There’s something uniquely humbling about playing “Around the clock”. In theory, it’s simple, start at one, finish at twenty, no math, no complications. Just you, the board and the quiet understanding that the universe will test your patience today.

I approach the oche with the confidence of someone who’s watched every PDC highlight reel. My first dart sails toward the number one with purpose… and lands squarely in the eighteen. Fine. A warm-up throw. The second dart, determined to correct course, nestles neatly beside its brother in the eighteen. The third? Let’s just say if eighteen was the target, I’d be a prodigy. When I finally hit the one, after what feels like an eternity and several internal pep talks, I celebrate like I’ve clinched a championship. The rush is short-lived. Number two, my old nemesis, greets me with three fresh misses. One dart hooks left into the fifteen, the next overcompensates into the five and the last? A perfect bullseye. The board mocks me.

Around the clock reveals uncomfortable truths. Like how the number seven somehow becomes a Bermuda Triangle for my darts or how my focus wavers the moment I realize I’m one decent throw from advancing. The pros make it look effortless, twenty-one darts, clean and clinical. My version involves more drama, muttered curses and the occasional existential stare at the treble twenty, as if it holds the answers.

Yet here’s the magic, every accidental bull, every rogue double, is a lesson in disguise. The game doesn’t care about my pride. It demands repetition, resilience and the ability to laugh when my fifteenth dart at the twelve finally lands… in the eleven. So I keep playing. Because someday, I’ll conquer the clock. Until then, the board and I have an understanding: I’ll aim, it’ll humble me and we’ll both pretend this is fun.

Why “Around-the clock” isn’t just a warm-up, it’s essential dart practice

First, it forces familiarity with the entire board. Many players, especially beginners, focus only on high-scoring segments like 20, 19 and 18. But in real matches, you’ll often need to land awkward numbers, like 5, 11 or 13 to set up finishes. Around the clock ensures you practice them all. Second, it builds consistency under pressure. Since you can’t advance until you hit the current number, you learn to focus on each throw. This mimics the tension of competitive play, where a single missed dart can cost you the leg. Finally, it’s adaptable to any skill level. Beginners can stick to single numbers, while advanced players can ramp up the difficulty by requiring doubles or triples.

Variations to Keep Training Fresh

While the classic version is effective, mixing things up prevents monotony and targets different skills. Here are some popular twists:

“Doubles around the clock”, instead of hitting single numbers, players must land doubles (D1 through D20). This variation is brutal but invaluable for improving checkout accuracy. Missing a double in a real match stings, but missing D3 fifteen times in a row during practice? That’s character-building. For an extra challenge, some players add a penalty rule, if you fail to hit the target double in a round, you move back one number. Nothing sharpens your focus like the threat of regression.

“Triples around the clock”, this is where things get serious. Hitting triples (T1 to T20) in sequence is a test of elite precision. Most amateurs will struggle, but professionals like Michael van Gerwen use this drill to stay razor-sharp. A common adjustment is allowing players to skip numbers if they hit a triple. For example, landing T5 lets you jump straight to 8. This rewards accuracy and speeds up the game.

“Clockwise challenge”, in the standard version, numbers progress in order (1, 2, 3…). But the clockwise variation follows the actual layout of the dartboard: 1 → 18 → 4 → 13 → 6 → 10 → 15 → 2 → 17 → 3 → 19 → 7 → 16 → 8 → 11 → 14 → 9 → 12 → 5 → 20. This forces players to constantly adjust their aim, simulating the unpredictability of real matches where you can’t always pick your preferred targets.

“Quickly Around the World” (Reward & Punishment Mode), this fast-paced version adds incentives and consequences: Hit a single? Move to the next number. Hit a double? Skip one number ahead. Hit a triple? Skip two numbers. Miss entirely? Move back one. The added stakes make every dart matter, replicating the pressure of competitive play.

Competitive Play: Turning Practice into a Battle

While “Around the clock” is often a solo drill, it’s even better with friends. Here are two ways to make it a head-to-head challenge.

“Race to 20”, players throw simultaneously, racing to be the first to hit 20. The loser buys the next round, a timeless motivator.

“Elimination Mode”, everyone starts at 1, but if you fail to hit the current number in a round, you’re stuck until your next turn. The last player still stuck on 3 while others are nearing 20 suffers the shame of defeat.

Final Thoughts: A Game That Grows With You

Top players like Michael Van Gerwen incorporate “Around the clock” into their routines, often with personalized twists. MVG, for instance, sometimes plays a version where hitting a triple lets him skip ahead, speeding up the game while maintaining precision. The drill’s versatility makes it a staple at all levels. Beginners use it to learn the board, intermediates to refine their doubles and experts to maintain peak accuracy.

“Around the clock” is more than just a training exercise, it’s a foundation for darting excellence. Whether you’re a casual player looking to improve or a seasoned competitor sharpening your skills, this game adapts to your needs. So next time you pick up your darts, skip the mindless throwing and try a structured session of “Around the clock”. Your checkout percentage will thank you. And if you find yourself stuck on 7 for what feels like an eternity? Welcome to the club. Persistence pays off, one dart at a time.

Darts fever, because why not practice more, aim higher and laugh louder!

Eric Bristow, The Crafty Cockney: “Around the clock is the only game where you can hit a 180 in practice but still get stuck on number 1 for 20 minutes. It’s like the dartboard is mocking you.”