Around the Clock Darts: The Perfect Beginner Game for Learning the Board

Introduction

Around the Clock is the single best darts game for anyone picking up a set of darts for the first time. Also known as Around the World or Round the Board, this classic pub game strips darts down to its most fundamental skill: throwing at a specific number and hitting it. There is no scoring to track, no mental arithmetic to perform, no checkout tables to memorise. You start at 1, work your way to 20, finish on the bullseye, and the first player to complete the sequence wins.

What makes Around the Clock so valuable is not just its simplicity — it is the way the game naturally teaches you the dartboard. By the time you have played a few rounds, you will know where every number sits on the board, how to adjust your throw for different areas, and which numbers you find easiest or hardest to hit. These are exactly the skills you need before progressing to competitive formats like 501 or Cricket.

Around the Clock has been played in British pubs for well over a century and remains a staple of casual darts worldwide. Professional players still use it as a warm-up routine before matches, and darts coaches recommend it as the first training exercise for new players. Whether you are a complete beginner, a pub regular looking for a low-pressure game, or a serious player sharpening your accuracy, Around the Clock delivers.

What You Need

The equipment requirements for Around the Clock are minimal:

• A standard bristle dartboard — any regulation board with the standard number layout works. The dartboard should be hung with the bullseye at 1.73 metres (5 feet 8 inches) from the floor and the 20 segment at the top.
• A set of 3 darts per player — standard steel-tip darts for bristle boards or soft-tip darts for electronic boards. Weight is a matter of personal preference, but 22 to 26 grams is typical for beginners.
• The oche (throwing line) — mark the throwing distance at 2.37 metres (7 feet 9.25 inches) from the face of the dartboard. Most pubs have a raised strip or tape on the floor for this purpose.

You do not need a scoreboard, chalk, or scoring app. The only thing you need to track is each player’s current target number, which is easy to remember or can be noted on a piece of paper if several people are playing.

Understanding the Dartboard Layout

Before your first game, take a moment to study the dartboard. A standard dartboard has 20 numbered segments arranged in a specific pattern designed to penalise inaccuracy. The numbers do not run sequentially around the board — instead, high numbers are placed next to low numbers. Starting from the top and going clockwise, the order is: 20, 1, 18, 4, 13, 6, 10, 15, 2, 17, 3, 19, 7, 16, 8, 11, 14, 9, 12, 5.

Each numbered segment contains several distinct areas:

• Single area — the two large sections that make up most of each segment. Hitting here scores the face value of the number.
• Double ring — the narrow outer ring at the very edge of the board. Hitting here scores double the number’s value in scoring games.
• Treble ring — the narrow inner ring roughly halfway between the centre and the outer edge. Hitting here scores triple the number’s value in scoring games.
• Outer bull — the green ring around the centre, worth 25 points in scoring games.
• Inner bull (bullseye) — the small red circle at the very centre, worth 50 points in scoring games.

In standard Around the Clock, all areas of a number’s segment count equally. Whether you hit the single, double, or treble of your target number, it counts as a successful hit and you move on. This keeps the game accessible for beginners who are still developing their accuracy.

How to Play Around the Clock

1. Determine the throwing order Each player throws one dart at the bullseye. The player whose dart lands closest to the centre throws first. If there is a tie, those players throw again. In casual games, you can simply agree on an order or flip a coin.
2. Start at number 1 The first player steps up to the oche and throws all three darts at the number 1 segment on the dartboard. If any dart lands in the number 1 area (single, double, or treble), the player has “hit” the 1 and their next target becomes number 2. If all three darts miss the 1, the player’s target remains 1 for their next turn.
3. Advance through the numbers On each subsequent turn, the player throws three darts at their current target number. Crucially, if you hit your target with your first or second dart, you immediately advance to the next number and can aim for it with your remaining darts in the same turn. This means a skilled player can hit two or even three different numbers in a single turn of three darts.
4. Continue from 1 through 20 Work your way through every number on the board in ascending order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. There are no shortcuts and no skipping. You must hit each number before moving to the next.
5. Finish on the bullseye After hitting number 20, the final target is the bullseye. Either the outer bull (the 25 ring) or the inner bull (the 50) counts as a valid hit. The first player to hit the bullseye after completing the full 1–20 sequence wins the game.

That is the entire game. No scoring, no subtraction, no doubling in or out. Just raw accuracy and the ability to find each number on the board.

Example Turn

Suppose it is your turn and your current target is number 7. You step up and throw your three darts:

• First dart: Lands in the single 16 — a miss. The 16 is right next to the 7 on the board, so you were close, but only the 7 counts.
• Second dart: Lands in the treble 7 — a hit. Your target immediately advances to number 8. In scoring games, that treble 7 would be worth 21 points, but in Around the Clock it simply counts as hitting the 7.
• Third dart: You now aim at number 8. The dart lands in the single 8 — another hit. Your target advances to number 9.

You have advanced two numbers in a single turn (from 7 to 9). You collect your darts, and the next player steps up. On your next turn, you will be aiming at number 9.

Winning the Game

The winner is the first player to complete the entire sequence from 1 through 20 and then hit the bullseye. If you are playing solo, the game becomes a personal challenge: try to complete the circuit in as few darts as possible, or time yourself and try to beat your personal record.

The theoretical minimum number of darts to complete Around the Clock is 21 darts (one dart for each number 1–20 plus one for the bullseye), achieved across 7 perfect turns. In practice, even strong club players typically need 30 to 50 darts to finish, while beginners may require 60 or more. Tracking your dart count over time is an excellent way to measure your improvement.

Variants of Around the Clock

The basic game is just the starting point. Once you are comfortable with the standard version, these variants add difficulty and develop specific skills needed for competitive darts.

Doubles Around the Clock

In this variant, you must hit the double segment (the narrow outer ring) of each number to advance. Singles and trebles do not count. This is a significantly harder version that develops the double-finishing accuracy essential for 501, where every game must end on a double. Experienced players use Doubles Around the Clock as a dedicated training exercise before league matches and tournaments.

Completing Doubles Around the Clock in under 100 darts is considered a good session for a club-level player. Professionals can finish in 40 to 60 darts on a good day.

Trebles Around the Clock

The hardest standard variant requires hitting the treble segment (the narrow inner ring) of each number. The treble segments are the smallest scoring areas on the board, making this a serious accuracy challenge. Trebles Around the Clock is used by advanced players to develop the high-scoring consistency needed for professional-level 501 play, where hitting treble 20 (worth 60 points) repeatedly is the foundation of competitive scoring.

Even professional players can struggle with this variant. Completing Trebles Around the Clock in under 80 darts is an impressive achievement at any level.

Doubles and Trebles Combined

For each number, the player must hit the double first, then the treble (or vice versa, agreed before the game starts). This effectively doubles the number of targets from 21 to 41, creating a long and demanding practice session. This variant is typically played solo as a training drill rather than as a competitive game.

Reverse Around the Clock

Start at 20 and work backwards down to 1, then finish on the bullseye. This variant is useful because it forces you to aim at the top of the board first (where 20 sits), which is the area most commonly targeted in competitive darts. It also changes the psychological dynamic: starting with the harder-to-find numbers (for many beginners) means you build momentum as the game progresses.

Speed Around the Clock

Set a timer and see who can complete the circuit fastest. Each player gets a timed solo attempt, throwing continuously without waiting for turns. This variant adds pressure and simulates the time constraints of competitive play. It is especially popular as a warm-up game, with players trying to beat their personal best time before switching to a competitive format.

Shanghai

A competitive variant where all players aim at the same number each round, starting at 1 and progressing to 20. Each player scores the total points they hit on the target number (singles score face value, doubles score double, trebles score triple). The twist: if any player hits a single, double, and treble of the target number in the same turn, they score a “Shanghai” and win immediately. If no Shanghai occurs, the player with the highest total score after 20 rounds wins. Shanghai combines the sequential structure of Around the Clock with genuine competitive scoring.

Why Around the Clock Is the Best Practice Game

Professional darts coaches almost universally recommend Around the Clock as a training tool, and for good reason. Here is what the game teaches you:

Strategy Tips

While Around the Clock is a straightforward game, a few tactical considerations can make a difference, especially in competitive play:

• Do not rush your throw. The most common mistake beginners make is throwing too quickly, especially when they hit their target with the first dart and excitedly throw at the next number. Take a breath, re-aim, and throw with the same deliberate technique every time.
• Learn the board geometry. Numbers on the dartboard are not randomly placed. Knowing which numbers sit next to each other helps you adjust your aim. For example, 6 and 13 are neighbours, so a slight miss on 6 might accidentally land in 13 (useful if 13 is your next target, frustrating if it is not).
• Aim for the centre of the segment. In standard Around the Clock, there is no bonus for hitting the double or treble of your target number. Aim for the largest part of the segment — the single area — to maximise your chances of a hit. Save the narrow rings for the double and treble variants.
• Use a consistent stance. Your feet should be behind the oche in the same position for every throw. Your front foot should point toward the board, with most of your weight on that foot. A consistent stance leads to consistent throws.
• Follow through. After releasing the dart, keep your arm extended and your fingers pointing at the target. A proper follow-through ensures the dart releases smoothly and travels on the intended trajectory.
• Track your totals. Write down the number of darts you use to complete each game. Over weeks and months, this running record becomes your most valuable measure of improvement.

Around the Clock for Groups

Around the Clock is one of the best darts games for group social play. Unlike 501, where skill gaps can lead to lopsided matches, Around the Clock keeps everyone engaged because every player faces the same challenge and progress is visible. When someone finally hits that number they have been stuck on for three turns, the whole group celebrates.

For groups of 4 or more players, consider these adaptations:

• Team play: Divide into two teams. Each team shares a single position on the board, with team members alternating turns. This adds a collaborative element and keeps turns moving quickly.
• Handicapping: Give newer players a head start. For example, beginners start at number 1 while experienced players start at number 5 or 10. This equalises the game without changing the rules.
• Elimination variant: After a set number of rounds (such as 15 or 20), the player who has progressed the least is eliminated. Continue until only one player remains. This adds tension and stakes to the later rounds.

In a pub setting, Around the Clock is ideal as a warm-up game before the group moves on to more competitive formats. It loosens everyone up, settles arguments about who gets to throw first in the main event, and gives beginners in the group a chance to get comfortable with the board before the pressure increases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even in a game as simple as Around the Clock, there are pitfalls that can slow your progress:

• Gripping the dart too tightly. A white-knuckle grip kills accuracy. Hold the dart firmly enough that it does not slip, but loosely enough that your fingers can release smoothly. The dart should leave your hand cleanly without any jerking or snatching.
• Moving your elbow. Your upper arm should remain still during the throw. Only your forearm and wrist should move, creating a smooth, pendulum-like throwing motion. If your elbow drops or swings outward, the dart will fly off course.
• Leaning too far over the oche. While it is tempting to lean forward to get closer to the board, excessive leaning throws off your balance and makes your throwing motion inconsistent. Keep your weight centred and stable.
• Getting frustrated on sticky numbers. Every player has numbers that seem impossible to hit. When you get stuck, resist the urge to throw harder or faster. Maintain your regular technique and trust that consistency will eventually get you through.
• Ignoring the bullseye. Many players cruise through 1–20 only to get stuck on the bullseye for turn after turn. Practise throwing at the bullseye as part of your warm-up so it does not feel unfamiliar when you reach it during the game.

History of Around the Clock

Around the Clock has been played in British pubs for at least 150 years, making it one of the oldest darts games still in regular play. The exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, as pub darts evolved organically across England during the late 19th century, long before any formal rules were written down or any governing body existed.

The game’s enduring popularity comes from its dual role as both a social game and a training tool. In the early days of pub darts, before standardised rules for 501 and Cricket were established, Around the Clock was one of the default games played by casual throwers. As competitive darts developed in the 20th century, the game found a second life as a practice exercise, recommended by coaches and embraced by professional players as part of their training routines.

The alternative name “Around the World” became popular in North America during the mid-20th century, likely because the sequential journey through all 20 numbers evokes the idea of a global circuit. Despite the different name, the rules remained identical on both sides of the Atlantic.

Frequently Asked Questions