Short answer: beginners should usually aim at big, useful targets first: single 20, single 19, single 16 and simple doubles such as double 20 and double 16. Do not start by chasing treble 20 every dart. Build control, then make the targets smaller.
Last checked: 26 June 2026. This guide is written for steel-tip beginners learning standard 501-style darts. If you are playing cricket, soft-tip or a pub rules game, target priorities may change.
Why beginners should not only aim at treble 20
Treble 20 is the best scoring target when you can hit it regularly, but it is not always the best learning target. A beginner who aims at treble 20 and misses into 1 and 5 all night may score worse than someone aiming at the larger single 20 area and building a repeatable throw.
The first goal is not to look like a professional player. The first goal is to make your darts land in roughly the area you intended. Once your grouping improves, treble practice becomes more useful.
Beginner target priorities
| Target | Why it helps | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Big 20 | Builds scoring habit | Early practice |
| Big 19 | Useful cover target | When 20s are blocked or inconsistent |
| Big 16 | Connects to common doubles | Finishing practice |
| Double 20 | Common finish | Checkout practice |
| Double 16 | Strong finishing route | Checkout practice |
| Bull | Teaches straight-line control | Short focused drills |
Start with big singles
Big singles are underrated. If you can consistently hit the single 20 segment, your throw is already becoming useful. A stable single 20 gives you 60 per visit if all three darts land there. That is a solid beginner platform.
Once you can keep most darts in the intended segment, start aiming at the treble bed inside that segment. The same principle applies to 19s and 18s. Control first, precision second.
When to aim at treble 20
Aim at treble 20 when your darts are grouping near the top of the board and your misses are still useful. If you are missing into single 20, that is fine. If you are constantly missing into 1 and 5, either slow down, check your alignment or spend more time on the larger 20 segment before narrowing the target.
Why treble 19 matters
Treble 19 is the classic cover shot. If your first dart blocks treble 20 or sits awkwardly, switching to 19s can keep your score strong. Beginners often ignore 19s, then panic when the 20 bed is blocked. Practising 19s makes your game less fragile.
Do beginners need bull practice?
Yes, but not for the whole session. Bull practice helps alignment because it is central and easy to visualise. It is also useful for certain finishes. But 501 is not won by bull practice alone. You still need scoring segments and doubles.
A good split for beginners is mostly big singles and doubles, with a short bull drill at the end.
Doubles should start early
Darts legs are won on doubles in standard double-out formats. If you only practise scoring, you may get to a finish and then lose the leg. Start with common doubles: D20, D16, D10, D8, D4 and D2. These connect to common finishing routes and help you avoid panic near the end of a leg.
Best beginner drills
- 30 darts at 20: count how many land in the 20 segment.
- 20 and 19 switch: alternate targets every visit.
- Doubles ladder: D20, D10, D5, then D16, D8, D4, D2.
- Bull control: throw 15 darts at bull and count outer plus inner hits.
- Finish builder: start from 40, 32 and 24 and try to finish in three darts.
How to aim without overthinking
Pick a small visual point inside the larger target. Set your feet, soften your grip, look at the point and throw through it. Do not hold the dart so long that tension builds. Aim is useful only if the throw stays relaxed.
If your darts group tightly but away from the target, adjust alignment. If they spread everywhere, work on repeatability before worrying about tiny aiming changes.
What equipment helps beginners aim?
You need a clear board, comfortable darts and flights that are not damaged. Expensive darts will not aim for you, but uncomfortable darts can make learning harder. If you are starting from scratch, compare dart sets, dartboards and darts accessories.
Bottom line
Beginners should aim where they can build control: big 20, big 19, simple doubles and short bull drills. Treble 20 matters, but it should grow out of grouping, not replace it. Build the throw first, then shrink the target.
FAQ
Should beginners aim at treble 20?
Sometimes, but big 20 is usually a better starting target.
What is the safest scoring target?
Single 20 is useful because even non-treble hits still score well.
Should I practise bullseye?
Yes, in short drills. Do not make it your whole practice.
Which doubles should beginners learn first?
Double 20 and double 16 are good starting points.
