Darts players go for 19 because treble 19 is a high-value cover shot. It scores 57, only three points fewer than treble 20, and it is useful when the 20 bed is blocked or the player's throw is drifting low.
Good players do not aim at treble 20 blindly. They choose the target that gives the visit the best chance of staying productive.
Quick answer
Players switch to 19s when treble 20 is blocked, when their first dart makes the 20 bed awkward, when their throw is dropping low, or when 19s help set up a better finish.
Why treble 19 is valuable
Treble 20 is worth 60. Treble 19 is worth 57. That small three-point difference means 19s are a strong scoring alternative rather than a panic target.
When players switch to 19
- Blocked treble 20: a dart covers the bed and makes the next dart risky.
- Low first dart: the player uses 19s because the throw pattern suits the lower target.
- Scoring recovery: switching avoids wasting the whole visit.
- Checkout setup: 19s can leave a preferred finish.
Why not always stay on 20?
Because forcing the same target can turn one bad dart into three bad darts. If the first dart blocks the treble, aiming at the same bed may lead to deflections or poor markers. Switching keeps the visit alive.
Should beginners practise 19s?
Yes. Beginners often practise only 20s, then struggle when they need a cover shot. Spend short blocks on big 19 and treble 19. It builds board awareness and makes your scoring less fragile.
Equipment and setup
If your first dart regularly blocks the bed, your dart angle, flight setup or board condition may be part of the issue. A good dartboard and the right flights and stems can make grouping cleaner, though technique still matters most.
Related guides
- What are the best numbers to aim for in darts?
- How do you score darts?
- What is the highest score with one dart?
19s as a cover shot, not a backup plan
Good players do not see 19s as giving up on the visit. They see it as controlled recovery. If the 20 bed is blocked, forcing another dart at it can create a deflection or a poor marker. Switching to 19s keeps scoring pressure on the opponent.
How 19s help with setup play
In finishing ranges, 19s can be useful for shaping the remaining score. Sometimes a player chooses 19 not because it is the highest target, but because it leaves a checkout they prefer. That is the difference between pure scoring and matchplay thinking.
Beginner 19s drill
Throw three visits at 20s, then three visits at 19s, then alternate one visit on each. Count only darts that land in the intended number segment. The drill builds the habit of switching targets without losing rhythm.
How marker darts influence the switch
A good first dart can act as a marker. A bad first dart can act as a blocker. If the dart sits in a way that covers treble 20, the next dart has less room. Switching to 19s avoids trying to squeeze a dart past a bad marker and turning one mistake into a worse visit.
19s and rhythm
The best switches do not look panicked. The player keeps the same rhythm, moves the eyes to the new target and throws with commitment. Beginners often switch target but keep thinking about the missed 20, which leads to a half-hearted dart. Practise the switch so it feels normal.
Scoring examples
If a player hits single 20 with the first dart, then treble 19 and treble 19, the visit becomes 134. That is an excellent recovery. If they force two more darts at a blocked treble 20 and hit low singles, the visit may collapse. That is why 19s are a genuine scoring weapon.
When not to switch
If the treble 20 bed is open and your first dart is a good marker, staying on 20 often makes sense. Switching is a decision, not a habit. The best players read the board after each dart.
Bottom line
Darts players go for 19 because it is the best high-scoring cover target when 20s are blocked, misfiring or tactically less useful.
FAQs
What is treble 19 worth?
57 points.
Is 19 better than 20?
Not usually for maximum scoring, but it can be the better target in the moment.
Should beginners learn 19s?
Yes. It improves recovery scoring and board awareness.
