A1 Routine

Complete a structured solo practice routine by hitting each of nine target numbers — 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, and Bull — a total of five times each, cycling through the sequence in as few rounds as possible. The A1 Routine is a comprehensive board-coverage assessment designed to develop grouping ability, consistency, and familiarity with the key scoring regions of the dartboard.

A standard bristle dartboard and a set of three darts are required. This is a solo practice routine — no opponent is needed. Prepare a scoresheet (paper or electronic) listing the nine target numbers in order: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, Bull. Next to each number, leave space to tally up to 5 marks (hits). Also reserve a column or area to record the total number of rounds completed.

The routine originates from George Silberzahn's instructional book DARTS – From Beginning to End and is sometimes referred to as the A1 Practice or A1 Drill.

The routine proceeds in rounds. Each round consists of one visit (three darts) at each of the nine target numbers, taken in descending order: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, then Bull.

On each visit, throw all three darts at the current target number. The following threshold determines whether your visit counts:

• If you hit the target 2 or more times out of your 3 darts, each hit is recorded as a mark on that number.
• If you hit the target only once or not at all, the visit counts as a miss — no marks are recorded for that number on this visit, and you move on to the next target.

Any segment of the target number counts as a hit — single, double, or triple. For the Bull target, both the outer bull (25) and the inner bull (50) count as hits.

Once a target number accumulates 5 marks, it is closed and is skipped on subsequent rounds. After you have attempted all unclosed numbers in a round, that round is complete. Begin the next round by returning to the lowest-numbered unclosed target (starting from 20 and working down).

Example: On your first visit to 20, you throw three darts and hit single 20, treble 20, and single 5. You hit the target 2 out of 3 times, so you record 2 marks on 20. You then move on to 19. If on your visit to 19 you hit only one single 19 and miss with the other two darts, that visit is a miss — you record 0 marks on 19 and proceed to 18.

Scoring in the A1 Routine tracks two metrics:

• Marks per target: Tally each valid hit on a target number. A number is closed once it reaches 5 marks. For example, if across three rounds you record 2, 0, and 3 marks on the number 17, that number is closed (2 + 0 + 3 = 5).
• Total rounds: Count how many complete rounds (full cycles through all unclosed targets) it takes to close all nine numbers. This is your overall performance score — fewer rounds equals better performance.

Optionally, you may also track your hit/miss ratio per target to identify which numbers need the most work. For instance, if you close 20 in just one round but need four rounds to close 14, that highlights an area for focused practice.

The routine is complete when all nine target numbers (20–13 and Bull) have been closed with 5 marks each (45 total marks). There is no opponent to defeat; the goal is to minimize the number of rounds required. Record your round count after each session and track it over weeks and months to measure improvement.

As a benchmark, completing the routine in fewer rounds indicates stronger grouping and consistency. Comparing session-to-session results provides an objective measure of progress across the key scoring areas of the board.

Beginner A1 (Reduced Marks): Lower the closing threshold from 5 marks to 3 marks per target. This makes the routine shorter and more approachable for newer players while still developing the same fundamental skills.

Custom Target Selection: Replace some or all of the standard target numbers with numbers you find personally challenging. For example, a player who struggles with the left side of the board might substitute targets like 11, 9, or 6 for some of the standard numbers, turning the routine into a tailored weakness-correction drill.

Make your first dart count: If your first dart hits the target, the probability of hitting it with the remaining two darts increases significantly due to grouping — your subsequent darts tend to land near the first. Focus intently on the first throw of each visit to set the tone.

Prioritize rhythm over speed: The A1 Routine rewards repeatable, consistent throwing mechanics. Establish a steady cadence — step up, sight, and release in the same way every time. Rushing leads to erratic grouping and more missed visits.

Use the results diagnostically: After completing the routine, review which numbers took the most rounds to close. These are your weak zones. Dedicate extra practice time to those specific targets before your next A1 session.

Track your scores over time: The real value of the A1 Routine lies in longitudinal data. Keep a log of your total rounds per session. A downward trend over weeks confirms that your board coverage and consistency are genuinely improving, not just fluctuating.

Treat the Bull as its own challenge: The Bull target requires a different aim point and release angle than the numbered segments. When you reach Bull in each round, consciously reset your stance and focus — do not simply carry over your rhythm from the numbered targets without adjustment.