The big fish in darts is the 170 checkout: treble 20, treble 20, bullseye. It is the highest standard three-dart finish in a double-out leg, which is why it has such a famous nickname.
If a commentator says a player is “going for the big fish”, they mean the player has left 170 and still has all three darts in hand. It is a rare, high-pressure finish because every dart has to do a very specific job.
Quick answer
The big fish is a 170 checkout. The route is usually T20, T20, bull. Two treble 20s score 120, leaving 50 for the inner bull.
Why is 170 called the big fish?
It is called the big fish because it is the biggest checkout available in a standard game of darts. You cannot finish 171 or above in three darts because the maximum possible score is 180, and a checkout must finish exactly on a double or the bull.
The nickname has stuck because 170 feels like a trophy finish. It is not just high scoring; it is dramatic. Two trebles create the chance, then the final dart has to hit the bull rather than a larger double segment.
The big fish route
| Dart | Target | Score | Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Treble 20 | 60 | 110 |
| 2 | Treble 20 | 60 | 50 |
| 3 | Bullseye | 50 | 0 |
Why the big fish is so hard
- The first dart must be perfect. A single 20 leaves 150, so the 170 finish is gone.
- The second dart must also be perfect. Even after one treble, a missed second treble usually removes the bull finish.
- The final dart is bull. Many big checkouts finish on a familiar double; 170 asks for the centre.
- It often happens under pressure. Players know the crowd, opponent and commentator are watching the route.
Can beginners practise the big fish?
Yes, but break it down. Practise two-dart scoring at treble 20 first, then bull finishes separately. Once both parts improve, combine them into T20, T20, bull attempts. A good dartboard and consistent dart set make this kind of practice easier to judge because your results are not being distorted by poor equipment.
Related guides
What happens if the first dart misses?
The big fish is unforgiving because the first dart controls the whole route. If the first dart lands in single 20, the player has 150 left with two darts, so the 170 finish has gone. If it lands in treble 5 or treble 1, the visit usually becomes about leaving a sensible number rather than taking the finish out.
That is why professional players look so composed on 170. They are not only aiming at treble 20; they are managing the disappointment of a miss instantly and trying to leave something useful for the next visit.
Why the bull finish changes the pressure
Many big finishes end on a familiar double such as double 20, double 16 or double 18. The big fish ends on the bull, which is central, small and mentally different. Players who are excellent on doubles can still find bull finishes awkward because the sightline and required touch feel different from the outer ring.
Practice routine for 170
Try this as a structured drill: start on 170 for 10 attempts. If you hit the first treble, continue the route. If you miss it, switch immediately into setup mode and try to leave a finish. This trains both the dream shot and the real match skill: recovering after the dream shot disappears.
Big fish mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is treating 170 as three isolated heroic darts. In reality, the first two darts are scoring darts and the third is a finishing dart. That matters because the rhythm often changes when a player moves from the top of the board to the bull. If the rhythm collapses, the final dart is usually pulled or pushed.
Another mistake is practising only successful attempts. You also need to practise what happens after a miss. If the first dart misses treble 20, your job changes instantly. You are now setting up the next visit, not pretending the 170 is still on.
What should you leave if 170 goes wrong?
If the first dart lands in single 20, you have 150 left with two darts. From there, strong players may look to leave a clean finish rather than force a low-percentage rescue. If the first dart lands in treble 1 or treble 5, the priority is damage control. The best players are not only better at hitting trebles; they are better at leaving manageable numbers after missed trebles.
When is 170 the right shot?
If you are on 170 with three darts, you should usually go for it. There is no checkout higher than 170, and the route is clear. But if your opponent is far behind, some players may still think about leaving a favourite finish if the first dart misses. Match context matters: the best shot is the one that gives you the best chance of winning the leg, not only the one that looks best on a highlight reel.
Bottom line
The big fish in darts is the 170 checkout: treble 20, treble 20, bull. It is famous because it is the highest standard three-dart finish and leaves no room for an easy recovery.
FAQs
Can you finish 170 in darts?
Yes. Hit treble 20, treble 20 and bullseye.
Why not finish 171?
There is no three-dart route from 171 that ends exactly on a double or bull.
Is the big fish harder than a nine-darter?
A nine-darter is harder overall, but the big fish is one of the hardest individual three-dart finishes.
