Outshot

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Outshot is simply another word for checkout — the remaining score you need to finish a leg by hitting a double. You'll hear both terms used interchangeably, though "checkout" is more common in modern darts commentary. "Outshot" is older and perhaps a bit more traditional, heard more often in British pub darts circles. The term "outshot" emphasizes the action of shooting out — getting out of the game by hitting that final double. It carries a slightly more dramatic connotation than "checkout," which sounds more clinical. "He needs an outshot" sounds more urgent than "he needs to check out." In statistical terms, outshot percentage is one of the most important metrics in competitive darts. It measures how often a player successfully finishes a leg when they have a chance at a checkout. Professional players typically convert 35-45% of their checkout attempts, with the very best reaching above 50% in peak form. Your outshot percentage is probably the single biggest area for improvement at any playing level. Many club players focus on improving their scoring average, but the math shows that converting more checkouts has a bigger impact on winning legs. If you average 60 per visit and convert 20% of checkouts, improving your checkout rate to 30% will win you more legs than improving your average to 65. To improve your outshot game: memorize the standard checkout routes for 2-170, practice doubles relentlessly, and learn the "leave" strategy — always planning what double you'll be left on if you miss the current target.