Some scores are impossible with three darts because the dartboard values do not combine to make every number. High totals such as 179, 178, 176, 175, 173 and 172 cannot be scored with three legal darts.
This is different from checkout impossibility. A number might be possible to score but impossible to finish from under double-out rules.
Quick answer
Common impossible three-dart scores include 179, 178, 176, 175, 173 and 172. The highest possible three-dart score is 180, but not every total below it can be made.
Why impossible scores exist
Each dart can only land in a valid single, double, treble or bull area. Because those values are fixed, some totals cannot be built with three darts even though they are below 180.
Score impossible vs checkout impossible
169 is a useful example because many checkout charts mark it as a bogey number. It sits below 170, but there is no standard three-dart checkout route from 169 that ends on a double or bull.
Why beginners should care
Knowing impossible totals helps you understand commentary and checkout charts. It also stops you trying routes that do not exist when you are near the end of a leg.
Practice tip
Use a checkout chart for finishes and practise counting from common leaves such as 170, 167, 164, 161 and 160. Scoring knowledge becomes much more useful when paired with real board practice.
Useful next reads
Why this matters for checkouts
Impossible scores and bogey numbers matter because they affect decision-making. If you leave a number that cannot be checked out, your opponent gets at least one more visit if they are on a finish. Strong players try to avoid leaving those numbers when they have a choice.
For example, leaving 170 is exciting because it can be finished. Leaving 169 is frustrating because it cannot be taken out in the same way. That one-point difference changes the whole tactical picture.
How to learn the awkward numbers
You do not need to memorise every combination immediately. Start with common bogey numbers above 100 and learn the big finishes: 170, 167, 164, 161 and 160. Then learn which nearby numbers are bad leaves.
Practice drill
Start from 181 and throw three darts. Your goal is not always to score the most; it is to leave a finish. This teaches setup thinking, which is more useful in matches than simply chasing the biggest possible score every visit.
How impossible scores affect setup shots
Strong players think one visit ahead. If they cannot finish, they try to leave a number that can be finished next time. Leaving a bogey number gives the opponent breathing room.
This is especially important from the 200s down. A careless big score can leave an awkward number, while a slightly smaller score can leave a clean finish.
When practising, do not only ask 'what is the highest score I can hit?' Ask 'what will this leave?' That is the habit that turns scoring into match-winning darts.
Bottom line
Common impossible three-dart scores include 179, 178, 176, 175, 173 and 172. The highest possible three-dart score is 180, but not every total below it can be made.
FAQs
Can you score 179 with three darts?
No.
What is the highest three-dart score?
180.
Is 169 a checkout?
No, 169 is not a standard three-dart checkout.
