Preston Game

Be the first player to race twice around the dartboard — hitting every number from 1 through 20 in sequence on each lap — and then seal victory by landing two double 20s. The Preston Game is a pure progression race: there are no points to tally, only numbers to conquer. The player who completes both laps and finishes with the required double 20s first wins outright.

The Preston Game originated on the Preston dartboard, a clay or plasticine board produced in Preston, Lancashire, which used the same London Clock (standard) number layout as a conventional dartboard. Since these clay boards are no longer manufactured, the game is now played on any standard sisal bristle dartboard with the traditional 1–20 number ring. Standard throwing distance applies.

Each player's progress is tracked on a scoreboard or chalkboard showing which number they currently need. All players begin on 1 (first lap). Determine throwing order by each player throwing a single dart at the bullseye — closest to the bull throws first. In subsequent legs, the loser of the previous leg may throw first, or players may alternate the opening throw by mutual agreement.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. On each turn, a player attempts to hit the number they currently require in the sequence. Only the single or double of the required number advances the player; all other darts — including hits on numbers not currently needed — are wasted.

Advancing through the sequence:

• A single of your current target number advances you by one position. For example, if you need 7 and hit single 7, you move on to 8.
• A double of your current target number advances you by two positions, promoting you past the next number entirely. For example, if you need 7 and hit double 7, you skip 8 and move directly to 9. This promotion rule — borrowed from Manchester dartboard traditions — is the game's most distinctive mechanic and a powerful accelerator.
• Trebles and bullseyes carry no special value. A treble of your target number counts only as a single hit (advancing you by one), and some local rules treat the treble as void altogether (the dart does not count at all). Clarify which interpretation is in use before play begins.

Lap structure: Each player must complete two full laps of the board. On the first lap, you work through the numbers 1 through 20 in ascending order. Upon hitting 20 (or being promoted past it via a double), you begin the second lap, starting again at 1 and proceeding through to 20 in the same sequence.

Finishing: After completing both laps, a player must hit two double 20s to win. These two double 20s do not have to be struck in the same visit — a player may hit one double 20 in one turn and the second in a later turn (or hit both in the same turn to close out immediately).

Example turn: Suppose you are on your first lap and currently need 14. You throw your first dart into single 14 — you advance to 15. Your second dart lands in double 15 — the promotion rule kicks in, advancing you past 16 to 17. Your third dart misses 17 and lands in single 3, which does not count. You end the turn needing 17.

The Preston Game uses no point accumulation. Instead, progress is tracked as a position on the sequence. Each player's current target number is recorded on the scoreboard, along with which lap they are on (first or second) and, once both laps are complete, how many of the two required double 20s they have hit.

• Single hit on target number: Advance one position (e.g., from 12 to 13).
• Double hit on target number: Advance two positions (e.g., from 12 to 14, skipping 13).
• Treble hit on target number: Advance one position only (or void, depending on local rules).
• Any hit on a non-target number, bullseye, or miss: No advancement.

To illustrate the power of the double promotion rule: a player who hits doubles on every required number during a single lap would need only 10 successful darts to clear 1–20 (hitting doubles of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 — each time skipping the next even number). In practice, mixing singles and doubles, a typical lap requires significantly more darts.

The first player to complete both laps around the board (1–20 twice in order) and then land two double 20s wins the game. The finishing double 20s may be hit across separate visits — there is no requirement to strike both in a single turn. As soon as the second double 20 is hit, the game ends immediately; any remaining darts in that visit are not thrown.

In social or league play, the Preston Game is typically contested as a single-game race. For extended sessions, players may agree to play a best-of series (e.g., best of 3 or best of 5 games), with the loser of each game throwing first in the next.

Trebles Void: Under this stricter interpretation, a treble hit on the target number does not count at all — the dart is treated as though it missed. This contrasts with the more common rule that treats a treble as equivalent to a single. Players should agree on which convention applies before the first dart is thrown.

Variable Laps: While the traditional Preston Game requires two laps around the board, some groups shorten the game to a single lap (followed by two double 20s) for a quicker contest, or extend it to three laps for a longer endurance format. The core rules — sequential number-chasing and double promotion — remain the same regardless of the number of laps.

Standard Board Adaptation: The game was originally played on the Preston clay board, a plasticine dartboard specific to Preston, Lancashire. Since these boards are no longer produced, the game has migrated to standard sisal dartboards with no rule changes. Players seeking historical authenticity may note that the clay board shared the London Clock number ring layout identical to the modern standard board.

Prioritize doubles of your target number: The double promotion rule is the single most impactful mechanic in the Preston Game. Every successful double effectively saves you an entire number, meaning a well-aimed dart at double 5 (for example) vaults you from 5 to 7 in one throw. Whenever you feel confident in your aim, favour the double segment over the single — the cumulative time savings across two full laps can be decisive.

Know the full board layout: Unlike games that revolve around the 20 and 19 segments, the Preston Game demands familiarity with every number on the board. Spend practice time throwing at less-visited segments — particularly the lower numbers (1–5) and mid-range numbers (11–15), which many players neglect. Quick, confident location of each number reduces wasted darts.

Plan your finishing darts early: The two double 20s at the end are where many close races are won or lost. As you approach the end of your second lap, mentally shift focus to double 20 preparation. If you have practised your double 20 technique, you can close out in as few as two darts once the laps are complete — while your opponent may languish for several turns trying to hit the same target.

Use the promotion skip strategically at lap transitions: If you are on number 19 and hit double 19, you advance two positions — past 20 and onto 1 of the next lap (or, if you are on your second lap, past 20 and into the double-20 finishing phase). Recognising these transition moments allows you to plan high-value doubles that propel you into the next stage of the game ahead of your opponent.

Stay patient with misses: The Preston Game is a long race — two full laps plus a double finish means a minimum of 42 successful darts under ideal conditions. Frustration after missed targets leads to rushed, inaccurate throwing. Maintain a steady rhythm, focus on one number at a time, and trust that consistent accuracy will outperform erratic aggression over the length of the game.