Everything You Need to Know
The nine-dart finish is the holy grail of darts—a perfect leg requiring exactly nine darts to reduce a score of 501 to zero. Betting on this rare feat adds excitement and significant reward potential for darts enthusiasts. This guide provides everything you need to know about betting on nine-dart finishes, including strategies, odds, and what to consider when wagering in this market.
What is a Nine-Dart Finish?
A nine-dart finish is the quickest way to complete a leg in professional darts. Typically achieved with:
- Seven treble 20s, treble 19, and double 12.
- Variations include other routes, such as treble 20, treble 17, and bullseye for the final dart.
Its rarity in professional darts makes it one of the most exhilarating and celebrated moments in the sport.
How to Bet on Nine-Dart Finishes
1. Match or Tournament Market
- Will there be a nine-dart finish?
- Example: Betting on whether a nine-dart finish will occur during a tournament like the PDC World Championship.
2. Player-Specific Market
- Will a specific player hit a nine-dart finish?
- Example: Betting on Gerwyn Price or Michael van Gerwen, known for their high-scoring consistency.
3. Multiple Nine-Dart Finishes
- Will there be more than one nine-dart finish in a single match or tournament?
- Rare but offers substantial odds.
Odds for a Nine-Dart Finish
Nine-dart finishes are rare, and their odds reflect this:
- Tournament Odds: Typically 10/1 to 25/1 for a nine-dart finish during an entire tournament.
- Match Odds: Generally range from 33/1 to 66/1, depending on the players involved.
- Player-Specific Odds: These vary greatly depending on the player’s recent form and scoring ability. For instance, Michael Smith or Peter Wright may offer lower odds due to their consistent high-scoring games.
Factors Influencing Nine-Dart Betting
1. Player Form
- Look for players with high averages and frequent maximums (180s).
- Example: Michael van Gerwen, a frequent contender in nine-dart betting markets.
2. Stage of the Tournament
- Nine-dart finishes are more common in later rounds when top players face off.
3. Recent History
- Review players’ recent matches. Some, like Raymond van Barneveld, have a history of multiple nine-dart finishes.
4. Match Format
- Longer formats (e.g., best-of-11 or best-of-15 legs) provide more opportunities for a nine-dart finish.
5. Venue and Atmosphere
- High-profile venues with enthusiastic crowds can elevate player performance, increasing the likelihood of extraordinary moments.
Nine-Dart Betting Strategies
1. Bankroll Management
- Due to the rarity of a nine-dart finish, limit your stake to a small portion of your bankroll. High-risk markets require careful budgeting.
2. Combine Markets
- Combine nine-dart finish bets with other markets like match winner or most 180s for diversified wagers.
3. Focus on Star Players
- Back players with proven track records of high-scoring accuracy.
- Example: Phil Taylor famously hit multiple nine-dart finishes in his career.
4. Research Tournament Trends
- Major tournaments like the PDC World Championship and Premier League Darts have historically produced more nine-dart finishes.
5. Leverage In-Play Betting
- Watch live matches and assess players’ scoring consistency before placing an in-play nine-dart finish bet.
Famous Nine-Dart Finishes in Darts History
- Phil Taylor (2010 Premier League Final): Hit two nine-dart finishes in one match, an unprecedented feat.
- Adrian Lewis (2011 World Championship): Achieved a nine-dart finish in the final, cementing his place in darts history.
- Michael van Gerwen (2019 Players Championship): Known for multiple nine-dart finishes in high-pressure matches.
These legendary moments inspire bettors to engage with the nine-dart finish market, despite its high-risk nature.
Best Betting Sites for Nine-Dart Finish Markets
- Bet365: Offers competitive odds and live betting for nine-dart finishes.
- Betfair: Known for its exchange feature, allowing users to set their odds for rare markets.
- Paddy Power: Provides frequent specials and enhanced odds for nine-dart finish bets.
- William Hill: Offers historical statistics to support informed betting decisions.
- OddsChecker: Aggregates odds across platforms, ensuring you get the best value.
FAQs About Nine-Dart Finish Betting
1. What are the chances of a nine-dart finish in a match?
While rare, nine-dart finishes occur more often in longer formats and high-level tournaments. The probability increases with top-tier players.
2. Can I bet on multiple nine-dart finishes?
Yes, bookmakers often offer markets for multiple nine-dart finishes in tournaments or matches.
3. Are nine-dart finishes more likely in certain tournaments?
Yes, events like the PDC World Championship and Premier League Darts see more nine-dart finishes due to the calibre of players and extended formats.
4. How are nine-dart finish odds calculated?
Bookmakers use historical data, player stats, and match formats to calculate odds. Lower odds are offered for players with high-scoring consistency.
5. Is betting on nine-dart finishes worth it?
It’s a high-risk, high-reward market. While not a consistent money-maker, it adds excitement and potential for significant payouts.
The Final Throw
The nine-dart finish betting market is perfect for those looking to add extra excitement to their darts betting experience. By researching players, analysing stats, and understanding tournament contexts, you can make informed wagers on this rare and exhilarating achievement.
Whether you’re backing Michael van Gerwen or dreaming of a longshot payout, the thrill of betting on a nine-dart finish is unmatched. Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the game!
