Around the Clock is one of the oldest dart games: hit every number from 1 to 20 in sequential order, then the bullseye in some variants. Any segment (single, double, or treble) of the current target counts as a valid hit. This guide covers the core rules, popular variants including doubles-only, and tips for building board accuracy.
What Is Around the Clock?
Around the Clock (also called Round the Clock or Around the World) is one of the oldest and most universally known dart games. The objective is simple: hit every number on the dartboard from 1 to 20 in sequential order. First player to finish wins. It is an ideal game for beginners learning the board layout and for experienced players warming up before a serious session.
What do you need to play Around the Clock?
The game uses a standard dartboard and each player throws three darts per turn. Players can compete head-to-head or play solo against the clock. No scorekeeping of points is needed: just track which number each player is currently targeting. 9Darter manages this automatically.
How do you play Around the Clock?
- Every player starts on number 1. Use a standard dartboard. Each player throws three darts per turn. All players begin targeting number 1.
- Hit your current target number. Any dart that lands in any segment (single, double, or treble) of your current target number counts as a hit. You advance to the next number.
- You may advance multiple numbers in one turn. If you hit 1 with the first dart, 2 with the second, and 3 with the third, you move directly to targeting 4. Once you've hit your current number, subsequent darts in that turn target the next number.
- First player to hit number 20 wins. In solo play, your goal is to complete the circuit in as few total darts as possible.
How do you win Around the Clock?
The first player to hit number 20 (completing the sequence from 1 to 20) wins the game. In solo play, your goal is to complete the circuit in as few turns or total darts as possible, a great metric to track your improvement over time.
What are the Around the Clock variants?
Doubles only: players must hit the double ring of each number to advance. Significantly harder and a useful precision drill.
Trebles only: players must hit the treble ring of each number. An advanced variant for experienced players.
Around the Clock with bullseye: after reaching 20, players must also finish on the bullseye (inner or outer) to win. Adds a tense finale.
Killer variant: if a player hits another player's current number, that player is sent back a set number of positions. Adds a competitive sabotage element in multi-player games.
| Variant | Valid Hit | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Any segment (single, double, or treble) | Beginner |
| Doubles only | Must hit the double ring of each number | Intermediate |
| Trebles only | Must hit the treble ring of each number | Advanced |
| With bullseye finish | After 20, must also finish on the bullseye | Any level |
What are the best Around the Clock strategy tips?
- Aim for the segment, not the scoring band. Any part of the number segment advances you. In the standard game, a wide, confident throw beats a tight, nervous one aimed at the treble.
- Use doubles and trebles to skip ahead. Hitting the double or treble of your current number still counts as one hit and advances you by one, but if you're playing the doubles-only variant, they're essential.
- Stay relaxed through the run. Numbers 1 and 20 are on opposite sides of the board; the sequence covers the full face. Even pacing throughout the circuit is better than sprinting and stalling.
Play Around the Clock with 9Darter
9Darter tracks each player's current target number, updates it automatically after each hit, and shows the full board state at a glance. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, the app keeps the game running smoothly.