Darts is one of the most exciting and skill-focused sports played in homes, offices, pubs, and professional arenas worldwide. While there are many different dart games, few are as universally useful and simple to learn as Around the Clock Darts (also known as Around the World Darts). This game requires you to hit every number on the board in order, starting from 1 all the way to 20, with an optional bullseye finish. Despite its ease of play, it is one of the strongest training tools used by both beginners and world-class players.

This in-depth guide will teach you not only how to play, but how to master precision, technique, scoring strategies, variations, equipment choices, biomechanical throwing improvement, practice drills, and elite skills that take you far beyond casual play. Whether you want to play at home with friends, compete in leagues, improve your form, or train for tournaments, mastering Around the Clock darts will dramatically improve your accuracy and confidence.

Why Around the Clock Darts Matters

Around the Clock isn’t just a fun game — it’s one of the few dart formats that forces you to improve accuracy across the entire board. Where many games let you aim only at popular targets like 20, 19, or bullseye, this format demands precision on numbers players usually ignore (such as 5, 12, and 3).

Key Benefits

• Trains specific target accuracy

• Builds board awareness & memory

• Strengthens muscle memory for aim

• Develops rhythm & consistent throws

• Works for kids, beginners, and pros

• No math-heavy scoring required

If you’re new to darts, you’ll also benefit from learning basic aiming rules. Explore these fundamentals later:
🔗 How to aim with darts

Primary Objective of Around the Clock

The rules are simple:

Hit every number in sequence (1 to 20).
The first player to complete the sequence wins.
Some players optionally finish by hitting the bullseye.

Standard Requirements

• You must hit each number in exact order

• Only single segments count

• Each player gets three darts per turn

Optional Finish

Some groups choose to end with:

• Outer bull, or

• Inner bull (harder)

Perfect For:

• Parties

• Family game nights

• Pub groups

• Competitions

• Solo practice at home

Looking for more beginner games?
🔗 Best dart games for beginners

How To Play Around the Clock Darts (Step-by-Step)

For absolute mastery, follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Determine Who Goes First

Each player throws one dart at the bull. The closest goes first.
If tied, repeat until one clearly wins.

Step 2: Aim at Number 1

The first turn begins by hitting the number 1.
If you hit it, you move on to 2 next turn.
If you miss, you stay on 1.

Step 3: Progress Sequentially

Players must hit:
1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10
11 → 12 → 13 → 14 → 15 → 16 → 17 → 18 → 19 → 20 (+ bull if chosen)

Step 4: Three Darts Per Turn

Each player gets three attempts per number.
Once hit, no bonus points for doubles or triples (unless playing advanced mode).

Step 5: Winner Reaches the Last Target

Once someone hits the required final number, they win instantly.

Advanced Game Variations

After mastering the basic game, try these powerful variations:

1. Doubles Only Around the Clock

You can only progress if you hit the double of each number.
Example:

• To pass 1, you must hit double-1

This variation increases difficulty and builds skill needed for Cricket and 501.

2. Triples Only Challenge

You may only advance by hitting triple segments.

This variation dramatically improves aiming accuracy and tournament skill.

3. Sudden Death Backtrack

If you miss all three darts, you must go back one number.

Competitive and punishing — great for skilled players.

4. Bull Finish Requirement

After 20, you must hit:

• Outer bull → then inner bull (optional)

5. One-Dart Speed Round

You get only one dart per number.

Miss it? Move on anyway.
Winner is the one who hits the most numbers.

6. Kids & Beginner Friendly Version

• No strict order: Hit any number only once

• Ignore doubles/triples

• Two darts per number (instead of three)

Want perfect kids boards? Try:
🔗 Best magnetic dart board for adults (also works for kids)

Equipment Required to Play

Dartboard

You can use:

• Steel tip bristle board, or

• Soft tip electronic board

Looking for a perfect board? Check:
🔗 Best professional dart boards

Or if you want a smart board with apps:
🔗 Best Bluetooth dartboards

Darts

Choose based on your board:

• Soft tip darts → use electronic boards

• Steel tip darts → use bristle boards

Upgrade your darts here:
🔗 Best darts for electronic dartboard

Useful Accessories

Explore wall protection tools:
🔗 Best dart board wall protector

Biomechanics of Perfect Throwing (Pro-Level Technique)

Even in a simple game like Around the Clock, mastering throwing mechanics can drastically improve results.

1. Stable Stance

• Stand sideways at an angle

• Dominant foot forward

• Weight slightly forward

• Keep back straight

Dive deeper into stance improvements:
🔗 Improve your darts stance

2. Relaxed Dart Grip

• Grip lightly like a paintbrush

• Use 3–4 fingers

• Avoid choking the barrel

Learn the perfect grip later:
🔗 How to hold a dart

3. Controlled Throw

• Bring dart to eye level

• Focus on the exact segment

• Release gently

• Keep wrist smooth, not flicking

4. Eye Focus Technique

Your dart follows your eyes.
Never look at the board — only at the exact segment.

5. Follow Through

After releasing, your hand should continue toward target.
Do NOT stop short.

Training Drills to Speed Up Mastery

Here are the best training exercises to drastically improve your Around the Clock performance:

Drill 1: 20-Minute Aim Practice

• Spend 10 throws on 20

• 10 throws on 19

• 10 throws on bullseye

Drill 2: Frustration Spots

Note which numbers you frequently miss. Spend 15 minutes hitting only those.

Drill 3: Doubles Practice

Hit each double from 1–10.
This trains for future scoring games and makes Around the Clock variation easier.

7-Day Improvement Program

🚫 25 Mistakes Players Make (And Fixes)

Learn to protect dartboards from damage:
🔗 How to clean and care for dartboard

Around the Clock for Kids & Family

Family Rules

• No strict order

• Two darts per number

• High-fives for bull hits 🎉

Kids Accessories

For safer play:
🔗 Best magnetic dart board for adults

Recommended Products (Smart Picks)

Best Pro-Level Board

• Winmau Blade 6 Dual Core
  🔗 winmau blade 6 dual core

💎 Best Smart Electronic Board

🔗 Viper 797 electronic dartboard review

🎯 Best Lighting Kit

🔗 5 Best dartboard lighting

Printable Score Sheet

AROUND THE CLOCK DARTS SCORE SHEET

Player Name: ____________________

Hit Sequence:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | Bull (optional)

Match Winner: ____________________

Conclusion: Why You Should Master Around the Clock

Around the Clock isn’t just a beginner’s game — it’s a precision-building, accuracy-enhancing, brain-training system used by professional dart players worldwide. By learning to hit every number on the board, you develop essential skills that make every other dart game easier.

Whether your goal is improvement, competition, or simple home fun, this game belongs in your training routine.

👉 If you’re ready to take darts seriously, start practicing daily, upgrade your gear, and try advanced variations. Your skills will skyrocket.

🎯 Now go dominate the board — one number at a time.