Short answer: yes, a 70 darts average is good for many recreational players. It is not professional elite level, but it is well above beginner standard and usually means the player can score consistently, understand routes and get regular chances at doubles.
Last checked: 26 June 2026. This guide refers to the common three-dart average used in 501 darts. Some apps and formats display averages differently, so check how your scoring system calculates it.
What a 70 average means
A three-dart average of 70 means that, across the leg or match, you are scoring around 70 points per visit. In a 501 leg, that suggests you are often reaching a finish in roughly seven visits, before allowing for missed doubles. It is a solid level for club and pub darts.
The number does not mean every visit is 70. You might score 100, 60, 45, 140 and 26. The average smooths out the visits.
Average by rough level
| Average | Rough meaning | Typical focus |
|---|---|---|
| 30-40 | Beginner or casual | Basic control |
| 45-55 | Improving recreational | Scoring consistency |
| 60-70 | Solid pub/league level | Finishing and cover shots |
| 70-80 | Strong amateur level | Checkout percentage |
| 90+ | Advanced/elite territory | Professional-level pressure |
Why finishing affects the average
A player can score well and still have a lower average if they miss many darts at doubles. Every missed double adds darts without reducing the score. That pulls the average down. This is why a 70 average is often a sign not only of scoring, but also of reasonably controlled finishing.
If you average 70 while missing doubles, your scoring may be stronger than the headline number suggests. If you average 70 because of one huge leg and several weak legs, consistency may still need work.
Is 70 good in a pub league?
In many pub and local leagues, a 70 average is very respectable. It means you are likely creating checkout chances before many casual opponents. It also means your opponent has to play properly; they cannot rely on you taking ten visits to reach a double.
At higher competitive levels, 70 may be ordinary. Context matters. A good average in one environment can be a baseline in another.
What a 70 average usually looks like
- Regular 60+ visits.
- Some 100+ scores.
- Occasional 140s or 180 chances.
- Reasonable checkout knowledge.
- Fewer visits wasted on poor counting.
- Some missed doubles, but not endless busts.
How to move from 70 to 80
The jump from 70 to 80 usually comes from two areas: fewer low visits and better finishing. You do not need a 180 every leg. You need fewer 26s, 41s and careless busts. Raising the floor often matters more than raising the ceiling.
Practise treble 20 grouping, treble 19 cover shots and common checkouts from 40, 32, 36, 60, 80 and 100. Those numbers appear constantly.
Best practice games
- 100 visits: throw 100 scoring visits and record the average.
- No 26 drill: aim at 20s and penalise visits that hit both 1 and 5.
- Finishing ladder: 40, 32, 24, 16, 8.
- 121 game: start from 121 and try to finish in nine darts.
- Cover drill: switch to 19s after any blocked or poor first dart.
Do not chase average at the expense of winning
Averages are useful, but they are not the scoreboard. If you need single 16 to leave tops, hitting treble 20 may boost ego but ruin the route. Match darts are about the right target, not always the highest target.
A player with a lower average can beat a higher-average player by finishing better at key moments.
Equipment note
At a 70-average level, small equipment mismatches become more noticeable. Barrel grip, dart weight, flight shape and board condition can all affect repeatability. If your darts no longer feel stable or your board is tired, compare dart sets, dartboards and darts accessories.
Bottom line
A 70 average is good for many recreational darts players and a strong platform for improvement. To move higher, focus less on occasional maximums and more on reducing poor visits, improving cover shots and finishing cleanly.
FAQ
Is 70 average professional level?
No. Professional averages are usually much higher, but 70 is strong recreational darts.
Can you win matches with a 70 average?
Yes, especially if your finishing is good.
What should I practise at 70 average?
Cover shots, doubles and reducing low-scoring visits.
Is average more important than checkout percentage?
No. Both matter, and checkout percentage often decides close matches.
