Bead · darts game rules
Around the Clock darts rules
Round the Clock
Around the Clock is one of the simplest darts games and one of the best for improving your accuracy. Players race around the board, hitting each number from 1 to 20 in order before finishing on the bull. There is no maths involved, which makes it ideal for beginners, kids and warm-ups before a match.
- Players
- 1 to 8 (solo friendly)
- Length
- ≈ 10 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- What you need
- A dartboard (steel tip or soft tip) and 3 darts per player.
Rules
Setup
- Every player starts with 1 as their target.
- Players take turns, three darts each. You can also play it on your own.
How to play
- Throw at your current target number.
- When you hit it, your target moves to the next number.
- If your next darts hit the following numbers in order, you can advance several times in the same visit.
- After 20, your final target is the bull.
Scoring
- Singles, doubles and trebles all count as one hit on the number.
- Darts that land on any other number do not count.
Winning
The first player to hit the bull after completing 1 to 20 wins.
Tips
- Pick a consistent spot on each number, such as the fat single area, rather than chasing doubles.
- Watch where the next number sits on the board: 1 is next to 20, but 2 is at the bottom.
- Use it as a daily warm-up and time yourself to track progress.
Variants
- Doubles only: every target must be hit in the double ring. A great finishing drill.
- Nine Lives: the same route, but missing costs you lives.
FAQ
- Do doubles and trebles count in Around the Clock?
- Yes. In the standard game any hit on the right number moves you on one step. In the doubles only variant, only the double ring counts.
- Can you advance more than one number in a visit?
- Yes. If your first dart hits your target, the second dart aims at the next number, and so on: up to three numbers per visit.
- Can you play Around the Clock alone?
- Yes, it is a classic practice routine: go round in as few darts as possible and try to beat your best.
