If you have ever played darts, knowing how many numbers are on the dartboard is an essential part of the game. Also, you’ve likely noticed that the numbers on the dartboard are not arranged in a simple, sequential pattern. Instead, they follow a unique order that might seem confusing at first glance.
So, in this article, we will explore the numbers that appear on a standard dartboard, how they relate to scoring in the game, and why the numbers are arranged this way.
Dartboard History
The dartboard has its origins in a centuries-old tradition of throwing objects at targets. Early versions of the dartboard were quite different from what we see today. The first dartboards were simply cross-sections of tree trunks, and the numbers were not even present. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the modern dartboard began to take shape.
The modern dartboard, as currently used in competitions, is the “clockboard” design containing 20 numbered segments. In 1896, such a design was introduced by an English carpenter named Brian Gamlin. He sought to make this particular dartboard in order to make the game a little bit challenging. He then selected the 20 segments because their unique properties ensured the game could not be any more challenging and demanding on skill.
The Layout of a Standard Dartboard
The standard dartboard consists of 20 sections carrying numbers. These are arranged in a particular order, which plays an important role in the game of darts. Now, let’s take a closer look at how this is organized on the dartboard.
Numbers on the Dartboard: The dartboard contains numbers ranging from 1 to 20. These are strategically placed on the board to test players’ skills in achieving their target. The placement of these numbers is not straightforward; it has been placed in a calculated manner.
The Purpose of the Numbers: Each number on the dartboard represents an area for scoring. When a player hits a particular section of the board, he or she scores the number shown in that section. Understanding how the numbers are placed can help players make better strategies in their game.
Dartboard Numbers Sequence
The numbers on the dartboard are arranged in a non-sequential manner. The order might seem random at first, but it is designed for a reason. The layout encourages skillful play by forcing players to aim at various sections. Here is the typical order:
- 20
- 5
- 12
- 9
- 14
- 11
- 8
- 16
- 7
- 19
- 3
- 17
- 2
- 15
- 10
- 6
- 13
- 4
- 18
- 1

This layout was carefully chosen to ensure that no single section is too easy to hit. Players must focus on hitting different areas of the board to succeed.
Why are the Numbers on a Dartboard in that Order?
One of the key reasons for the unusual order of numbers is that the layout is intended to make the game more strategic. The placement of numbers on the dartboard is not random. It was designed to increase the skill level required to score points and to encourage players to aim for more difficult areas of the board.
Reducing the Part of Luck
In the early days of darts, the boards were much simpler, and players could score high points with just a few lucky throws. As the game became more popular, it became clear that relying on luck wasn’t a true test of skill. Brian Gamlin’s goal was to design a board where success would be determined by precision, accuracy, and strategy, rather than chance.
Gamlin’s arrangement forced players to think more carefully about which areas of the dartboard they aimed for. By scattering the numbers across the board in an unpredictable pattern, the arrangement reduced the chance of players racking up high points easily by simply aiming at the highest-numbered sections. This forced players to develop skill and strategy over time.
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The Number Sequence and Its Impact on Gameplay
The placement of the numbers on the dartboard is designed to make scoring more difficult. For example, the 20 segment is located at the top of the dartboard, but the highest-scoring area, the bullseye, is at the center.
If the numbers were arranged sequentially, players would likely aim for the highest number every time. The randomness of the numbering forces players to take more calculated risks, aiming for certain areas to achieve the highest score possible.
The unique order also makes for a more interesting game. It challenges players to improve their dart-throwing skills, as hitting the right number at the right time becomes crucial. Whether you’re aiming for a double 20 to finish a game of 301 or trying to hit a triple 17 to boost your score in the middle of a round, the dartboard layout plays a big part in your success.
The Scoring System
Understanding how the numbers work is vital for any dart player. The number on the section hit by a dart determines the score. But the scoring system is more complex than simply adding the number from the section. Here’s how it works:
Single Area: If a player hits the outer ring of a section, they score the number shown.
Double Area: The thin outer ring around each section represents the double area. A dart landing here scores double the number of the section.

Triple Area: The thin inner ring of each section represents the triple area. A dart landing here scores three times the number of the section.
Bullseye: The center of the dartboard is the bullseye. It is divided into two parts:
- The outer bullseye (green) is worth 25 points.
- The inner bullseye (red) is worth 50 points.
The Role of the 20 Segment
The number 20 is located at the top of the dartboard, and it is considered the most important number on the board. The reason the 20 segment holds this prominent position is largely due to its role in scoring and game strategy.
In traditional dart games like “501” and “301,” hitting a 20 gives you a significant point boost. Since the 20 is considered the highest-scoring single segment, it forces players to focus on hitting that area with skill and precision.
The Influence of the Number 5
Another interesting feature of the dartboard layout is the presence of the number 5. In the sequence chosen by Gamlin, 5 plays an important role in the difficulty of the game. Many of the lower-numbered sections, like 1, 5, and 6, are placed near the outer rings of the dartboard.
These lower values provide players with an opportunity to score lower points, which can sometimes be advantageous when playing games like 301. In these games, scoring just a few points at a time is often the key to victory.
Additionally, the 5’s presence and its proximity to high-value numbers also creates a challenge for players. The temptation to aim for the higher segments can lead to mistakes if players don’t pay attention to the overall strategy of the game.
Conclusion
All in all, there are 20 numbers on a regular dartboard, in a specific pattern to make the game challenging and requiring skills. The unusual order of numbers on a dartboard is anything but random. They range from 1 to 20 and are supposed to be difficult. Knowing how to work your way around and utilize this setup is just part of being an advanced dart player.
It was designed in 1896 by Brian Gamlin to make the game more challenging and require a lot of skill. Modern-day dart players all over the world are grateful for this design since it encourages play that is competent and thoughtful.