Why do dart players go for 19

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Dart players target 19 primarily to set up a finish on double 20, the most common checkout in darts. This strategy became prominent in the 1990s with players like Phil Taylor, who perfected leaving 40 after two darts at 19s (scoring 57 total: 19, 19, leaving 40 for double 20). In professional matches, players aiming for 501 finishes often use 19s when their score is between 61 and 100, as hitting triple 19 (57 points) leaves favorable doubles like 32 or 40. Statistics show that in the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship, over 15% of 100+ checkouts involved at least one dart at 19.

Key Facts

Triple 19 scores 57 points, the highest single-dart score after triple 20 (60) and triple 18 (54)
The 19 segment is adjacent to the 7 and 3 segments on the dartboard, making it a strategic alternative to avoid clustering darts
In 501 darts, common setups using 19 include: 95 (triple 19, double 19) and 134 (triple 20, triple 14, double 16) where 19 is part of combination finishes
Professional players like Michael van Gerwen have a triple 19 hit rate of approximately 40% in televised matches
The modern dartboard numbering system, including 19's placement, was standardized in 1896 by Lancashire carpenter Brian Gamlin

Overview

In the sport of darts, targeting the number 19 is a strategic choice rooted in the game's scoring mechanics and checkout patterns. Darts originated in England during the Middle Ages as a pastime, with standardized rules emerging in the late 19th century. The modern dartboard features 20 numbered segments arranged in a specific order designed to penalize inaccuracy, with 19 positioned between 7 and 3. Professional darts gained prominence in the 1970s with organizations like the British Darts Organization (founded 1973) and later the Professional Darts Corporation (1992). The 501 game format, where players start with 501 points and must finish on a double, became standard in televised competitions by the 1980s. This format necessitates strategic scoring to leave favorable checkout numbers, making 19 a key target due to its 57-point triple segment and adjacent positioning on the board.

How It Works

Targeting 19 works through specific scoring combinations and board geometry. When a player aims for 19, they typically seek the triple segment (57 points) or the single segment (19 points) to manipulate their remaining score. For example, from 100 points left, a player might throw at triple 20 (60) to leave 40, but if that risks busting (going below zero), they may opt for triple 19 (57) to leave 43, which can be finished with single 3 and double 20. The dartboard's layout places 19 directly opposite 3, with 7 and 16 on either side, creating a "wedge" that players use to avoid darts deflecting into low-scoring areas. This is particularly useful when the triple 20 bed is crowded or when a player's darts tend to drift left or right. Advanced players also use 19 in combination finishes, such as 95 (triple 19, double 19) or 134 (triple 20, triple 14, double 16), where 19 serves as part of a mathematical sequence to reach a double.

Why It Matters

Targeting 19 matters because it increases checkout efficiency and reduces bust risks in competitive darts. In professional tournaments like the PDC World Championship, where prize money exceeds £2.5 million, precise finishing determines match outcomes. Players who master 19 setups gain an edge in high-pressure situations, as alternatives to triple 20 can break opponents' momentum. This strategy also influences amateur play, where dartboards in pubs and clubs worldwide see millions of games annually. Beyond competition, understanding 19 targeting enhances spectator appreciation of darting tactics, contributing to the sport's global growth, with televised events attracting over 4 million viewers. Historically, the emphasis on 19 reflects darts' evolution from a pub game to a precision sport, where mathematical planning and board knowledge are as crucial as throwing skill.