Bob's 27 is a solo practice game designed to sharpen double-hitting accuracy under pressure. Start with 27 points and target doubles 1 through 20 in sequence: hit the double and add its value; miss all three darts and the value is subtracted. This guide covers the full rules, scoring system, early elimination rule, and training tips.
What Is Bob's 27?
Bob's 27 (also known simply as "27s") is a solo practice game specifically designed to develop double-hitting accuracy. It was popularised by the legendary Bob Anderson (World Darts Champion in 1988), hence the name. The game targets doubles 1 through 20 in sequence, forcing you to hit every double on the board under consistent, accumulating pressure.
Unlike warm-up routines that only reward good throws, Bob's 27 punishes misses by deducting from your score. This makes it one of the most honest indicators of doubles consistency in darts.
How do you set up Bob's 27?
Bob's 27 is a solo game. You start with a score of 27 points. No opponent, no turn limit: just you and the board, moving sequentially from double 1 to double 20. 9Darter tracks your running total automatically throughout the game.
How do you play Bob's 27?
- Start with 27 points. Bob's 27 is a solo game. Your running score begins at 27 points. There is no opponent.
- Target double 1 first. Throw all three darts at double 1. For each dart that hits the target double, add the double's value to your score (D1 = 2 points per dart). If you miss all three darts, subtract the double's value instead.
- Progress through doubles 2 to 20 in sequence. Each round targets the next double in order. The value added or deducted equals the double's face value: D5 = 10 points per dart, D20 = 40 points per dart.
- Avoid dropping to zero. If your score reaches zero or below at any point, the game ends immediately before you reach double 20.
- Finish after double 20. Your final score after the D20 round is your result. The goal is a positive score; the higher the better.
Example on the D5 round: if you hit two darts on D5 and miss one, you add 10 + 10 = 20 to your score. If you miss all three darts, you subtract 10 from your score.
Scoring Reference (selected rounds)
| Round | Target Double | Points per Hit | Deduction if All Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D1 | +2 | −2 |
| 2 | D2 | +4 | −4 |
| 5 | D5 | +10 | −10 |
| 10 | D10 | +20 | −20 |
| 15 | D15 | +30 | −30 |
| 20 | D20 | +40 | −40 |
How do you win or lose Bob's 27?
The game ends after the D20 round. Your final score is whatever you have accumulated. There is no fixed winning score: the goal is to finish with a positive score and improve your total with each session.
If your score drops to zero or below at any point during the game, the game is over early (in the traditional rules). This is a brutal but effective motivator: miss too many doubles in the early rounds and you don't even reach D20.
Why is Bob's 27 effective for darts training?
Most practice routines reward consistency without consequence. Bob's 27 introduces a risk-reward dynamic: every miss matters financially to your score. This mirrors the pressure of finishing in a real X01 game, where missing a checkout dart is immediately punishing. Regular Bob's 27 sessions are a proven way to tighten double accuracy under simulated pressure.
What are the best Bob's 27 strategy tips?
- Prioritise early doubles. D1 through D5 have small values, misses are cheap. D15 through D20 are expensive; arriving at them with a healthy score gives you breathing room.
- Three darts, three chances. Even if your first two darts miss, stay calm on the third. One hit saves you from a deduction.
- Track your sessions. Keep a log of your finishing score over time. A consistent upward trend is the true measure of improvement.
Play Bob's 27 with 9Darter
9Darter automates the Bob's 27 scoring: input how many darts you hit on each double and the app instantly updates your total, including deductions. Focus entirely on your throw rather than mental arithmetic.