180 Around the Clock

Score as many points as possible by throwing three darts at each number from 1 through 20 in sequential order, prioritizing the treble (triple) ring on every target. The game derives its name from the theoretical perfect score of 180 — achieved by hitting the treble segment on all 60 darts across the 20 rounds.

180 Around the Clock is primarily a structured practice discipline designed to test and develop treble accuracy across the entire dartboard, but it functions equally well as a competitive game between two or more players.

Any number of players may participate. A standard bristle dartboard and a set of three darts per player are required. Prepare a scoresheet with columns for each player and rows numbered 1 through 20, plus a running total column.

Players throw one dart each at the bullseye to determine throwing order; the dart nearest the inner bull throws first. In a solo practice session, no order need be established — simply begin at number 1 and work through to 20.

No starting score is recorded. Each player's score begins at 0 and accumulates over the course of 20 rounds.

The game proceeds through 20 rounds, one for each number on the dartboard in ascending order (1, 2, 3, … 20). In each round, a player throws three darts at the current target number. After all three darts have been thrown, the player records their score for that round and moves on to the next number, regardless of the results. There is no requirement to hit the target before advancing.

Only darts landing in a segment of the current target number score points. Darts that land in any other number — including adjacent segments — score zero for that throw. The point values per dart are as follows:

• Treble (triple) ring of the target number = 3 points
• Single segment (large or small) of the target number = 1 point
• Double ring of the target number = 1 point
• Miss the target number entirely = 0 points

Note that the double ring awards only 1 point — the same as a single — because the objective of the game is to reward treble accuracy. Hitting the double ring means the dart was close to the correct segment but missed the treble, and so it receives no bonus.

The maximum score on any single round is 9 points (three trebles). For example, when throwing at number 14, a player who lands one dart in the treble 14, one in the single 14, and one in the single 7 scores 3 + 1 + 0 = 4 points for that round. A player who hits treble 14 with all three darts scores 3 + 3 + 3 = 9 points.

There are no bust rules, no penalty rounds, and no re-throws. Every player completes exactly 20 rounds of three darts each, for a total of 60 darts per game.

Points are accumulated additively across all 20 rounds. The scoring values per dart landing in the target number are:

• Treble: 3 points
• Single (large or small bed): 1 point
• Double: 1 point
• Miss (any other number or off-board): 0 points

The maximum score per round is 9 (three trebles), and the maximum total score for the entire game is 9 × 20 = 180. As a concrete example: if during round 17 a player hits treble 17, double 17, and misses into single 3, the round score is 3 + 1 + 0 = 4 points. If that player's running total was 78 entering the round, it becomes 82.

The following benchmarks are widely used to gauge skill level:

• Beginner: approximately 60 points
• Intermediate: approximately 100 points
• Advanced: 140 points or above

After all players have completed all 20 rounds, the player with the highest cumulative score wins. In the event of a tie, a tiebreak may be played using a single additional round at a mutually agreed target number (e.g., the bullseye), with the highest-scoring round determining the winner.

When played as a solo practice exercise, no opponent is needed — players simply record their total and track improvement over multiple sessions. A score of 180 represents a perfect game.

Half-Board (1–10): Players throw at numbers 1 through 10 only, reducing the game to 10 rounds (30 darts). The maximum score is 90. This shortened format is useful for quicker practice sessions or when time is limited.

Bullseye Finish (1–21): Some versions add the bullseye as a 21st round after number 20. In this round, the inner bullseye counts as a treble (3 points), the outer bullseye counts as a single (1 point), and any other dart scores zero. The maximum score increases to 189.

This game is itself a variant of the broader Around the Clock family of games, which all require players to hit each number in sequence. The distinguishing feature of 180 Around the Clock is its emphasis on the treble ring and its quantitative scoring system, whereas the standard Around the Clock simply requires players to hit each number once to advance.

Track your scores over time: The primary value of 180 Around the Clock is as a measurable practice routine. Record your total after every session and chart your progress. A rising trend confirms that your treble accuracy is genuinely improving across the entire board — not just at your favorite numbers.

Identify weak segments: Review your per-round scores to find which numbers consistently yield low totals. If you score 6 or more on treble 20 but only 1 on treble 3, you know exactly where to focus additional practice. The game's sequential structure exposes weaknesses that free-throw practice can mask.

Commit to the treble on every dart: Since singles and doubles both score only 1 point, there is no tactical incentive to aim for the single bed. Always aim for the treble ring — even on numbers where you feel less confident. Developing the habit of targeting trebles under mild pressure will translate directly to better scoring in 501 and other competitive formats.

Use consistent stance adjustments: Numbers positioned at the edges of the board (e.g., 11 on the far left, 6 on the far right) often require you to shift your stance at the oche. Practice making these adjustments smoothly round by round; the discipline of 180 Around the Clock forces you to throw at every treble, building comfort across all board positions.

Set incremental goals: Rather than chasing a perfect 180, aim to beat your personal best by 5 points each session. Breaking 100 for the first time is a meaningful milestone — it means you are averaging at least 5 points per round, or roughly two hits on the target number (including at least one treble) every visit.