Playing Around the Clock groups offers a flexible and engaging way to level the playing field and introduce variety into your dart games, ensuring everyone has a chance to shine. This article explores the ins and outs of this popular format, covering its rules, strategic approaches, and how to adapt it for different skill levels to maximize enjoyment.
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Understanding the Basics of Playing Around the Clock Groups
At its core, Playing Around the Clock groups (also known as “Around the World”) is a sequential target game. Players must hit each number on the dartboard, usually in numerical order from 1 to 20, before their opponents do. The simplicity of the concept makes it accessible to beginners, while the strategic depth keeps experienced players engaged. While the basic concept is easy to grasp, it’s the subtle variations that make it adaptable for darts for mixed ability groups and keep things interesting.

Standard Rules of Around the Clock
- The target numbers are hit in sequential order (1, 2, 3, and so on, up to 20).
- Players take turns throwing three darts per round.
- Only a hit on the correct number advances the player. A hit on any other number does not count.
- The first player to successfully hit all numbers from 1 to 20 wins the game.
While these are the standard rules, remember that you can always consider adjusting dart game rules to fit the particular needs and preferences of your group.
Strategic Approaches to Playing Around the Clock groups
While luck plays a role, success in Playing Around the Clock groups hinges on developing strategic thinking. Knowing when to aim for the bullseye (as a shortcut, if implemented) versus focusing on consistent accuracy on the numbers is crucial. The optimal strategy often shifts depending on your skill level and that of your opponents. Players should also understand the importance of adapting darts games skills.
Number Grouping and Target Prioritization
Experienced players often group numbers mentally, planning their throws based on board position and potential for follow-up shots. For example, if aiming for 12 and slightly missing, they might land near 5 or 20, setting up an easier shot on the next turn. This type of proactive planning minimizes wasted darts and maximizes scoring efficiency.
Risk vs. Reward: Bullseye as a Shortcut
Some variations of Playing Around the Clock groups allow hitting the bullseye to skip certain numbers or even to win the game outright. This introduces a risk-reward element. While a bullseye attempt offers a faster route to victory, a miss can be costly, potentially setting you back or allowing your opponents to gain ground.
The decision to go for the bullseye depends on several factors:
- Your accuracy with bullseye shots.
- The current score and your position relative to your opponents.
- The specific rules of the game variation.

Adapting Playing Around the Clock groups for Different Skill Levels
One of the great things about Playing Around the Clock groups is its flexibility. You can easily adapt the rules to accommodate players of varying skill levels, ensuring that everyone has a fun and engaging experience. This is particularly useful when trying to modify dart games skill gap within a group.
Handicap Systems
Implementing a handicap system fun dart games is an excellent way to level the playing field. Here are a few common handicap options:
- Starting Point Advantage: Less skilled players can start the game with a head start, already having “hit” the first few numbers.
- Number Reduction: Reduce the number of targets for weaker players (e.g., playing from 1 to 10 instead of 1 to 20).
- Extra Darts: Allow less skilled players additional darts per turn.
Changing the Target Order
Instead of the standard numerical order, you could randomize the target order for each player. This introduces an element of unpredictability and reduces the advantage of experienced players who have memorized the board layout. This can lead to some interesting darts variants fun games.
Simplified Rules for Beginners
For complete beginners, simplify the rules even further. You could allow hits on the triple or double of the target number to count, making it easier to register a successful hit. Alternatively, you can compare the rules of the game with other games such as beginner vs pro dart game rules.

Variations of Playing Around the Clock groups
Beyond the standard rules, countless variations of Playing Around the Clock groups exist. Experimenting with these variations can add excitement and keep the game fresh.
Around the Clock with Doubles/Triples
In this variation, players must hit the double or triple of each target number to advance. This significantly increases the difficulty and requires greater accuracy.
Reverse Around the Clock
Players start at 20 and work their way down to 1. This can be surprisingly challenging, as the higher numbers tend to be closer together on the board, requiring more precise aiming.
Around the Clock with Bullseye Finish
The game continues as normal from 1 to 20, but the final target is the bullseye. This adds a dramatic finish, as players must maintain their composure under pressure to secure the win.
Around the Clock with Miss Penalty
Each miss results in a penalty, such as having to go back one number or losing a turn. This variation emphasizes accuracy and discourages reckless throws.

Tips for Maximizing Enjoyment in Playing Around the Clock groups
Regardless of the specific rules or variations you choose, keep these tips in mind to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved:
- Be patient and encouraging, especially with beginners. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace.
- Keep the atmosphere light and friendly. Darts should be a fun and social activity.
- Clearly communicate the rules and variations before starting the game. This prevents confusion and ensures fair play.
- Celebrate successes, both big and small. Acknowledge good throws and encourage players to improve.
Remember that a key factor in enjoying any game is making darts games fair players. Ensure that everyone is adhering to the agreed-upon rules and playing in good faith.

Benefits of Playing Around the Clock groups
Beyond its entertainment value, Playing Around the Clock groups offers several benefits:
- Improved Accuracy: The game requires consistent aiming and precision, helping players develop their dart throwing skills.
- Strategic Thinking: Planning throws and adapting to changing circumstances enhances strategic thinking abilities.
- Social Interaction: Darts is a social activity that encourages interaction and camaraderie among players.
- Stress Relief: Engaging in a fun and challenging game can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
The game’s adaptability also means that you can experiment with scaling dart game difficulty depending on who is participating.
Conclusion
Playing Around the Clock groups is a versatile and engaging game that offers something for players of all skill levels. By understanding the basic rules, exploring strategic approaches, and adapting the game to suit your group’s needs, you can create a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. So, gather your friends, grab your darts, and get ready to have some fun Playing Around the Clock groups! Why not start planning your next darts night today?
Hi, I’m Dieter, and I created Dartcounter (Dartcounterapp.com). My motivation wasn’t being a darts expert – quite the opposite! When I first started playing, I loved the game but found keeping accurate scores and tracking stats difficult and distracting.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one struggling with this. So, I decided to build a solution: an easy-to-use application that everyone, no matter their experience level, could use to manage scoring effortlessly.
My goal for Dartcounter was simple: let the app handle the numbers – the scoring, the averages, the stats, even checkout suggestions – so players could focus purely on their throw and enjoying the game. It began as a way to solve my own beginner’s problem, and I’m thrilled it has grown into a helpful tool for the wider darts community.