Around the Clock Darts: Rules, Variations & Strategy

Around the Clock is one of the oldest dart games there is, and for good reason — it forces you to aim at every segment on the board, not just the comfortable ones. Whether you play it as a standalone game or use it as a warmup, it's one of the most effective ways to find and fix the weak spots in your throwing.

How to Play Around the Clock

The rules are about as simple as darts gets:

1. Players take turns throwing three darts per visit
2. The target sequence is 1, 2, 3 … 20, then bullseye
3. You must hit your current number before advancing to the next
4. Any hit counts — single, double, or triple all move you forward
5. The first player to hit all 20 numbers and then the bullseye wins

That's it. No scoring, no complex rules, no bust. Just hit the number and move on.

Playing Alone vs. With Others

Solo play: Around the Clock works perfectly as a solo drill. Instead of racing to win, track your total dart count from 1 to bull. Your goal is to reduce that number over time. See the benchmarks below.

With 2+ players: Each player advances through their own sequence independently. You're not blocking each other or sharing numbers — you just race to finish first. The winner is whoever reaches the bullseye first.

As a warmup: Many players use Around the Clock for the first 5–10 minutes of every session. It gets you touching every part of the board before you settle into 501 or Cricket.

Scoring Benchmarks

If you're playing solo and tracking dart counts:

Don't get discouraged if your first few rounds are over 100 darts. The number will drop quickly with regular practice, and watching it fall is genuinely satisfying.

Variations

Doubles Only

Instead of any hit counting, you must hit the double of each number to advance. D1, D2, D3 … D20, then bullseye.

This is significantly harder and makes Around the Clock one of the best doubles practice routines available. The pressure of needing a specific ring — not just the segment — mirrors exactly what you face when finishing a leg of 501.

Trebles Only

Hit the treble of each number to advance. This is extremely difficult and better suited for experienced players looking for a challenge. It will expose gaps in your treble accuracy faster than almost any other practice format.

Random Order

Randomly pick numbers or use a dice to determine the next target. Eliminates the muscle memory of knowing "what's next" and forces you to adjust your aim with every dart.

Sudden Death

Add a rule: if you miss all three darts in a visit, you go back one number. Increases pressure and makes every dart count.

Handicap Version (for mixed-ability groups)

Better players start at a higher number (e.g., they begin at 5 while beginners start at 1). Levels the playing field without dumbing the game down.

Strategy and Tips

Know your weak numbers

Most players have 2–3 numbers they dread. Common ones are 17 (surrounded by 3 and 2), 14 (narrow segment, awkward angle), and 11 (low and to the right). Around the Clock exposes these because you can't skip them.

Once you know your weak numbers, spend extra practice time on them. A few focused sessions targeting just 17 and 14 will have a measurable impact on your overall game.

Don't rush the transition

After you hit your current number, take a moment before throwing at the next. It sounds obvious, but many players throw their next dart before mentally switching targets — and hit the previous number out of habit.

Use doubles and triples strategically

In the standard version, doubles and triples still count as a hit. If you're going for 16 and hit D16, you advance just the same. But knowing this, you can aim slightly toward the double ring when you're confident — it's still a hit if you miss into the single, and a lucky double just moves you along. This mindset removes some of the pressure of needing a "perfect" throw.

Track your sessions

Write down your dart count after every solo run. Even a basic note — "Tuesday: 71 darts" — gives you a trend line to follow. Most players see improvement within a week of regular practice.

How Around the Clock Compares to Other Practice Games

For a full set of practice games across all skill levels, see our solo practice games guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules of Around the Clock darts?

Hit numbers 1 through 20 in order, then the bullseye. Three darts per turn, any hit (single, double, or triple) on the correct number counts. First to the bull wins. Solo, track your total dart count.

Do doubles and trebles count?

In the standard version, yes — any segment of the correct number moves you forward. In the doubles-only variant, only the outer double ring counts, making it a much harder game.

Can you play with multiple players?

Yes. Each player has their own sequence and progresses independently. The first to reach and hit the bullseye wins.

What is a good score?

Under 63 total darts is the intermediate benchmark (3 darts per number average). Beginners typically take 80–120 darts. Under 42 is advanced territory.

Start Practicing

Around the Clock is the drill every darts player comes back to because it works. It's honest — there's no hiding from the numbers you struggle with — and it's measurable, so progress feels real.

Add it to your warmup, track your dart count each session, and watch your board coverage improve. Once you're consistently under 63, try the doubles version and see how it transforms your checkout game. Ready to play? Start a game on Dartsy and put it into practice.