Key Takeaways:
- Dartboards, or “clock” dartboards, have 20 numbered sections ranging from 1 to 20, arranged non-sequentially to balance high and low values, penalizing inaccurate shots.
- Opposite numbers on the dartboard always total 27, e.g., opposite of 20 is 3. Specifically, the opposite of 16 is 7. Knowing these opposites can strategize gameplay in certain situations.
- Patterns on the dartboard include alternating between odd and even numbers, a balance of values across the board, and groupings of high or low numbers on particular sides.
- Dartboards also feature rings for double and triple point values. The bullseye is typically worth 25 points.
Introduction
The standard dart board, also called a “clock” dartboard, comprises twenty divisions with numbers that span from 1 to 20. These were once constructed on the British dart board design, which aimed to acknowledge precise shots and penalize those that showcase a lack of accuracy. The numbers are not arranged in a sequential manner but are instead deliberately placed, almost like pieces on a carpentry project, or, say, carpentry darts.
If you enjoy playing darts socially or even if you’re a professional player, understanding the dartboard’s arrangement and how the numbers function is crucial. Within this article, we shall answer questions regarding the numerical values on a dartboard. Examples like what number is opposite 16 on a dartboard, the order of numbers on a dartboard, and why some dart players, after taking a bad throw or when trying to get a maximum score, go for double 16. Let’s begin!

“On a dartboard, each number has an opposite. If you look directly across from 16, you’ll find the number 7. This is much like how Brian Gamlin, a popular wire worker, might have viewed it. Think of it like a clock with numbers in different spots!”
In this article, I will look into the following:
How Dartboards Are Numbered?
Starting from the top and moving clockwise, if you were to throw an accurate dart, or even an extra dart by chance, you would notice the pattern:
20 – 1 – 18 – 4 – 13 – 6 – 10 – 15 – 2 – 17 – 3 – 19 – 7 – 16 – 8 – 11 – 14 – 9 – 12 – 5
Darts land on the board in an unpredictable fashion, so high and low numbers are interspersed throughout. The placement of these numbers, particularly the high-risk placements like next to the double bulls, encourages players to focus on accuracy and consistency. The traditional board structure gives a sense of unpredictability, where a lack of accuracy can penalize players by landing them on a lower number even if they were aiming for a higher one.
The intricate design, which some attribute to Thomas Buckle, makes darts both a basic game and a strategic one. In games like 501/301, players start with a set score (either 501 or 301) and aim to reduce it to zero. Each segment on the dartboard represents a specific point value.
This game’s numbers are more specific than 501/301, as only particular segments are targeted. In Around the Clock, players must hit each number on the dartboard in sequential order, starting with 1 and ending with 20. The arrangement of numbers adds to the difficulty of this game, as players must accurately navigate the entire board.
What Number is Opposite 16 on a Dartboard
When a player wonders what number is opposite of 16 on a dartboard, they are often trying to strategize their next move. As mentioned earlier, the opposite of 16 is 7. This was a system possibly established to maintain balance, much like how a steel-tip dart maintains its balance when thrown.

Knowing the opposite numbers can be helpful in some darts games and strategies. For instance, if you need to hit an odd number to finish a game of 501/301, you can aim for the opposite of an even number you are comfortable with. For example, if you are good at hitting 16, you can aim for its opposite (7) to score an odd number.
Is There a Sequence to Dartboard?
The dartboard may seem haphazard, but there’s a strategy. Although it doesn’t follow the structure of a Dodge Dart, the board’s number alternations between odd and even and its particular groupings provide players with subtle hints and challenges.
- The numbers alternate between odd and even.
- Numbers with similar values are spread out evenly across the board.
- The left-hand side of the dartboard has more high numbers grouped there, such as 16, 8, 11, 14, 9, and 12.
- The right-hand side of the dartboard has more low numbers grouped there, such as 1, 4, 13, 6, 10, and 15.
These patterns could be more obvious and significant, but they may help some players to find their preferred targets or avoid their weak spots on the board.
What Numbers Are Between 6 and 9 on a Dartboard?
Darts players may have been what numbers are between 6 and 9 on a dartboard. The answer is 10 and 15. If you look at the dartboard layout, you’ll see that the numbers are arranged in a clockwise direction, so the numbers that are between two adjacent numbers are the ones that follow them in that order. For example, the numbers between 20 and 1 are 18 and 4, those between 1 and 18 are 13 and 6, and so on. Therefore, the numbers between 6 and 9 are 10 and 15.

Knowing the numbers between two adjacent numbers can be helpful for some darts games and strategies. For example, if you need to hit a double to finish a game of 501/301, you can aim for the number between two doubles you are comfortable with. For example, if you are good at hitting doubles 6 and 9, you can aim for the number between them (10) to score a double.
What is the Lowest Number on a Dartboard?
Most dartboards have the numbers 1-20 on them, and the lowest number is 1. However, there are special sections like the outer bullseye., such as the bullseye, which is worth 25 points. The outer ring of the dartboard is worth double points, and the inner ring is worth triple points. The highest number on a dartboard is 20, and the outer ring of the dartboard is worth 40 points. There are also many different games that can be played with a dartboard, such as 501 or cricket.
What is the Order of Numbers on a Dart Board?
The order of numbers on a dartboard is arranged so that the numbers at the top of the board are the highest, and the numbers at the bottom are the lowest. This arrangement is designed to make it easier for players to score points. The board’s outer rings are given the most common point values, while the inner rings are given the highest values. The higher-value numbers are usually at the top, much like a prized lucky shots position.
The bullseye is usually worth 25 points, and the outer ring is worth 20 points. The middle ring is worth 15 points, and the inner ring is worth 10 points. The order of numbers on a dartboard can vary depending on the game being played, but this arrangement is generally used in standard games.
How Do Dartboard Numbers Work?
Dartboard numbers have an interesting history. The design we recognize today was rumored to be crafted by Brian Gamlin, a wire worker from Lancashire. However, some general principles apply to most darts’ games:
- Each number on the dartboard represents points a player score when hitting that segment. In the world of professional players, every dart’s land can mean victory or defeat. Each segment on the dartboard has three areas: a single, double, and triple. The single area is worth the face value of the number, the double area is worth twice the face value of the number, and the triple area is worth three times the face value of the number. For someone aiming for a maximum score, hitting the right spots is essential.
- Each segment on the dartboard has three areas: a single, double, and triple. The single area is worth the face value of the number, the double area is worth twice the face value of the number, and the triple area is worth three times the face value of the number.
- The bullseye on the dartboard has two areas: outer bull and the inner bull. The outer bull is worth 25 points and the inner bull is worth 50 points.
- The total score of a throw is calculated by adding up the points scored by each dart that lands on the board. A throw can consist of up to three darts per visit.
These are the basic game rules of darts scoring. Yet, there are some variations. For instance, the standard dart board might have slight variations in design, particularly if you compare it to carpentry darts or a Dodge Dart, which has nothing to do with the game but sounds similar.
- 501/301: In these classic games, players start with a score of 501 or 301 and aim to reduce it to exactly zero by scoring points with their darts. However, they must finish on a double or a bullseye; otherwise, their score will not count, and they will have to try again on their next visit.
- Cricket: In this game, players must “close out” numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye by hitting each three times. They can also score points by hitting closed numbers while their opponent has not closed them yet. The player who closes all the numbers and has a higher or equal score wins.
- Around-the-clock: In this casual game, players must hit each number on the dartboard sequentially, starting with 1 and ending with 20. They can also choose to include the bullseye as the final target. The player who hits all the numbers in order wins the game.
These are just some examples of darts games and their scoring rules. Some many more variations and possibilities can make darts more fun and challenging for players of different skill levels and preferences.

Why Do Darts Players Go for Double 16?
Darts, an ancient game, has often witnessed lucky shots and calculated strategies. A bad throw or a lack of accuracy can easily shift the tide of a game. The steel-tip dart, the preferred choice of many, pierces the board to mark its territory. Thomas Buckle, a historical figure in the darts community, once remarked on the significance of consistent accuracy in games.
In between, the point values decrease incrementally. The double 16 is located in the middle of the dartboard and is worth 32 points. It is often considered to be the best option for players looking to score a high number of points in one turn.
This is because it provides a good balance between risk and reward. Hitting the double 20, for example, is more difficult but offers more points. Alternatively, going for the bullseye is easier but only nets half as many points. As a result, many players view the double 16 as the ideal target.

Why Do Darts Players Start on 501?
Historical accounts often associate the origins of darts with soldiers and tavern-goers trying their accurate dart throws at a target. The journey from there to the structured game we recognize today has been long and winding.
- 501 is a significant enough score that requires players to score consistently and accurately over several visits to finish a game. This makes the game more challenging and exciting for both players and spectators.
- 501 is also a prime number, meaning it cannot be divided by any other number except itself and one. This makes it only possible for players to finish a game with a single dart if they hit the bullseye (which counts as double 25). This adds another layer of difficulty and strategy to the game.
- 501 is also a number that can be finished with many combinations of doubles and triples. This gives players more options and flexibility when planning their checkouts and allows for more creativity and variety in the game.
Faq
Why is the number opposite 16 on a dartboard 8?
A dartboard’s numbering scheme adheres to a pattern that equally distributes high and low-scoring areas. On a typical dartboard, the numbers are arranged in a circle, with a similar number placed right across from it. This system guarantees fairness and lets players plan their shots depending on the available scoring possibilities.
On a dartboard, the number next to 16 is 8, thanks to the specific pattern utilized. The numbers are organized in a certain sequence if we split the dartboard into four quadrants, beginning at the top and moving clockwise. Following this arrangement, we see that 8 is situated next to 16 and opposite from 8.
This numbering scheme was thoughtfully created to level the playing field and eliminate any prejudice towards certain areas of the board. In order to get high scores, players must take into account both the placement of their desired number and its matching opposite, which adds a strategic component to the game.
As a result of the carefully planned placement of numbers, the number 8 lies opposite the number 16 on a dartboard, encouraging fair and competitive action.
Does the number opposite 16 vary on different types of dartboards?
Depending on the precise kind or variation of dartboard being used, the number next to 16 on a dartboard may change. Different versions of dartboards may have their own distinctive numbering patterns, even if the standard dartboard used in the majority of competitive games and tournaments adheres to a consistent numbering scheme.
It’s crucial to remember that various areas and play tastes might result in variances in dartboard designs. For the purpose of introducing new gaming mechanics or difficulties, certain versions may change the numbering scheme. One difference between conventional bristle dartboards and electronic dartboards is often the numbering system.
The number facing 16 needs to be decided based on the guidelines or directions that come along with the dartboard in case you are using a dartboard that is not standard or has unique modifications. In order for you to correctly find the number across from 16, the instructions or user manual for the dartboard should include a picture or explanation of how the numbers are arranged.
To ensure fair and enjoyable games, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific dartboard you are using. By doing this, you can make sure you comprehend how the numbers are organized and any differences that might be present.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding the numbers on a dartboard is essential for a successful game of darts. History, skill, and a tad bit of luck contribute to this intriguing game. Armed with the knowledge of numbers and their significance, you’re already a step ahead. Practice, aim, throw, and maybe one day, you’ll stand among the legends like Brian Gamlin and Thomas Buckle.
So there you have it, the answer to a question that has likely been bugging you for years. Now get out there and show your friends how smart you are! But until then, don’t forget to keep practicing so you can be the best dart player in the room. We have described what number is opposite 16 on a dartboard. Thanks for reading.
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