The best numbers to aim for in darts depend on your level and the score you need. Strong players often aim at treble 20, but beginners may improve faster by aiming at bigger single segments first.
Good target choice is not always about the highest possible score. It is about the best next dart.
Quick answer
Beginners should often aim at the big 20 or big 19 to build a straight, repeatable throw. Improving players can focus more on treble 20, treble 19 and checkout routes. In a leg of 501, the best target is the one that leaves a finish you can handle.
Why players aim at treble 20
Treble 20 is the highest scoring target on the board. One dart in treble 20 scores 60, and three treble 20s make 180. That is why it is the main scoring target for experienced players.
Why 19s matter
The 19 segment is a smart switch target. If your first dart blocks treble 20, or your throw is drifting low, switching to 19s can keep the visit productive. Treble 19 scores 57, so it is still a strong target.
Best beginner targets
- Big 20: builds a straight throw and keeps scoring simple.
- Big 19: useful if 20s are blocked or misses are dropping low.
- Bull area: good for grouping practice, but not always best for scoring.
- Big singles: useful for confidence and checkout setup.
Target choice in 501
Once you get near a finish, target choice changes. You may avoid a high-risk treble if a single leaves a better double. For example, players often like leaving 40, 32 or 36 because those finishes have familiar routes.
Practice drill
Throw 10 visits at big 20, then 10 at big 19, then 10 at bull. Record which target gives the tightest grouping. Your best practice target may not be the same as your best scoring target yet.
Related guides
Best targets for practice versus matches
Practice targets and match targets are not always the same. In practice, you might aim at big singles to improve grouping. In a match, you might aim at treble 20 for scoring or switch to 19s because your first dart blocks the bed.
When to stop aiming at treble 20
If your first dart sits badly in the treble 20 bed, switching can be smarter than forcing the same target. Treble 19, treble 18 or a setup number may keep the visit useful. Good players do not only know where to aim; they know when to move.
Beginner target progression
Start with big 20 and big 19. Then add bull practice for centre-board control. Then practise treble 20. Once you can group reliably, add checkout targets such as 40, 32, 36 and 24.
What to aim for when you are missing
If you keep missing high, low, left or right, use the board layout. A player missing low from treble 20 may switch to 19s because the miss pattern still gives useful scores. A player spraying darts sideways may be better served by big single targets until the grouping tightens.
Best targets for confidence
Confidence matters for beginners. If treble 20 practice becomes frustrating, spend a short block on big 20, big 19 or bull area grouping. A visible improvement in grouping often does more for progress than chasing a target you rarely hit.
Bottom line
Treble 20 is the best scoring target, but beginners should not ignore big singles, 19s and bull practice. Aim for the target that improves your next dart, not only the one with the biggest possible score.
FAQs
Should beginners aim at treble 20?
They can, but big 20 practice is often more useful at first.
Why aim at 19?
It is a strong scoring switch and helps when 20 is blocked.
Is the bullseye the best target?
Not for scoring. Inner bull is 50, but treble 20 is 60.
