Around the World: Simple Game, Ugly Truths
Four turns in, your friend is cruising past 15 while you're still marooned on 7, aiming at what's quietly become the skinniest slice on the board. Around the World doesn't care how hard you throw — only whether you can hit every number it names.
Around the World is the simplest race in darts: hit 1 through 20 in order, one number at a time. First player to close out the 20 — or the bullseye, if you play that ending — wins.
One Game, Many Names
You'll hear this game called Around the World, Around the Clock, Round the Board, or just "the clock." They're all the same family, separated by minor house rules at most.
The classic ruleset gets the full treatment in our guide to Around the Clock darts rules. This article covers how the game actually plays and the variants worth trying.
The Basic Rules
Everyone starts on number 1 and throws three darts per turn. Any dart that lands in your current number — single, double, or treble — moves you to the next one.
Hit your number with your first dart and you're immediately aiming at the next number, same turn. Miss with all three and you stay put until your next visit.
First player to hit the 20 wins. Many groups bolt the bullseye on as a final target to finish the trip.
Popular Variations
Doubles or Trebles Only
Serious players run the same lap using only the doubles ring, or only the trebles. It's brutal, and it's one of the best finishing drills in the game.
Skip-Ahead Rules
A common speed rule: a double of your number jumps you one extra number, and a treble jumps you two. It rewards aiming small even when a fat single would do the job.
Team Play
In pairs, teammates alternate turns and share one position on the clock. A hot partner can bail out a cold streak, which keeps weaker players in the game.
- 15 darts in one jar means plenty of spares for group play
- Anodized aluminum shafts with locking holes stay tighter than plastic rods
- Comes with extra flights, rubber O-rings, and a sharpener to keep points game-ready
Why It's a Great Practice Game
Countdown games like 501 let you camp on the 20 all night. Around the World drags you to every segment, including the awkward low numbers along the bottom of the board.
That makes it a natural warm-up and a genuine accuracy builder. Pair it with the fundamentals in how to accurately throw darts and you'll feel the difference within a couple of weeks.
Common Mistakes
- Aiming at the number's fat middle when your variant requires a specific ring.
- Rushing the third dart of a turn instead of resetting your stance.
- Losing track of your number — call your target out loud before you throw.
- Treating it only as a party game and never as a deliberate drill.
Quick Answers
How long does a game take?
A casual two-player game usually runs 10 to 20 minutes. Doubles-only versions can take far longer, so agree on a time limit if the board is busy.
Is it good for kids and beginners?
It's one of the best starter games there is — no math, no busts, just targets. If you're brand new, skim how to play darts first for grip and stance basics.
Start on 1, call your numbers, and don't let the 7 keep you stranded.