Darts is a popular game many enjoy, with various formats and playing styles. One of the most prestigious achievements in the sport of darts is the “9 Dart Finish.” The question is- what is a 9 dart finish?
This illustrious feat involves a player finishing a game of 501 darts using a minimum of nine darts. It is considered the pinnacle of excellence in the sport and is rarely achieved, even by the most skilled players.
To accomplish a 9 Dart Finish, a player must exhibit exceptional accuracy and precision with each throw. This involves scoring three consecutive 180s (each consisting of two treble 20s and one single bull) and achieving an exact total score of 501, with the last dart hitting a double scoring area.
The extreme difficulty of this accomplishment makes achieving a 9 Dart Finish a true testament to a player’s skill and a momentous event in their career.
Key Takeaways
- A 9 Dart Finish is an extraordinary achievement in darts, requiring only nine darts to finish a game of 501.
- Players must demonstrate remarkable accuracy and skill to score the necessary points efficiently and hit a double-scoring area with the last dart.
- The rarity and prestige of a 9 Dart Finish make it a highly sought-after accomplishment in the sport of darts.
Darts Terminology
A nine-dart finish is a perfect leg or game completed in the minimum possible number of darts – nine. You need to score 501 points to achieve this, with the last dart landing in a double-scoring area.
This extremely challenging goal is rarely attained, even by professional players.
During a game of 501 darts, your objective is to reduce your score to zero as quickly as possible. To achieve a nine-dart finish, you must maximize your scoring potential.
Using your first six darts to score two consecutive 180s (3 treble 20s) is the most common way of building momentum towards a nine-darter.
After scoring the two 180s with your first six darts, you’ll have 141 points remaining. There are several ways to reach the target, but the most common method involves throwing a treble 20 (scoring 60 points), then a treble 19 (scoring 57 points), followed by a double 12 (scoring 24 points). This brings your total points to 501.
Another popular method for achieving a nine-dart finish is targeting different combinations of treble numbers. For example, you may aim for treble 17 (51 points), treble 18 (54 points), and a double 18 (36 points) on your last turn to total 501 points.
While nine-dart finishes are rare and difficult feats, understanding the goal and various ways to achieve it is an excellent way of developing your skills in darts.
As you progress and develop your own playing style, you might find unique combinations to reach the perfect nine-dart finish.
The Structure of a 9 Dart Finish
A 9 dart finish is the ultimate achievement in the sport of darts, representing a perfect game. To successfully achieve this feat, you need to score exactly 501 points with just nine darts. There are various ways to accomplish this.
Let’s explore the most common structure for a 9 dart finish.
First off, you’ll want to hit three consecutive treble 20s, which will give you 180 points with your initial three darts. This is considered the best possible score for a single throw and sets you on the right track toward achieving a 9 dart finish.
Next, you’ll throw another set of three darts aiming for the same target: treble 20. If you successfully hit all three, you’ll have another 180 points, bringing your total score to 360 with just six darts thrown.
At this point, you’re well on your way to reaching the legendary 501 points needed for a perfect finish.
Finally, the last set of three darts is crucial to complete your journey to 501 points. The common combination used to achieve the remaining 141 points is hitting a treble 20, followed by a treble 19, and concluding with a double 12.
This scores you exactly 141 points, bringing your overall total to the magic number of 501 points.
Remember, the key to accomplishing a 9 dart finish is precision and consistency throughout your throws. Hitting treble 20s consistently is vital to set up an opportunity for the perfect finish in the last throw.
While there are alternative paths to the 9 dart finish, this is the most common and straightforward strategy. Practice regularly, remain focused, and one day, you may just achieve this remarkable feat in the world of darts.
History of the 9 Dart Finish
A 9 dart finish is a remarkable achievement in the sport of darts, as it represents a perfect leg or single game. It becomes more interesting when you dive into its history and learn about notable moments and records made by various players over the years.
The first-ever televised 9 dart finish was accomplished by John Lowe in 1984, setting a precedent for future players to aspire to. This event sparked interest in the sport and demonstrated the incredible skill and precision required to achieve such a feat in a game of 501 darts.
Following Lowe’s remarkable achievement, Paul Lim made history by being the first player to hit a 9 dart finish in World Championship Darts.
This accomplishment further highlighted the prestige and rarity of the 9 dart finish, setting a new standard for those competing in the world championships.
Another significant milestone was achieved by Adrian Lewis, who became the first player to hit a 9 dart finish in a World Championship Final.
This spectacular performance demonstrated the pinnacle of darts prowess and determination, inspiring players worldwide to continue pushing their limits and perfecting their game.
There have been over 420 “9 darters” since 1996, showcasing how exceptional a 9 dart finish is in the world of darts. Although it remains a rare occurrence, even at the professional level, it stands as a testament to the skill and focus required to excel in this captivating sport.
So, as you continue to hone your darts skills, the history of the 9 dart finish serves as a powerful reminder of the heights that can be reached with dedication and precision.
Who knows? Perhaps one day, your name could be added to the list of those who have achieved this remarkable feat.
The Players Who Have Achieved a 9 Dart Finish
A 9 dart finish is considered the Holy Grail of darts, a perfect game where a player scores 501 points using just nine darts. Achieving such a feat requires immense skill, precision, and a bit of luck.
You might wonder who the elite players have reached this pinnacle of perfection in the sport.
In professional darts, several players have achieved a 9 dart finish during their careers. Some of the most notable names include Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, and Gary Anderson.
These players are among the elite few who have showcased their exceptional talent by accomplishing this rare and highly sought-after achievement.
Phil Taylor, often referred to as “The Power,” holds the record for the most televised 9 dart finishes with a staggering 11. His first 9 darter was in 2002, and since then, he has produced numerous memorable moments demonstrating his sheer dominance in the game.
Michael van Gerwen, a Dutch darts player and currently one of the top players in the world, has displayed his capability to achieve perfection on multiple occasions.
He successfully completed a 9 dart finish in the 2012 World Darts Championship, making him the youngest player ever to do so in a televised event. To date, he has achieved five 9 darters in his career.
Another Dutch legend, Raymond van Barneveld, nicknamed “Barney,” nailed his first 9 dart finish in 2006 during the UK Open. His second 9 darter came in a thrilling 2010 World Championship semi-final, where he defeated fellow Dutchman Jelle Klaasen.
Gary Anderson, a Scottish darts player, accomplished the coveted 9 dart finish during the 2016 Premier League. Nicknamed “The Flying Scotsman,” Anderson proved his worth by joining the ranks of those who have achieved this ultimate recognition.
These extraordinary players are a testament to the skill and excellence that can be achieved in the sport of darts. As a darts enthusiast, keep these legends in mind as you strive for your peak performance; perhaps, one day, you, too, might join their esteemed ranks.
How Scoring Works in a 9 Dart Finish
In a 9-dart finish, your goal is to score 501 points with just nine darts. This is the fewest possible throw to reach 501, making it the ultimate challenge in darts. Let’s break down the scoring process for a traditional 9-dart finish.
First, you need to score 60 points (triple 20) with each of your first six throws, using two darts per throw. This will bring your score to 360, leaving 141 points to complete the finish.
The final shot, known as the outshot, consists of three darts and can be achieved in various ways. Some of the most common 9 dart finishes include combinations such as treble 20, treble 19, and double 12 or treble 20, treble 15, and double 18.
Accuracy is vital in achieving a 9-dart finish, as it is a feat that requires perfect coordination and focus. Make sure to practice your throws and maintain your concentration throughout each combination.
Remember that there are many ways to complete a 9-dart finish, and the combinations mentioned are just a few examples. As you continue improving your skills in darts, you might discover new approaches to this challenging accomplishment.
The Importance and Rarity of a 9 Dart Finish
A 9 dart finish, also known as a nine-darter, is considered the highest achievement in the sport of darts. It represents a perfect leg, or single game, in which you score exactly 501 points using only nine darts.
This feat is challenging to accomplish, requiring exceptional skill, accuracy, and focus.
The rarity of a 9-dart finish lies in the combination of high-scoring throws and precise finishing that you must achieve to reach the target total of 501 points.
To accomplish this, you would typically need three rounds with a score of 180 points each (achieved by landing three triple 20s), followed by a precise finish that varies depending on your preferred setup.
Some common ways to complete a 9 dart finish include:
- Treble 20 (60), treble 19 (57), and double 12 (24)
- Treble 20 (60), treble 15 (45), and double 18 (36)
- Treble 17 (51), treble 18 (54), and double 18 (36)
The earliest known 9-dart finish in professional darts occurred in 1984 during the MFI World Matchplay tournament when John Lowe achieved this incredible feat.
Since then, there have been several more televised nine-darters, but the rarity of this accomplishment cannot be overstated.
So, when you are watching or participating in a game of darts, remember that a 9-dart finish is the pinnacle of the sport, a true testament to a player’s skill and ability.
As you improve your own skills and focus, you might someday find yourself in the elite group of players who have reached this level of excellence.
Challenges in Achieving a 9 Dart Finish
Achieving a 9-dart finish is undoubtedly one of the most challenging feats in the sport of darts. The pressure of hitting three consecutive 180s and then precisely landing the final double or bullseye can be overwhelming for even the most skilled players.
In this section, we will discuss some of the challenges you might face when attempting a 9-dart finish.
Firstly, the need for consistency is paramount. You must hit three 180s in a row, which means landing all nine darts in the treble 20 section. Considering the small size of this scoring area, this requires an immense amount of focus and accuracy.
Even a tiny deviation in your aim can result in a dart landing outside the treble 20 section, immediately ending your chances of achieving a 9 dart finish in that leg.
Another obstacle you may face is the psychological aspect of the game. Realizing that you have an opportunity to hit a 9-dart leg can lead to overthinking and adding extra pressure on yourself.
As a result, you may find it difficult to maintain your composure and focus during those last few darts. This added pressure often causes players to freeze up and miss the crucial final shots.
Moreover, the rarity of a 9-dart finish adds to its difficulty. Only a handful of players have ever achieved this feat in professional darts, making it even more intimidating to attempt.
Consequently, you need to develop mental resilience and the ability to handle stress effectively during your games.
To overcome these challenges, you should practice diligently to improve your consistency and accuracy and also work on your mental game by developing strategies to stay calm and focused under pressure.
While achieving a 9-dart finish remains extremely difficult, with dedication and perseverance, you can increase your chances of reaching this pinnacle of darts excellence.
Conclusion
A 9-dart finish is the pinnacle of perfection in the game of darts. As a player, achieving this rare and exceptional feat demonstrates your skill, precision, and expertise.
You may already know that a 9-dart finish involves scoring a total of 501 points within just nine throws, with the final dart landing on a double or bullseye.
When practicing for a 9-dart finish, it is crucial to maintain a balance between accuracy and consistency. Working on your dart-throwing technique enables you to hit targeted areas of the dartboard with greater precision, ultimately increasing your chances of scoring high.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and achieving a 9-dart finish requires dedication, patience, and focus.
A 9-dart finish is truly the ultimate achievement in the world of darts. Not only does it reflect your ability and skill in the sport, but it also highlights your ability to perform under pressure and deliver outstanding results.
By pursuing this prestigious accomplishment, showing commitment to continuous improvement, and remaining focused on your goals, you’re on the right path to darts excellence. Good luck on your journey to achieving a 9-dart finish!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players have achieved a 9-dart finish?
Achieving a 9-dart finish is a rare and exceptional feat in the world of darts. While the exact number of players who have accomplished this may change over time, you can find a list of players who have hit a 9 darter in televised events on Wikipedia.
What is the history of 9 dart finishes in televised events?
The history of 9 dart finishes in televised events dates back to 1984 when John Lowe first accomplished the feat. Since then, numerous players have achieved the perfect leg on television, with each instance typically generating significant excitement and admiration.
For a comprehensive list of televised 9 dart finishes and their respective events, you can refer to this Wikipedia page.
How much prize money is awarded for a 9-dart finish?
Prize money for a 9-dart finish can vary depending on the specific event and its rules. In some tournaments, a special bonus may be awarded to any player who completes a 9 darter. However, there may be no special prize for this accomplishment in other events.
It’s best to check the official event website or other reliable sources to find out the prize money for a particular event.
What are the different pathways to achieve a 9-dart finish?
There are multiple pathways to achieve a 9 dart finish, with 3,944 total combinations of scoring 501 with nine darts. Some common routes involve hitting treble 20s followed by a double scoring area, such as:
- Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 19, Double 12
- Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 20, Treble 15, Double 18
For more information on different pathways and combinations, you can refer to this Darts Dojo article.
Which players hold records for multiple 9-dart finishes?
Some players have accomplished multiple 9-dart finishes in their careers, both in televised and non-televised events. The legendary Phil Taylor holds the record for the most 9 darters in televised events, with 11 to his name.
Other notable players with multiple 9-dart finishes include Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, and Adrian Lewis.
How often do 9-dart finishes occur in major tournaments?
9 dart finishes are a rare occurrence, even in major tournaments. The frequency of such exceptional feats depends on various factors, including the level of competition, the skill and form of the players, and, sometimes, sheer luck.
There is no specific rate at which 9 dart finishes occur, but it is generally agreed that they are an exceptional achievement to witness and celebrate in the world of darts.
