The World Grand Prix stands out in professional darts because players must not only finish a leg on a double but also start on one. This unique rule turns the initial choice of a starting double into a critical tactical decision, especially in the intense, short-format first-round matches. Players carefully select their starting double – often Double 20, Double 16, or Double 10 – each with its own benefits and risks, as a strong start can make or break their tournament hopes.
The World Grand Prix is a unique challenge in the world of professional darts. Unlike any other major tournament, players face a demanding rule: every leg must begin and end with a successful hit on a double segment of the board. This “double-in, double-out” format adds an immediate layer of pressure and strategy from the very first dart.
For players, the choice of which double to aim for at the start of a leg is one of the few tactical decisions they can make before the real action begins. In the rapid-fire, best-of-three sets first round, a slow start can be devastatingly costly, making this initial decision paramount.
The Most Popular Starting Doubles: D20 and D10
For a significant portion of the elite darts field, Double 20 (often called ‘Tops’) and Double 10 are the go-to starting points. These doubles are familiar targets, and many players feel comfortable aiming for them under pressure. The appeal of Double 20 is particularly strong, as it’s the largest double segment and often targeted for high scores during the ‘out’ shot.
Players frequently favoring D20 or D10 include:
- Luke Littler
- Danny Noppert
- Gerwyn Price
- Niels Zonneveld
- Ryan Searle
- James Wade
- Andrew Gilding
- Dave Chisnall
- Stephen Bunting (a known Double 20 enthusiast)
Even darting legends like Gary Anderson, famously known for his precision on Double 20, have sometimes adapted their strategy, occasionally drifting towards Double 16 in recent years, perhaps to mitigate the risks associated with Double 10.
A Legacy of Perfection: Double 20 and the Nine-Darter
Double 20 also holds a special place in the history of the World Grand Prix. All three of the double-start nine-darters ever hit in the tournament began with a Double 20. These incredible feats were achieved by:
- Brendan Dolan in 2011
- James Wade in 2014
- Robert Thornton in 2014 (in the same match as Wade!)
This history adds to the allure and confidence many players feel when starting on Tops.
The Strategic Corner: Double 16, Double 8, and Double 19
Another highly popular area of the board for starting doubles is the bottom-left quadrant, particularly Double 16 and Double 8. These segments are positioned close to each other, allowing for a forgiving ‘slip’ into the adjacent double if the first dart is slightly off target. Crucially, this area also offers a natural path to the Treble 19 – a highly favored scoring segment – through a sideways switch, rather than the more downward trajectory often required from Double 20 to Treble 20.
A vast number of top players prefer this strategic corner:
- Ryan Joyce
- Gian van Veen
- Luke Woodhouse
- Nathan Aspinall
- Niko Springer
- Michael van Gerwen
- Ross Smith
- Cameron Menzies
- Jonny Clayton
- Kryzysztof Ratajski
- Wessel Nijman
- Luke Humphries
- Chris Dobey
- Jermaine Wattimena
- Josh Rock
- Damon Heta
- Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Willie O’Connor
- Joe Cullen
Interestingly, even reigning champion Luke Littler showed a tendency to use Double 16 in last year’s tournament, indicating that players can adapt their preferences based on form or specific match-ups.
Flexible Options: Double 18 and Beyond
While D20, D10, and D16 dominate, some players opt for more flexible or less common starting doubles. Double 18 is often favored by players who prefer to “chase” around the board to find their rhythm and get into a leg. It offers a slightly different angle and can be a ‘happy hunting ground’ for those who are comfortable with it.
Players like Rob Cross are likely to make Double 18 a primary choice. Others, such as Wessel Nijman and Dirk van Duijvenbode, might also adopt it at times, showcasing the adaptability of top professionals.
Beyond the standard doubles, some players might even consider the Bullseye, though this is rare as comfort usually wins out over the slim chance of a nine-darter. Gerwyn Price, for example, is known for his willingness to try various doubles, including Double 13, if his initial preferred double isn’t going in. This adaptability highlights the pressure and quick decision-making required in this unique format.
The Crucial First Round
With first-round matches being a best-of-three sets, there is absolutely no room for error or a slow start. Every opening dart of each leg carries immense weight. The initial matches of the World Grand Prix will be a fascinating display of strategy, skill, and how these preferred starting doubles hold up under the highest pressure. Keep an eye on the first few darts – they tell a big part of the story!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
