Darts game rules · Around the Clock
Around the Clock darts rules explained
Around the Clock is the simplest darts game and a popular practice routine: once around the board, from 1 to 20 and finally the bull. Whoever gets through first wins.
- Targets: 1 to 20, then the bull
- Alone or against each other
- Good for beginners
How to play
- Everyone starts at 1. Only once it is hit do you move on to 2, then 3 and so on.
- Only the current target counts; single, double and triple are worth the same.
- After 20 the bull must be hit as well (25 or 50).
- Whoever completes all targets first wins.
Variants
- Doubles only: only the double of the target counts, the bull 50 at the end - good double practice.
- Triples only: only the triple counts, the bull 25 or 50 at the end.
- Without the bull: the game already ends with 20.
- Skips: a double moves you on 2 numbers, a triple 3; the last target (20 or the bull) must still be hit itself.
Around the Clock example
Anna is on 7. Her first dart hits the 7, so the 8 is next; the second hits the 8, on to the 9. The third lands in the 12 and doesn’t count. Her next visit continues with the 9.
Around the Clock tips
- Aim for the large single segments - that is the safest.
- With “doubles only” the game turns into double practice: exactly the segments you need to check out in X01.
- Played alone: count how many rounds you need and try to beat it every time.
Around the Clock FAQ
Does a double count twice?
No, single, double and triple of the target count the same - except with the “skips” variant, where a double moves you 2 numbers and a triple 3.
Can you play Around the Clock alone?
Yes, it is one of the most popular practice routines. The app shows the round, so you can track your progress.