Bead · darts game rules
Bob's 27 darts rules
Bobs 27, doubles practice
Bob's 27 is a doubles training game created by former world champion Bob Anderson. Doubles win legs, and this routine makes you throw at every one of them under pressure. You start with 27 points, gain points for every double you hit and lose points every time you miss a double completely. It works solo or as a competition between friends.
- Players
- 1 to 4 (solo friendly)
- Length
- ≈ 15 min
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- What you need
- A dartboard (steel tip or soft tip) and 3 darts per player.
Rules
Setup
- Every player starts with 27 points.
- The first target is double 1. Each round moves to the next double, up to double 20, then the bull.
How to play
- Throw all three darts at the double for the current round.
- Add the value of the double for every dart that hits it.
- If none of your three darts hit the double, subtract the value of that double.
- Move to the next double in the following round.
Scoring
- Example on double 5: one hit adds 10, two hits add 20, three hits add 30.
- Missing double 5 with all three darts subtracts 10.
- If your score reaches zero or goes below, you are out.
Winning
The highest score after the bull wins, or the last player still in the game. The maximum possible score is 1437.
Tips
- The early doubles are cheap to miss, so use them to find your rhythm.
- Doubles 16 and 20 are where many players make up ground: they are the most practised finishes.
- Record your final score each session. Reaching the bull at all is a good first goal.
What each double is worth
| Target | Hit / miss |
|---|---|
| Double 1 | +2 per hit / -2 |
| Double 5 | +10 per hit / -10 |
| Double 10 | +20 per hit / -20 |
| Double 16 | +32 per hit / -32 |
| Double 20 | +40 per hit / -40 |
| Bull (50) | +50 per hit / -50 |
Maximum score: 1437, with all three darts in every double.
FAQ
- What is a good score in Bob's 27?
- Getting round without dropping to zero is a solid first goal. Above 200 your doubles are in good shape; strong players regularly pass 500.
- Why start on 27 points?
- 27 gives you room to miss a few of the early doubles (2, 4, 6, 8…) before you are out. The margin disappears fast if the doubles do not go in.
- Can you play Bob's 27 on your own?
- Yes, that is what it is made for. Write down your score each session to track your progress.
