PAW

PAW (Points Around the World) is a solo training exercise designed to measure and develop your accuracy across every segment of the dartboard. The player throws three darts at each number from 1 through 20, scoring points based on which ring each dart lands in. The goal is to accumulate the highest possible score — up to a maximum of 180 points — and to track that total over time as a benchmark of overall board proficiency.

Only a standard dartboard and three darts are required. PAW is a solo practice game; no opponent is needed. Prepare a scoresheet (paper or digital) listing the numbers 1 through 20, with space beside each number to record points earned on that round.

No throwing-order determination is necessary. The player simply begins at number 1 and works sequentially through to 20. Before starting, note your target: the maximum score per number is 9, and the maximum total across all 20 numbers is 180.

The player proceeds through each number on the board in ascending order, from 1 to 20. At each number, the player throws all three darts, aiming at that number's segments. After the three darts are thrown, the player records the score for that round and moves on to the next number — regardless of the result.

Points are awarded per dart as follows:

• Single segment (large or small single of the target number) = 1 point
• Double segment (outer narrow ring of the target number) = 2 points
• Treble segment (inner narrow ring of the target number) = 3 points
• Miss (any other segment, the wire, or off the board) = 0 points

Only darts landing in the target number's segments count. A dart that lands in any other number — even an adjacent one — scores zero for that round.

There are no bust rules, no penalty rules, and no void turns. Every throw of three darts is simply recorded and the player advances. For example, when throwing at number 14, if the player hits a single 14, a treble 14, and a miss into the single 11, the round score is 1 + 3 + 0 = 4 points.

The game concludes after the player has thrown three darts at all 20 numbers (60 darts total). The individual round scores are then summed into a final total.

Each round is scored independently. The points per dart depend solely on which ring of the current target number is struck:

• Single hit: 1 point — e.g., hitting single 7 when aiming at 7.
• Double hit: 2 points — e.g., hitting double 7 when aiming at 7.
• Treble hit: 3 points — e.g., hitting treble 7 when aiming at 7.

The maximum per round is 9 points (all three darts in the treble). The maximum game total is 20 × 9 = 180 points. As a practical benchmark, a club-level player might expect a total in the range of 40–80, while a highly skilled player may regularly exceed 100.

It is strongly recommended to record not only the total for each number but also the breakdown (how many singles, doubles, and trebles). Over multiple sessions, this data reveals which specific segments are weakest — the primary diagnostic purpose of the game.

PAW has no opponent and therefore no winner in the traditional sense. Victory is measured against your own history. The objective is to improve your total score over time by tracking results across sessions — weekly or monthly comparisons are most informative. A rising trend in your PAW total indicates genuine, board-wide improvement in accuracy.

Players may also set personal target scores as milestones (for example, breaking 100 for the first time, or averaging above 90 over a month of sessions).

PAW with Bull: Some versions extend the game to include the bullseye as a 21st round. In this variant, the outer bull scores 1 point (or 2 points, depending on house rules) and the inner bull scores 3 points, bringing the theoretical maximum to 189. Players should agree on the bull scoring convention before beginning.

Competition-Range PAW: Instead of throwing at all 20 numbers, the player focuses only on the numbers most frequently targeted in match play — typically 15 through 20. This abbreviated format is useful as a quick warm-up before competitive matches and isolates the segments that matter most in games like 501 and Cricket.

Reverse PAW: The player proceeds from 20 down to 1. The rules and scoring are identical; the only difference is the sequence. Some players find this variation useful for ensuring they do not rush through the higher numbers after fatigue has set in from the lower ones.

Use PAW as a diagnostic, not just a score chase: The true value of PAW is identifying your weakest numbers. After several sessions, review your per-number averages. If you consistently score 1 or 0 on number 17 but 5 or 6 on number 20, you know exactly where to focus dedicated practice.

Log every session: A single PAW score tells you little. Maintain a written or digital log with dates, per-number scores, and totals. Patterns only become visible over five or more sessions, and long-term trends are the most reliable indicator of genuine improvement.

Treat each round with match-level focus: It is tempting to throw carelessly at the lower numbers (1–5) because they feel unimportant in match play. Resist this. PAW trains concentration and consistency across the entire board, and the discipline of focusing on every segment carries over into competitive settings.

Pair low-scoring numbers with targeted follow-up: After completing a full PAW session, immediately return to your two or three worst-scoring numbers and throw an additional 9–15 darts at each. This converts PAW from a passive diagnostic into an active training cycle.

Use PAW as a warm-up routine: Playing a full PAW session before a match forces you to visit every area of the board, loosening your throw and calibrating your aim. The total score also gives you an honest snapshot of your form on that particular day.