How to Play Bob’s 27 Darts: Master the Game with Expert Tips
Darts is a game of precision, focus, and strategy, and Bob’s 27 is one of the best practice games to sharpen your doubling skills—a critical ability for games like 501. Whether you’re a casual player or aspiring pro, here’s a human-friendly guide to mastering Bob’s 27, packed with tips to help you stay in the game and boost your confidence.
What is Bob’s 27?
Bob’s 27 is a solo practice game designed to improve accuracy on doubles (the outer ring of the dartboard). The twist? You start with a score of 27 points, and every missed double penalizes you. The goal is to survive all 21 targets (doubles 1–20 and the bullseye) without your score dropping below zero. It’s brutal but brilliant for building consistency.
Rules Made Simple
Starting Score: Begin with 27 points.
Target Order: Throw at doubles in sequential order: Double 1 → Double 2 → … → Double 20 → Bullseye.
Scoring:
Hit the target double? Add its value (e.g., Double 5 = +10 points).
Miss all 3 darts? Subtract the double’s value (e.g., Double 5 = -10 points).
Elimination: If your score hits zero or below, you’re out.
Winning: Survive all targets and finish with the highest score possible.
Pro Tips to Conquer Bob’s 27
1. Start Slow, Stay Calm
Early doubles (1–10) are low-risk but set the tone. Use these rounds to find your rhythm.
Breathe: Tension ruins throws. Relax your grip and shoulders before each dart.
2. Aim for “Safe” Doubles First
Focus on doubles you’re confident hitting (e.g., Double 16, 20, or 8). Build momentum early to cushion against tougher targets later.
3. Master the “Grouping” Technique
If your first dart misses, adjust your next throw based on where it landed. For example:
Dart stuck left? Aim slightly right for the second attempt.
This helps troubleshoot your aim in real time.
4. Survive the Danger Zone (Doubles 15–20)
These high-value doubles can make or break your game. Miss one, and you’ll lose 30–40 points!
Practice these first: Before starting Bob’s 27, spend 5 minutes throwing at Double 16 or 20 to warm up.
5. Bullseye Strategy
The final target (Bullseye) is worth 50 points if hit but costs 50 points if missed.
Play it safe: If your score is low, aim for the outer bull (25 points) to avoid a massive penalty.
6. Track Your Progress
Keep a notebook or app log of your scores. Celebrate small wins, like surviving past Double 10 or hitting a personal best.
7. Mind Over Matter
Fear of elimination messes with focus. Pretend every target is worth the same points—stay neutral, not desperate.
8. Use a “Reset” Routine
After a bad round, step back, shake out your arm, and visualize hitting the next double. Reset mentally instead of rushing.
Why Bob’s 27 Works
This game forces you to confront pressure head-on, just like in a real match. Over time, you’ll notice:
Better muscle memory for doubles.
Improved ability to “bounce back” after misses.
Less anxiety in high-stakes moments.
Final Thought
Bob’s 27 isn’t about winning—it’s about building grit and precision. Even pros get eliminated sometimes! The key is to keep playing, laugh off the tough rounds, and remember: every missed double is a lesson. Grab your darts, take a deep breath, and trust the process. You’ve got this! 🎯
