Around the Clock Darts: Rules, How to Play & Practice Tips

What is Around the Clock?

Around the Clock — also known as 'Around the World' or simply 'Clock' — is one of the oldest and most widely known darts games in the world. The game has no officially known inventor; it grew organically as a popular practice method in clubs and homes, likely as old as the sport of darts itself. The name refers to the clock hands moving around the numbers of the board.

The game suits a single player as a solo practice drill, but also works excellently for two to eight or more players as a competitive race. In casual settings it is often played as a warm-up before more serious 501 games. In competitive settings Around the Clock is sometimes played with time limits per turn or stricter rules about which segments count, keeping it challenging for advanced players as well.

Basic rules

The basic rules of Around the Clock are straightforward. Every player starts at number 1. You must hit the current target number before you can advance to the next. In the standard variant any segment of the target number counts: single, double and triple are all valid. Miss the target number? You stay on the same number and try again next turn.

After number 20 you must hit the bullseye to finish the game. In most variants both the outer bull (25) and the inner bull (50) count as valid for finishing. Some players agree that only the inner bull (bullseye) is valid for finishing, which makes the game harder.

Each player throws three darts per turn. If you hit multiple target numbers in one turn — for example you hit 1 with the first dart and 2 with the second — you may immediately advance to 2 (or even 3 if you hit that too) within the same turn. This makes good turns especially powerful and creates moments of excitement when a player ticks off multiple numbers in one go.

Gameplay walkthrough

Suppose two players are playing Around the Clock. Player A throws first. Turn 1: dart 1 hits single 1 — advance to 2. Dart 2 misses 2 entirely. Dart 3 hits single 2 — advance to 3. After turn 1 player A is on number 3. Player B throws: dart 1 hits triple 1 — triple counts as a hit in standard form, so advance to 2. Dart 2 hits double 2 — advance to 3. Dart 3 misses 3. Player B is also on 3.

The game continues alternately until one player has completed all numbers 1 through 20 and then hits the bullseye. The typical duration of a game between two recreational players ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on skill level and the variant being played.

A convenient way to track where each player stands: write the names at the top and draw a line or note the current target number after each turn. For solo practice: record the total number of darts you need to complete all 21 targets (1–20 + bull). An average player needs 40–80 darts; advanced players complete it in 25–40 darts.

Variants of Around the Clock

The standard variant accepts any segment of the target number. This is the most widely played version and ideal for beginners. However there are several popular variants that adjust the game for different skill levels or objectives.

• Strict singles

  Only a single counts. Doubles and triples are not valid. This forces you to consistently hit the narrow single segments and is an excellent accuracy drill.

• Doubles/triples required

  You must hit the target number via a double or triple. For advanced players who want to increase precision on the outer ring and triple segments.

• Timed variant

  Each player has a fixed time per turn (e.g. 30 seconds). Miss the clock? You lose your remaining darts for that turn. Trains decision speed and concentration under pressure.

• Reverse

  Start at 20 and work back to 1, finishing on bullseye. Ideal as a complement to the standard order to give more attention to the less-practised low numbers.

Around the Clock as a practice drill

Many darts players waste hours throwing mindlessly at T20. Around the Clock is a better investment of practice time because it forces you to master every segment of the board. In a competitive 501 game you regularly encounter situations where you need specific numbers for checkouts — numbers you never practise if you only throw T20.

The most valuable way to use Around the Clock as a practice drill: record the total number of darts needed to complete all 21 targets. Do this each practice session. Over weeks you will see this number drop as you improve. A player who goes from 70 darts to 45 darts in six weeks has demonstrably improved on every sector of the board — not just T20.

Combine Around the Clock with 501 training for maximum results. An effective 45-minute session: start with 2 rounds of Around the Clock (record your total dart count), then play 3 games of 501 while tracking your 3-dart average via ScoreApp. The Around the Clock session warms up all your board segments; the 501 session trains checkouts and pressure. This is a proven combination for structural improvement.

Around the Clock with multiple players

With two or more players Around the Clock becomes a race. Each player takes turns; the first to hit the bullseye after completing all numbers 1 through 20 wins. This race format works excellently for groups of two to six players and creates tension until the end, because a player who falls behind can always catch up with a good turn.

Handicapping for stronger players: if skill levels vary widely, you can let beginners start at a lower number (e.g. 1) while advanced players must start from 5 or even 10. Another option: advanced players must close each number via a double or triple while beginners use standard rules. This makes the game more competitive and inclusive for mixed groups.

For tournament-style play: have all players play two or three rounds of Around the Clock and add up the total dart counts. The lowest total score wins the tournament. This is a fairer measurement than race format when skill levels are close, because it reveals small but consistent differences in accuracy across multiple rounds.

Tips to improve your Around the Clock

Analyse your miss patterns per segment. If you consistently struggle with specific numbers — many players have trouble with 1, 4, 9 and the smaller segments — note which numbers cost you the most darts. Direct your practice sessions at those weak segments instead of starting at 1 and simply waiting until you reach your problem segment.

Use consistent aiming points. For every number on the board you need a consistent mental aiming point. Do not aim at 'the number' but at a specific point within the segment — e.g. the centre of single 7. Players with a clear mental aiming point for every segment score an average of 15–20% more hits than players who aim vaguely at the area.

Keep a progress log. After each Around the Clock session record the total dart count. Note which numbers cost the most effort. After four weeks of daily training you will have a clear picture of your improvement curve and can see whether specific numbers still need extra attention. This is the most direct way to prove — to yourself — that you are getting better.

Frequently asked questions