Big Bull

Big Bull is a Count-Up variant in which the entire area inside the treble ring is treated as a bullseye, scoring 50 points per hit. The inner bullseye becomes a Super Bull worth 70 points. The goal is to accumulate the highest possible score over 8 rounds of three darts each, taking advantage of the dramatically enlarged high-scoring zone.

Big Bull is designed for play on an electronic dartboard (notably the DARTSLIVE platform). The game supports 2 to 4 individual players, or 3 to 8 players when playing in doubles/teams. Each match consists of 8 rounds, with every player throwing 3 darts per round — for a total of 24 darts per player.

All players begin with a score of 0. The scoreboard should display each player's cumulative total, updated after every round. Determine throwing order by any agreed-upon method — a common approach is for each player to throw a single dart at the bullseye, with the closest dart earning the right to throw first.

Players take turns throwing three darts per round. Each dart's value is added to the player's running total. The critical twist in Big Bull is the redefined scoring zones inside the treble ring:

• Inner single segments (the area between the treble ring and the bullseye rings) — all score 50 points, regardless of which number segment they fall in.
• Outer bull (single bull) — scores 50 points, as in standard play.
• Inner bull (double bull / Super Bull) — scores 70 points.

All areas outside the treble ring score at their normal dartboard values:

• Single segment (outer single between the treble ring and double ring) = face value (1–20)
• Treble ring = 3× face value (3–60)
• Double ring (outer narrow ring) = 2× face value (2–40)
• Darts landing outside the scoring area (off the board or in the outer non-scoring zone) = 0 points

For example, if a player's dart lands in the inner single area of the 5 segment (normally worth 5 points), it scores 50 points in Big Bull. A dart landing in the treble 20 ring still scores its standard 60 points. A dart that finds the inner bullseye scores the coveted 70-point Super Bull.

There are no bust or penalty rules. Every dart that lands in a scoring segment adds to the player's total. Darts that miss the board or bounce out score zero for that throw.

Big Bull uses an accumulation scoring system. Points from each dart are added to the player's cumulative total across all 8 rounds. The modified scoring zones are summarised below:

• Inner singles (inside the treble ring): 50 points per dart — this is the enlarged "bull" zone
• Outer bull (single bull): 50 points
• Inner bull (Super Bull): 70 points
• Treble ring: 3× face value (e.g., treble 20 = 60 points)
• Outer singles (between treble and double rings): face value (1–20)
• Double ring: 2× face value (e.g., double 20 = 40 points)

The maximum score per round is 210 points — achieved by landing all three darts in the inner bullseye (Super Bull) for 70 + 70 + 70. A player who consistently hits the enlarged 50-point zone will score 150 points per round (50 × 3). Over 8 rounds at that rate, a player would accumulate 1,200 points. The theoretical maximum game score is 1,680 points (210 × 8 rounds).

The player (or team) with the highest cumulative score after all 8 rounds have been completed wins the game. Because Big Bull is a pure accumulation game, there is no checkout requirement and no target score to reach — the only objective is to outscore your opponents.

In the event of a tied score after 8 rounds, players should agree on a tiebreak method before the game begins. A common approach is to play one additional sudden-death round of three darts, with the highest single-round total breaking the tie.

Big Bull is itself a variation of Count-Up (also known as Standard Count-Up), the classic accumulation game played over 8 rounds with standard dartboard scoring. In standard Count-Up, no scoring zones are modified — all segments score their normal values. Big Bull's enlarged bullseye zone is the defining twist that distinguishes it from its parent game.

No other widely recognised named variations of Big Bull have been documented. However, groups may informally adjust the number of rounds (e.g., 5 or 10 rounds instead of 8) or modify the Super Bull value to suit the skill levels of the players involved.

Aim for the centre mass: The entire area inside the treble ring scores 50 points — a target zone far larger than the standard bullseye. Rather than trying to hit a specific number, simply aim for the centre of the board. Even imprecise throws that drift into any inner single segment still earn 50 points.

Chase the Super Bull if your accuracy allows: The inner bullseye's 70-point Super Bull is worth 40% more than the surrounding 50-point zone. For experienced players, the extra 20 points per dart adds up significantly over 8 rounds — potentially a 480-point advantage over a player hitting only 50s.

Avoid the outer ring at all costs: Darts that land outside the treble ring in the outer single segments score only 1–20 points — a dramatic drop from the 50-point inner zone. Keeping your throws grouped toward the centre is far more valuable than chasing trebles on the board's perimeter.

Use Big Bull as a warm-up or equaliser: This game is ideally suited for mixed-skill groups. Beginners score respectably by hitting anywhere near the centre, while advanced players are rewarded for pinpoint accuracy on the Super Bull. It makes an excellent opening game for a session, building confidence and warming up the centre-board grouping that benefits all standard dart games.