Around the Clock Darts: Rules, Variations and Tips

How do you play around the clock in darts? Each player throws three darts per turn and tries to hit the numbers 1 through 20 in order, then the bull. Any part of the segment counts, you only need to hit each number once, and there is no running score: you just track the number you are on. The first player to hit the bull after 20 wins.

Below are the full rules, popular variations, a practice routine and tips to finish faster. Playing in a league? Check out our skull dart shirts for the team.

How to play around the clock darts: the rules

GLD Products describes the game, also called Around the World or Round the Board, like this: "a simple objective of hitting the segments 1 through 20 in order, followed by the bull. Each number only has to be hit once. Players take turns throwing three darts." It adds that "doubles and trebles don't count as anything extra" in the standard game, and "There is no score in Around the World. Each player simply needs to keep track of the number they are on" (GLD Products).

1. Decide who throws first (for example, closest to the bull).
2. On your turn, throw three darts at your current number, starting with 1.
3. Hit it with any dart and move on to the next number, even within the same turn.
4. Hitting a number out of order does not count. If you hit 20 while you are on 1, you still need 20 later.
5. After 20, hit the bull to win.

How many players can play?

One or more. It is a classic solo warm-up because it makes you aim at every part of the board, and it also works well for two players or a group at the pub or at home.

Around the clock variations

Once the basic game feels easy, try one of these:

• Doubles and trebles skip ahead. GLD Products suggests an optional rule where a double on your number skips the next one and a treble can skip two.
• Doubles only. You must hit the double ring of each number. A tough but great checkout drill.
• 180 around the clock. Each player throws at every number and scores 1 for a single, 2 for a double and 3 for a treble. The bull is not used, so the best possible score is 180.
• Turn limit. Give each number a set number of attempts before moving on, to keep the game short.
• Handicap. A stronger player must hit doubles or trebles while others play normal rules.

Is it fair to go first?

Throwing first is an advantage. A simple fix from GLD Products: if the player who went first finishes, the other players get one more turn to tie. If the last player finishes, the game simply ends.

Why is around the clock good practice?

Most darts games reward the 20, 19 and the doubles, so it is easy to never aim at 3, 11 or 14. Around the clock forces you to move your aim around the whole board and helps you learn where each number is. Time yourself or count your darts, and try to beat your record each session. If your grouping is all over the board, review the basics in how to throw darts, and make sure your board is set up at the correct dart board height and distance.

Tips to finish around the clock faster

• Aim for the fat single. The big inner single area is the largest target on each number.
• Keep your stance. Move your eyes and arm, not your feet, as the target moves around the board.
• Use all three darts. If your first dart hits, aim the next one at the new number right away.
• Note your weak numbers. Write down which numbers take the most darts and practice those first next time.

Why is 26 called bed and breakfast?

This is a classic darts nickname. A common 26 is three darts in 20, 5 and 1 (the 20 sits at the top with 5 and 1 on either side), and darts players have long nicknamed that score "bed and breakfast". Want more darts lingo? See our darts nickname ideas.

Gear up for darts night

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FAQ

How do you play around the clock in darts?

Hit 1 through 20 in order with three darts per turn, then hit the bull. Any part of the number counts, and the first player to finish wins.

Do doubles and trebles count in around the clock?

In the standard game they count as a normal hit and nothing more. Some players use an optional rule where a double or treble skips ahead.

How do you play round the world in darts?

Round the world is another name for around the clock: hit every number from 1 to 20 in order, then finish on the bull.

Can you play around the clock alone?

Yes. It is a popular solo practice game; count how many darts you need and try to lower that number over time.