Ace

Ace is an electronic dartboard training game in which players attempt to hit a randomly assigned target number each round. The goal is to accumulate the highest total score across all rounds by consistently landing darts on whichever segment the machine selects. Because the target changes every round, Ace tests a player's versatility and ability to hit any segment on the board on demand.

Ace requires an electronic dartboard (notably featured on Arachnid-brand boards such as the CricketPro series) and soft-tip darts. The game supports 2 or more players.

Before play begins, select the number of rounds. Ace is configurable from 3 to 12 rounds; a common default is 8 rounds, though players should agree on the round count before starting. The electronic board handles all scorekeeping and random target assignment automatically. Throwing order is typically determined by the board's player-registration sequence or by each player throwing one dart at the bullseye, with the closest throwing first.

At the start of each round, the electronic dartboard randomly selects and displays a target number. All players must aim at that target during the round. Each player throws three darts per turn as usual.

Only darts that land on the assigned target number score points. Any dart landing in a segment other than the designated target scores nothing for that throw — it is simply a miss, with no penalty beyond the lost opportunity.

• Single of the target number = 1 point
• Double (outer narrow ring) of the target number = 2 points
• Triple (inner narrow ring) of the target number = 3 points
• Outer bullseye (when the bull is the assigned target) = 4 points
• Inner bullseye (when the bull is the assigned target) = 6 points

Once all players have thrown their three darts for the current round, a new random target is generated for the next round and play continues.

For example, if the board assigns 17 as the target and a player lands one dart in the single 17, one in the triple 17, and one in the single 20, that player scores 1 + 3 + 0 = 4 points for the round. The dart in single 20 scores nothing because 20 is not the assigned target.

Points are awarded exclusively for darts that land on the designated target segment for each round. The point values are fixed regardless of the face value of the target number:

• Single: 1 point
• Double: 2 points
• Triple: 3 points
• Outer bull (single bull): 4 points (only when bull is the target)
• Inner bull (double bull): 6 points (only when bull is the target)

The maximum score per round is 9 points — achieved by landing all three darts in the triple of the assigned target (3 + 3 + 3 = 9). If the bullseye is the assigned target, the maximum is 18 points (three inner bulls at 6 points each), though hitting three inner bulls is exceptionally difficult.

Each player's score accumulates across all rounds. For instance, in an 8-round game, if a player scores 4, 6, 3, 9, 1, 2, 6, and 5 across the eight rounds, their final total is 36 points.

After all rounds have been completed, the player with the highest cumulative score wins. The electronic board will display the final standings automatically. In the event of a tie, players should agree before the game whether to play one additional sudden-death round (with a new random target) or accept the draw. Most casual play simply awards a shared victory.

Variable Round Count: The primary configurable element in Ace is the number of rounds, which can be set anywhere from 3 to 12. Shorter games (3–5 rounds) play quickly and suit warm-up sessions, while longer games (8–12 rounds) provide a more thorough test of all-around accuracy and reduce the influence of luck in target assignment.

Because Ace is an electronic dartboard game native to the Arachnid platform, no widely recognized steel-tip or manual-scoreboard adaptations have been formally codified. Players wishing to replicate the game on a standard bristle board can use a random number generator (1–20, plus bull) to assign targets and keep score manually using the same point values.

Practice every segment, not just your favorites: Because the target is randomly assigned, Ace ruthlessly exposes weaknesses. Incorporate full-board practice into your routine — throw three darts at each number 1 through 20 and the bull during warm-ups so no target catches you off guard.

Always aim for the triple: With the triple worth 3 points versus 1 for a single, the optimal strategy is to aim at the triple ring of the assigned target on every throw. Even if you miss the triple and hit the single, you still score. A round of three triples (9 points) is worth the same as nine singles — except you only get three darts.

Adjust your stance for unfamiliar targets: Targets on the far left or right of the board (such as 11 or 6) require a different sightline. Shift your position on the oche slightly to give yourself a more natural throwing angle rather than forcing an awkward reach across the board.

Use Ace as a diagnostic tool: Track your per-target scores over multiple games. If you consistently score 0–1 on certain numbers, those segments need dedicated practice. Ace is as much a training game as a competition — treat your scorecards as a practice roadmap.