Doubles Around the World

Hit the double of every number on the dartboard in strict sequential order — from Double 1 through Double 20 — and then finish by hitting the Double Bull (inner bullseye). The first player to complete this full circuit of 21 doubles wins the game.

Doubles Around the World is a focused training exercise designed to systematically build proficiency on every double segment, directly improving checkout ability in competitive games such as 501 and 301.

A standard bristle dartboard and a set of three darts per player are required. Two or more players may compete, though the game is equally effective as a solo practice drill.

Each player begins targeting Double 1. The scoreboard (or a simple written list) should display each player's name alongside the numbers 1–20 and Bull, so that progress can be tracked by marking off each double as it is hit. Throwing order may be determined by each player throwing a single dart at the bullseye; the closest dart throws first.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. On each turn, a player attempts to hit the double segment of their current target number. Doubles must be hit in strict numerical order — you must hit Double 1 before attempting Double 2, Double 2 before Double 3, and so on through Double 20, concluding with the Double Bull (inner bullseye).

Advancing within a turn: If you hit your current target double and still have darts remaining in your hand, you immediately advance and may attempt the next double in the sequence during the same visit. For example, if your target is Double 5 and you hit it with your first dart, your second dart may be thrown at Double 6. If you hit Double 6 as well, your third dart is thrown at Double 7. In this way, a player can advance up to three doubles in a single turn.

Missing: If you fail to hit your current target double with all three darts (or with however many darts remain in your turn), your turn simply ends. You return to the same target double on your next visit. There is no penalty for missing — you do not lose progress.

Banking rule (optional but standard): While attempting your current target, if you happen to hit a double that is ahead of your current position in the sequence, that hit is "banked" as a reserve. If, on a future turn, you fail to hit a required double within three darts, you fall back only to your most recent banked position rather than losing additional progress. Banking rewards consistent throwing and provides a strategic safety net.

Finishing: After hitting Double 20, the final target is the Double Bull (inner bullseye, the small centre circle worth 50 points in standard play). The game is not complete until this final target is struck.

Doubles Around the World does not use a numerical points tally. Instead, each player's progress is tracked by recording which double they are currently targeting.

• Mark off Double 1 when hit — advance target to Double 2.
• Mark off Double 2 when hit — advance target to Double 3.
• Continue in sequence through Double 20.
• After Double 20, the final target is the Double Bull (inner bullseye).

For example, if a player begins a turn on Double 8, hits it with the first dart, misses Double 9 with the second dart, and misses Double 9 again with the third dart, that player's current target at the end of the turn is Double 9. If another player begins a turn on Double 14 and hits Double 14, Double 15, and Double 16 with three consecutive darts, that player advances to Double 17 for the next visit.

The first player to hit all 21 targets — Double 1 through Double 20 followed by the Double Bull — wins the game. If playing as a solo timed challenge, the goal is to complete the full circuit in as few darts (or as little time) as possible, tracking personal bests for improvement.

In a multiplayer game, once a winner is determined, remaining players may continue to establish finishing order if desired.

Beginner Mode: To make the game more accessible, allow 6 or 9 darts per turn instead of the standard 3. This gives newer players more attempts at each double before the turn passes, reducing frustration while still building muscle memory.

No Banking: Some groups play without the banking rule entirely. In this simpler format, only the current target double matters — any other doubles hit are ignored. This strips the game down to a pure sequential challenge.

Skip Variants: In some versions, hitting a double allows you to skip the next number in the sequence, and hitting a treble of your current target number allows you to skip two numbers ahead. For example, if your target is Double 10 and you hit the treble 10 instead, you advance directly to Double 13.

Singles Around the World / Trebles Around the World: The same sequential structure (1–20 plus Bull) is applied using single segments or treble segments instead of doubles. These are the parent games in the Around the World (also known as Around the Clock) family. Doubles Around the World is specifically the doubles-focused variant of this classic format.

Solo Timed Challenge: A single player attempts to complete the full circuit as quickly as possible or in the fewest total darts, recording the result as a benchmark for future practice sessions.

Know your board geography: Doubles are spread around the board in a non-sequential layout. Before you throw, know exactly where your target double sits and which doubles are adjacent to it. Familiarity with the board layout reduces hesitation and helps you capitalise on near-misses — a dart that drifts slightly may land in a neighbouring double that you can bank for later.

Focus on your trouble doubles: Most players find certain doubles consistently difficult — Double 3, Double 7, Double 17, and Double 19 are common sticking points. When practising solo, note which doubles cost you the most darts and devote extra focused practice to those segments outside the game.

Use this drill to build 501 checkout skills: Every double you practise here is a double you might need to finish a competitive leg. Pay particular attention to Double 16, Double 20, and Double 8, as these are the most frequently targeted checkout doubles in professional play.

Maintain a consistent throw under pressure: The later doubles — especially Double 18, Double 19, Double 20, and the Double Bull — often create mental pressure because you are close to finishing. Treat every dart the same: same stance, same rhythm, same release. The game is as much a mental discipline exercise as a mechanical one.

Track your dart count over time: Even in a multiplayer game, record how many total darts it takes you to complete the circuit. Comparing this number across sessions is the clearest measure of your doubles improvement. A strong intermediate player might complete the game in 80–120 darts; an advanced player will aim for significantly fewer.