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Round the clock is one of the oldest and most popular darts practice games in existence, and for good reason.
The great news is that when it comes to how to play round the clock darts, It’s simple to learn, endlessly replayable, and genuinely useful for developing accuracy across the entire dartboard.
Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, round the clock is a game that never gets old and here at Throw For 180, we absolutely love it, and a couple of the variations too!
What Is Round the Clock Darts?
Round the clock (also called Round the Board or Around the World) is a darts game where players must hit every number on the dartboard in sequence, from 1 through to 20, finishing on the bullseye.
The aim is to complete the circuit in as few darts as possible, or to complete it before your opponent does. It’s been spoken about by many of the pro darts players, who find this a fun way to get into the groove, at home, or before events.
How to Play Round the Clock Darts: Basic Rules
The rules are straightforward:
- Players take turns throwing three darts per visit
- You must hit each number in order, starting with 1
- Any part of the number scores, single, double, or treble all count
- You can only move to the next number after hitting the current one
- The game ends when a player hits 20 and then the bullseye
- In a solo game, count the total number of darts thrown to complete the circuit
Round the Clock Variations
The basic game is just the starting point. Here are some popular variations to keep things interesting:
Doubles Only
Players must hit the double of each number rather than any part of the segment.
This is significantly harder and is an excellent checkout practice tool, hitting double 1 through to double 20 in order is a serious test of accuracy.
When I learnt how to play round the clock darts with double only, I spent many sessions playing this particular game. It improved my finishing considerably, and not only that, but it also gave me more confidence on less fashionable doubles, which I didn’t practice often.
Trebles Only
Even harder, players must hit the treble of each number in sequence. Finishing in under 40 darts is an impressive achievement for most players.
If you’re wondering how to play round the clock darts with trebles when you don’t have much time, and it takes you a while to hit trebles, you have two options.
The first is to alternate between just playing odd or even numbers each time, and then next time you play targeting the opposite. Or alternatively, with trebles specifically, not doubles, you can half the game by beginning at 10, and going to 20.
It’s rare you’ll need lower numbered trebles, especially those 6 and under, as you can hit a single number to get them, so practice on these is less important.
Shanghai
A variation where players must hit a single, double, and treble of the same number in the same visit (three darts).
This is called a Shanghai and wins the game immediately if achieved. If no Shanghai is hit, the player with the highest score at the end wins.
Killer Round the Clock
A competitive variation where you can block opponents by hitting their current target number before they do on your turn.
Knocking someone back to a previous number adds a tactical element.
Round the Clock Strategy Tips
While the rules are simple, there are genuine strategies to improve your round the clock performance:
Aim for the treble: Even though trebles aren’t required (in the basic game), practising on the treble segments is excellent discipline. If you overshoot slightly you still hit the single, but you’re training the accuracy needed for competitive play.
Group the numbers mentally: Numbers around the board aren’t in sequential order, 1 is next to 20 and 5, 2 is next to 15 and 17. Knowing the board layout helps you anticipate your next target and adjust your aim quickly between numbers.
Don’t rush: Round the clock is a patience game. Rushing leads to sloppy throws. Take your time, especially on the harder numbers like 16, 7, and 19 that are in awkward positions.
Track your personal best: Solo round the clock is an excellent benchmark game. Record your dart count each session and aim to beat it. Most club players can complete the circuit in 25–40 darts; getting below 21 darts is a solid milestone.
How to Play Round the Clock Darts as a Practice Tool
This game is particularly useful for developing accuracy across the whole board rather than just focussing on the treble 20.
Many players who only ever practice on the top of the board find themselves struggling with numbers like 3, 19, and 7 in competitive play. Round the clock forces you to become comfortable with every segment.
Try incorporating 10 minutes of round the clock at the start of every practice session as a warm-up.
It gets your eye in across the board before you move on to more targeted practice. There is a genuine belief that if you learn how to play round the clock darts, your game management and finishing around the board as a whole, will improve for it.
How Long Does a Game of Round the Clock Take?
A solo game typically takes between 10 and 30 minutes depending on your level.
A competitive two-player game is usually faster as the pressure of competition tends to sharpen focus.
It’s a great pub game precisely because it fills a natural time slot between rounds of 501.
Round The Clock Darts: Final Thoughts
Round the clock is a genuinely brilliant darts game, simple enough for complete beginners, deep enough to keep serious players challenged for years.
If you’re not already using it as part of your practice routine, start now. For more darts games and practice tips, browse our Tips and Tutorials section.
For official darts rules and formats, visit the PDC official website.