If you’ve ever watched someone practise darts in a pub or at home, chances are you’ve seen them playing Around the Clock. It’s one of the oldest and most widely used practice games in darts, and for good reason. It’s simple to understand, easy to track, and forces you to hit every number on the board.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player looking to sharpen your accuracy, Around the Clock offers a structured way to work on your game without overcomplicating things.
How to Play Around the Clock
The rules are straightforward. You start at number 1 and work your way around the board in order, finishing at 20. Each number must be hit before you can move on to the next. You can use all three darts per turn, and any segment of the number counts, whether it’s a single, double or treble.
Once you hit the required number, you move on. If you don’t hit it with any of your three darts, you try again in your next turn. The game ends when you successfully hit 20.
Some players add the bullseye at the end for an extra challenge. Others include the outer bull as well, making the full sequence 1 through 20, outer bull, then bullseye.
Why Around the Clock Works
The beauty of this game lies in its coverage. Unlike treble 20 practice, which focuses on one small area of the board, Around the Clock forces you to adjust your aim constantly. You’ll throw at the top, bottom, left and right of the board, often in quick succession.
This variety helps build muscle memory for different release points and arm angles. Over time, your brain learns to calibrate adjustments more quickly, which translates into better accuracy during matches.
It also highlights weaknesses. Most players have numbers they consistently struggle with. Around the Clock exposes these gaps clearly, giving you something specific to work on.
Variations to Keep It Interesting
Once the standard game becomes too easy, there are plenty of ways to increase the difficulty.
Doubles Only is a popular variation. Instead of hitting any segment, you must hit the double of each number to progress. This is significantly harder and provides excellent checkout practice.
Trebles Only works the same way but targets the treble ring. It’s brutal, but incredibly effective for improving your grouping on high-value segments.
Timed Runs add pressure. Set a stopwatch and try to complete the full sequence as quickly as possible. Track your best times and aim to beat them. This introduces a competitive element even when practising alone.
Reverse Order starts at 20 and works down to 1. It sounds simple, but the change in direction can feel surprisingly different and keeps your brain engaged.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
Consistency matters more than speed. Rushing through the numbers might feel productive, but taking your time to throw with proper technique will yield better results in the long run. Focus on your stance, grip and release with every dart.
Track your progress. Note how many darts it takes you to complete the full sequence. Over weeks and months, you should see that number decrease. Some players keep a notebook or spreadsheet for this purpose.
Don’t skip the numbers you hate. If you always struggle with 19 or 14, resist the temptation to give up after one or two misses. Those are the numbers that need the most attention.
Mix it up with other games. Around the Clock is excellent, but variety keeps practice fresh. Combine it with other routines to work on different aspects of your game.
Final Thoughts
Around the Clock has stood the test of time for a reason. It’s accessible, effective and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re warming up before a match or putting in a dedicated practice session, it’s a reliable way to sharpen your accuracy across the entire board.
Start simple, track your progress, and add variations as you improve. Before long, you’ll notice the difference when it matters most.
Ready to put it into practice? Try our free Around the Clock practice game to track your progress and sharpen your accuracy.