rare and considered a remarkable feat in the world of darts. It showcases exceptional accuracy, consistency, and the ability to perform under intense pressure. Professional players and fans hold this achievement in high regard.
7. Notable Nine-Darters: Several professional players have hit televised nine-dart finishes in major tournaments, including the PDC World Darts Championship and the Premier League Darts. Players like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, and Gary Anderson are among those who have achieved this feat on the big stage.
8. Scoring: The standard game of darts uses a "double out" rule, meaning the player must finish on a double or the bullseye. In a nine-dart finish, the last dart usually lands in a double to reach zero. Hitting a bullseye (50 points) with the final dart is also acceptable in some variations of the game.
9. Prize Money: Achieving a televised nine-dart finish often comes with significant prize money. In addition to the monetary reward, it solidifies a player's reputation and can lead to endorsement deals.
10. Legends of the Game: Players who have successfully completed televised nine-darters are often celebrated and remembered as legends of the game.
11. Live Audience and TV Coverage: When a player is on the verge of a nine-dart finish, there is a heightened sense of anticipation in the arena or among TV viewers. The moment is often marked by excitement and commentary from the announcers.
12. Statistics: Nine-dart finishes are statistically rare because they require a perfect sequence of darts. They occur infrequently, even among top professional players.
13. Legacy: The nine-dart finish remains one of the most iconic and thrilling moments in professional darts. It's a testament to a player's skill and precision, and it continues to captivate darts enthusiasts worldwide.