Manchester Log-End Game

Be the first player to hit every number from 1 through 20 in strict sequential order, then re-hit a specific double, and finally land a dart on the bullseye — all on the notoriously tiny Manchester log-end dartboard. The game rewards both precision and opportunism: during the 1–20 progression, hitting a double of your current number grants a significant shortcut, but you must remember and re-hit that double after completing the sequence before you can finish on the bull.

Two or more players are required, each equipped with a set of darts suitable for the Manchester log-end board. The board itself is a handmade wooden dartboard — historically crafted from UK Elm, now typically Poplar or Tulipwood — dyed jet black with silver wire inlay dividers. It measures only 10 inches (254 mm) in diameter, making it one of the smallest regulation dartboards in the world. Crucially, the Manchester log-end board has no treble ring. The double ring is an extremely narrow 5 mm band. Both an inner and outer bullseye are present. The board is double-sided to extend its lifespan, and must be kept wet when not in use to prevent the wood from splitting and to allow dart holes to close naturally.

The number arrangement differs from a standard clock board. Reading clockwise from the top: 4, 20, 1, 16, 6, 17, 8, 12, 9, 14, 5, 19, 2, 15, 3, 18, 7, 11, 10, 13. The bull height is set at 5 ft 3 in (1.61 m), and the throwing distance (oche) is 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m).

Determine throwing order by any agreed method (e.g., each player throws one dart at the bull; closest to the centre throws first). The scoreboard should list each player's name and track which number they are currently aiming for, beginning at 1.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. The objective during the main phase of the game is to hit the numbers 1 through 20 in strict ascending order. To advance past your current number, you must land a dart in any scoring segment of that number — either the single bed or the double bed. Once a number is hit, you move on to the next number in the sequence. Any remaining darts in the visit may be used to continue progressing through subsequent numbers.

Double Progression Bonus: If you hit the double of your current target number (rather than the single), you receive a powerful shortcut. Instead of advancing to the very next number, you skip ahead to the number that exceeds the value of that double. Because a double's value is twice the segment number, this can vault you well ahead in the sequence:

• Throwing for 1: hit double 1 (value = 2) → skip ahead to 3
• Throwing for 3: hit double 3 (value = 6) → skip ahead to 7
• Throwing for 5: hit double 5 (value = 10) → skip ahead to 11
• Throwing for 10: hit double 10 (value = 20) → you have now completed the entire 1–20 sequence

This mechanic rewards precision on the punishingly narrow 5 mm double ring and can dramatically shorten the game for a skilled player.

After completing 1–20: Once a player has progressed through all numbers up to and including 20, two final tasks remain:

• Re-hit your first double: You must land a dart in the same double segment you first scored during the 1–20 progression. For example, if your first double was double 3, you must hit double 3 again.
• Hit the bullseye: After successfully re-hitting your double, land a dart on the bullseye. Both the inner bull and the outer bull count as valid finishing targets.

No double scored during progression: If a player completes the entire 1–20 sequence without ever hitting a double, they must hit double 20 before proceeding to the bullseye.

The Manchester Log-End Game does not use a running points total. Instead, each player's progress is tracked positionally — the scoreboard records which number (1–20) each player is currently targeting, along with which double (if any) was first scored during progression.

• Single bed: Hitting the single of your current target number advances you to the next number in sequence (e.g., on 7 → advance to 8).
• Double bed: Hitting the double of your current target number advances you past the next number to the number exceeding the double's value (e.g., on 7, double 7 = 14 → advance to 15). The first such double scored is recorded for the re-hit phase.
• Off-target darts: Any dart that does not land in the segment of the player's current target number has no effect — it neither advances nor penalises the player.

For example, a player currently on 5 who throws: single 5 (advance to 6), miss, double 6 (value = 12, advance to 13) — that player ends the visit on 13, and double 6 is recorded as their first double (assuming none was hit earlier).

The first player to complete the full sequence wins the game. The complete sequence is: hit numbers 1 through 20 in order (using single or double beds), then re-hit the first double scored during the progression (or double 20 if no double was scored), and finally land a dart on the bullseye (inner or outer).

In league or match play, games may be contested over multiple legs. Because the Manchester log-end board is extraordinarily difficult — owing to its 10-inch diameter and 5 mm doubles — games can be lengthy, and match formats in Greater Manchester leagues vary by competition rules.

Manchester 301: A separate game played on the same log-end board using standard 301 rules. Players start at 301 and must double-in (the first scoring dart of the game must land in a double) and double-out (the final dart must land in a double to reach exactly zero). The inner bullseye counts as double 25 (50 points). Standard bust rules apply — if a player's remaining score goes below zero, reaches exactly 1, or reaches zero without the final dart being a double, the entire turn is void and the score reverts to what it was at the start of that visit. Because there is no treble ring on the Manchester board, the maximum score per visit is significantly lower than on a standard board.

Adjusted Bull Height: Some Manchester leagues set the bull height at 5 ft 6 in rather than the traditional 5 ft 3 in. Players should confirm the local standard before competition.

League Handicaps: In organised league play, starting points or other handicap adjustments may be applied to balance matches between players of differing ability.

Treat doubles as bonuses, not targets: The double ring on the Manchester log-end board is only 5 mm wide — extraordinarily narrow even by professional standards. Aim for the single bed to guarantee progression, and let doubles come as welcome windfalls rather than frustrating misses. Consistent advancement through singles will outperform repeatedly missing doubles.

Understand the double skip values: Memorise which numbers each double skip lands you on. A double 1 (value 2) sends you to 3 — a modest gain. But a double 10 (value 20) completes the entire remaining sequence in one dart. Knowing these values lets you instantly recognise when a shortcut has occurred and plan your next darts accordingly.

Score an early double to simplify your finish: Hitting a double early in the progression — say, double 1 or double 3 — gives you a low, easy-to-find double to re-hit after completing 1–20. If you reach 20 without any double, you must hit double 20, one of the hardest targets on this tiny board.

Practise on the small board regularly: The 10-inch Manchester board demands a level of accuracy that standard boards do not. Regular practice on the log-end board sharpens fine motor control and translates directly into improved performance on any dartboard.

Keep the board properly maintained: A dry Manchester log-end board will crack and refuse to hold darts. Always store the board face-down in water or wrapped in a wet cloth when not in use. A well-maintained board allows dart holes to heal between sessions, preserving the playing surface and ensuring fair, consistent play.