Three in a Bed

Land all three darts in the same bed (scoring segment) for each number in sequence from 1 through 20. A "bed" refers to the same scoring area within a numbered wedge — for example, all three darts in the single 14 segment, or all three in the triple 7 segment. The goal is to be the first player to complete the entire sequence by achieving three-in-a-bed on every number.

Any number of players may participate. Write each player's name on the scoreboard alongside the numbers 1–20, which serve as a progress tracker rather than a point tally. Each player begins on number 1.

Before play begins, determine throwing order — typically by each player throwing one dart at the bullseye, with the closest dart earning first throw. More importantly, agree on the bed definition: under strict rules, all three darts must land in the exact same segment (e.g., all three in the single 5, or all three in the double 5); under relaxed rules, all three darts need only land anywhere within the same numbered wedge (e.g., one in the single 5, one in the double 5, and one in the triple 5 all count). Clarify this before the first dart is thrown, as it dramatically affects difficulty.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. On each turn, a player attempts to land all three darts in the bed corresponding to their current target number. Play proceeds as follows:

• If all three darts land in the required bed, the player completes that number and advances to the next number in the sequence on their following turn.
• If the player fails to place all three darts in the same bed, the turn is over and the player remains on that same number for their next visit.
• Players progress through the numbers sequentially — from 1 to 2 to 3, and so on up to 20. A player may not skip ahead or choose numbers out of order.

Under the strict segment rule, hitting two darts in the single 9 and one dart in the double 9 is a failure — all three must occupy the identical segment type. Under the relaxed wedge rule, those same three darts would count as a success because all three are within the number-9 wedge.

Edge case — lower numbers: The segments for numbers such as 1–5 can be physically narrow on a standard dartboard, making tight grouping especially difficult. No special allowance is made; the player must continue attempting the number until successful, regardless of segment size.

Three in a Bed is a race-style game — no cumulative points are tallied. Each player's progress is tracked by recording which number they are currently targeting on the scoreboard.

• When a player completes a number, mark it off (or note the number they advance to).
• A player who has completed through number 12, for example, is on target 13 for their next turn.

Because there is no point accumulation, the only meaningful measure is how far through the 1–20 sequence each player has progressed. There are no bonus points for hitting all three darts in a triple bed versus a single bed — completion is completion.

The first player to successfully hit three-in-a-bed on all numbers from 1 through 20 wins the game. If multiple players complete number 20 in the same round (i.e., every player has had an equal number of turns), those players are tied and a tiebreak should be played — typically a single sudden-death round on a mutually agreed target such as the bullseye, with three-in-a-bed on the inner bull or outer bull deciding the winner.

Strict Segment: All three darts must land in the exact same segment — all singles, all doubles, or all triples of the target number. This is the more demanding format and is recommended for experienced players seeking a serious accuracy challenge.

Relaxed Wedge: All three darts need only land somewhere within the target number's wedge (any combination of single, double, or triple). This version is more forgiving and better suited for casual or less experienced players.

Extended to Bullseye: Some groups add the 25 (outer bull) and the inner bullseye (50) as targets 21 and 22 after completing 1–20, requiring the sequence to end with three-in-a-bed on each bull segment. This significantly raises the difficulty of the endgame.

Big Singles Only: A simplified variant where the required bed is always the large single area (the outer single between the triple ring and the double ring). This removes the option of aiming for tighter but higher-value segments and focuses purely on grouping in the fat single zone. Three in a Bed is closely related to Around the Clock in structure, but adds the grouping requirement of three darts rather than just one hit per number.

Master the fat single: Unless you are playing strict-segment rules and deliberately choosing triples, aim for the large single area (between the triple ring and the double ring) of each number. It offers the largest target area, giving you the best chance of landing all three darts in the same bed.

Respect the low numbers: Numbers 1–5 sit in narrower wedges on the dartboard, making grouping three darts considerably harder. Expect to spend extra turns on these numbers and avoid frustration — even skilled players struggle here.

Tighten your grouping, not your grip: Three in a Bed is fundamentally a grouping exercise. Focus on a relaxed, repeatable throw rather than aiming harder. Consistent mechanics will land three darts together more reliably than forced precision.

Use this game as targeted practice: Three in a Bed is an excellent training tool for improving consistency on specific segments. If you struggle with a particular number in games like Cricket or 501, the repetition this game demands will build familiarity and confidence with that area of the board.

Watch your dart flights: Because all three darts must occupy a tight cluster, deflections ("robin-hooding" or bouncing off existing darts) become a real concern. Consider using slim or kite-shaped flights to reduce the profile of darts already in the board and give your second and third darts a cleaner path to the target.