You pick up three darts, stare at the number 1, and make a deal with yourself — you are not moving to 2 until you hit it. That single rule is all you need to understand Around the Clock darts. Simple on the surface, endlessly useful underneath.
Around the Clock — also called Around the World or Round the Board — is one of the most popular darts practice games ever created. Whether you are a complete beginner learning the board or an experienced player sharpening your accuracy, this game challenges every segment of the dartboard in a way that 501 simply never does.
What Is Around the Clock Darts?
Around the Clock is a darts game where players must hit every number from 1 to 20 in order, then finish on the bullseye. You cannot advance to the next number until you successfully hit your current target. Therefore, if you are stuck on 7 and throw three darts without hitting it, you stay on 7 for your next visit.
The name itself comes from the dartboard layout. Because the numbers circle the board — much like a clock face — working through them in sequence literally takes you “around the clock.” Additionally, some players know this game as Around the World or Round the Board, but the rules remain the same regardless of what you call it.
Unlike 501 or Cricket, Around the Clock does not require a double to finish. Instead, the first player to complete the full sequence — 1 through 20, then the bull — wins the game outright.
Around the Clock Darts Rules — The Complete Breakdown
Equipment You Need
Around the Clock requires nothing beyond a standard bristle dartboard and three darts per player. No special setup, no modified scoring system, and no specialist equipment. As a result, it is one of the most accessible darts games you can play anywhere a board is mounted.
The standard dartboard height (bullseye at 1.73 metres from the floor) and throwing distance (2.37 metres from the board face) apply exactly as they do in any other darts format.
How to Decide Who Goes First
Players typically determine the throwing order with a single dart each at the bullseye. The player whose dart lands closest to the centre goes first. Alternatively, a coin flip works perfectly well for casual games.
The Basic Rules of Around the Clock Darts
- Players take turns throwing three darts per visit
- Each player starts on number 1 and must hit it before moving to 2
- Numbers must be hit in numerical order — you cannot skip ahead
- Any segment of the target number counts — single, double, or triple
- After hitting 20, players must finish by hitting the bullseye
- The first player to complete the full sequence wins
The rule that makes this game genuinely challenging is rule four combined with the no-skipping requirement. Even the most experienced players occasionally get stuck on numbers like 3, 6, or 17 — segments that receive far less practice time than the top-end numbers.
What Counts as a Hit?
In the standard version, any part of the target number’s segment counts. Therefore, a single 14, double 14, or triple 14 all advance you from 14 to 15. Doubles and trebles do not let you skip numbers in the standard rules — they simply confirm the hit and move you on.
However, some players play a variation where hitting a double allows you to skip the next number, and hitting a triple lets you skip two numbers ahead. This variation significantly speeds up the game for experienced players.
How to Score Around the Clock Darts
Standard Version — First to Finish Wins
In the most common version, there is no numerical score. The winner is simply the first player to complete the sequence from 1 to 20 and then hit the bullseye. This version prioritises speed and works perfectly for two or more players competing head-to-head.
Tracking progress is straightforward. Each player’s current number is their position in the sequence. When you hit your number, you advance; when you miss, you stay. No calculator needed.
The 180 Scoring Version — Points-Based Play
An excellent variation tracks actual points rather than just sequence completion. In this version, each player scores points based on which segment they hit on every target number:
| Segment Hit | Points Scored |
|---|---|
| Single | 1 point |
| Double | 1 point (counts as a hit, but scores 1) |
| Triple | 3 points |
| Outer Bull | 1 point |
| Inner Bull (Bullseye) | 2 points |
The maximum possible score is 180 — hence the name “180 Around the Clock.” Achieving this requires hitting a treble on every single number from 1 to 20, plus the inner bullseye at the finish. In practice, intermediate players typically score between 25 and 45 per round, while advanced players regularly hit 60 to 80.
This scoring version works brilliantly as a solo practice format. Set yourself a target — for example, 60 points — and aim to beat it every session. Over time, your score will improve and you will have concrete evidence of your accuracy progress.
Solo Practice Tracking
For solo players, the most useful metric is the number of darts required to complete the full sequence. Most recreational players need between 60 and 100 darts. Intermediate players typically finish in 40 to 60. Advanced players who use Around the Clock as a warm-up routine regularly complete the board in 25 to 35 darts. The goal is simply to reduce that number over time.
Around the Clock Darts Variations Worth Trying
Doubles Only
In this variation, only the double ring counts as a valid hit. Single segments and trebles do not advance your position — you must hit the precise outer thin band of each number. As a result, Doubles Only is one of the most demanding accuracy challenges in recreational darts and directly builds the double-hitting skill that decides 501 matches.
Trebles Only
Similarly, Trebles Only requires you to hit the inner thin ring of each number to advance. This version is genuinely difficult even for experienced players and works best as an advanced training drill rather than a competitive game.
Doubles and Trebles Skip
A popular speed variation where doubles let you skip one number and trebles let you skip two. For example, if you are on 11 and hit double 11, you advance to 13. Consequently, experienced players can complete the board much faster, which makes the game more competitive when skill levels are mismatched.
Around the Clock With Handicap
When players have significantly different skill levels, a handicap system keeps the game competitive. The advanced player might be restricted to hitting only trebles or only doubles, while the beginner plays the standard rules. Alternatively, the stronger player starts at a higher number — say, 5 or 6 — while the beginner starts at 1.
Around the Clock vs Other Practice Darts Games
| Feature | Around the Clock | Cricket | 501 | Shanghai |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full board coverage | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (7 segments) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Suitable for beginners | ✅ Very | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Yes |
| Strategy involved | Low | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Solo-friendly | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Helps doubles practice | With variation | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Typical game length | 10–20 min | 15–25 min | 5–15 min | 10–15 min |
Pro Tips for Around the Clock Darts
Aim for the treble, even in standard mode. Even though a treble only counts as one hit in the standard version, the habit of targeting the smaller segment improves your precision on every other number. When you regularly aim for treble 8 instead of just the 8 segment, hitting single 8 feels effortless.
Track your dart count every session. Whether you play solo or competitively, write down how many darts you needed to complete the board. Over several weeks, you will notice a clear downward trend that confirms your improvement.
Spend extra time on your weak numbers. Most players know their problem segments — commonly 3, 6, 14, or 17, which cluster in less-practised areas of the board. Before starting your Around the Clock session, throw 10 darts specifically at each of your weakest numbers. This targeted warmup pays off during the game.
Play the Doubles Only version once a week. Even if it frustrates you initially, the Doubles Only variation builds checkout accuracy faster than almost any other drill. Professional players include double practice in every session, and Around the Clock Doubles Only forces you to do the same.
Use Around the Clock as a warm-up before 501. Many experienced players run through a quick Around the Clock sequence before starting a serious 501 session. It warms up every part of your throwing mechanics across the full board, rather than allowing you to settle into the triple 20 groove too early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Around the Clock Darts
Can you skip numbers in Around the Clock darts?
In the standard rules, no — you must hit each number in order before advancing. However, some popular variations allow doubles to skip one number and trebles to skip two. Always agree on the rules before the first dart is thrown.
Does a double or treble count as a hit in standard Around the Clock?
Yes. In standard Around the Clock, any segment of the target number counts — single, double, or treble. They all advance you to the next number. The distinction only matters in the scoring version or specific variations.
Can you play Around the Clock by yourself?
Absolutely. Around the Clock is one of the best solo darts practice games available. Solo players typically track either the number of darts needed to complete the board or their total score in the points-based version. Both metrics improve clearly over time with regular practice.
Do you have to finish on the bullseye?
In most versions, yes — after hitting 20, you must hit the bullseye to win. Some casual games allow either the outer bull or inner bull to count as a valid finish. Others require the inner bullseye specifically for a harder challenge. Agree on this rule before you start.
How long does Around the Clock darts take to play?
Game length depends heavily on skill level. Between two recreational players, expect 15 to 25 minutes. Between experienced players, 10 to 15 minutes is typical. Solo practice rounds generally take 10 to 20 minutes.
How many players can play Around the Clock?
There is no upper limit. Two players works perfectly, but three, four, or even larger groups play Around the Clock just as easily. Each player simply takes their turn in the agreed sequence and works through their own position on the board independently.
Is Around the Clock good for beginners?
It is genuinely one of the best beginner darts games available. Because it forces you to hit every number on the board rather than fixating on triple 20, it builds balanced accuracy that makes you a better all-round player. Additionally, the rules are simple enough to understand in under two minutes.
Wrapping Up
Around the Clock darts earns its reputation as the ultimate practice game by doing something no other format does quite as well — it forces you to visit every corner of the board. Whether you play the standard first-to-finish version, track your score in the 180 points format, or challenge yourself with Doubles Only, every session builds the kind of full-board accuracy that pays dividends in 501, Cricket, and every other darts format you play. Pick up your darts, start at 1, and do not move on until you hit it.
