Why is bullseye worth less than treble 20?

May 3, 202311 min read

Bullseye worth less than treble 20 featured image with scoring zone comparison

The bullseye is worth less than treble 20 because darts is not scored by distance from the centre. The inner bull is a fixed 50 points, while treble 20 is the number 20 multiplied by the treble ring, so it scores 60.

Last reviewed: 24 August 2026. This guide explains the scoring logic, why the centre is not the highest-scoring target, and when bullseye is still the right shot.

Infographic explaining why treble 20 scores 60 while the bullseye scores 50 in darts — The bullseye is central, but treble 20 wins on multiplication: 20 times 3 equals 60.

The direct answer

Treble 20 is worth 60 because it combines the highest board number with the treble multiplier. The inner bull is worth 50. That makes the bullseye valuable, but not the highest-scoring single dart on a standard dartboard.

This feels strange to beginners because many target sports reward the centre most. Darts works differently. The board is a scoring map, not a simple nearest-the-centre target.

Darts is not scored like archery

In archery-style thinking, the centre should be the best score because it is the hardest point to hit. Darts does not use that model. The numbers around the board and the multiplier rings create a risk-reward system across the whole face.

That is why a dart near the outside of the board can score more than a dart in the centre. Treble 20 is physically away from the bull, but mathematically it is the top scoring bed for one dart.

The simple maths

The inner bull scores 50. The outer bull scores 25. A single 20 scores 20. Double 20 scores 40. Treble 20 scores 60. The treble ring triples the number segment, and 20 is the highest number on the board.

So the comparison is straightforward: bullseye equals 50, treble 20 equals 20 multiplied by 3, which equals 60. That extra 10 points is why elite players aim at treble 20 so often when they are scoring.

Why make the centre 50?

The centre still matters because it is difficult, dramatic and strategically useful. Making it 50 gives it high value without making it overpower every other target. If the bull were worth more than treble 20, scoring strategy would become much flatter.

The current balance gives darts texture. Players can score heavily on trebles, use the bull for specific finishes, and switch targets when treble 20 is blocked. That mix is part of what makes the game tactical.

Why treble 20 is the scoring target

Treble 20 gives the highest possible score with one dart. Three treble 20s make 180, the maximum normal three-dart visit. This is why 180 has such cultural weight in darts: it is the cleanest expression of scoring perfection in a standard visit.

Good players aim at treble 20 because the reward is high and the surrounding misses are still useful. A dart that slips into single 20 still scores 20. A dart that moves into treble 5 or treble 1 is punished, which is why accuracy and grouping matter.

When the bullseye is better

The bullseye is better when the score requires it. In double-out darts, the inner bull can count as a double 25, so it can finish a leg from 50. It also appears in checkout routes such as 121, 122, 125, 132 and 170 depending on the darts already thrown and the player's preferred route.

That means the bull is not a weak target. It is a different kind of target. Treble 20 is usually best for raw scoring; bullseye is crucial for certain finishes and tactical leaves.

Outer bull versus inner bull

The bull area has two parts. The outer bull is usually worth 25. The inner bullseye is worth 50. Beginners often call both “the bullseye,” but scoring is more precise than that.

If you are learning, say “outer bull” for 25 and “bullseye” or “inner bull” for 50. That removes confusion when checking scores, planning finishes and reading rules.

Why the board rewards risk

The treble ring is narrow, so high reward comes with a higher accuracy demand. The bull is also small, but because it is fixed at 50, it serves a different purpose. Darts asks players to choose between score value, target size, miss pattern and the next dart.

This is why professionals sometimes switch to 19s, 18s or bull routes. They are not only chasing the biggest number; they are managing angle, blocked beds, score left and checkout structure.

Why professionals do not just throw at bull

If the bull is central and familiar, it may seem like a sensible main target. In scoring phases, it usually is not. Three inner bulls would score 150, while three treble 20s score 180. Over a full leg of 501, that difference is enormous.

Even two treble 20s and a single 20 score 140, which nearly matches three perfect bulls. That is why professional scoring visits are built around treble 20 unless the bed is blocked, the player prefers another segment, or the score requires a setup switch.

Miss patterns explain the strategy

Good target choice is not just about the dart that lands perfectly. It is about where the misses go. Around treble 20, a vertical miss can still land in single 20. A horizontal miss can be punished into 5 or 1, which is why top players work so hard on straight entry and grouping.

A bull miss often lands in 25, single numbers or outside the bull area entirely. That can be fine for specific finishes, but it is not usually the best route for building a high three-dart score. The best scoring target is the one with the best reward after realistic misses, not only the best reward after a perfect dart.

Checkout examples

The bull becomes powerful when it completes a finish. From 50, bullseye wins the leg. From 170, the famous route is treble 20, treble 20, bull. From 121, many players may use treble 20, treble 11, double 14, but bull routes can appear depending on preference and first-dart result.

This is where darts becomes strategic. A player might ignore treble 20 if another route leaves a preferred double or avoids a blocked bed. The scoring value of bull is fixed, but its tactical value changes with the score remaining.

The role of the 170 checkout

The 170 checkout is known as the big fish because it is the highest standard three-dart checkout: treble 20, treble 20, bull. That route shows the relationship between the two targets perfectly. Treble 20 does the heavy scoring work, and the bull finishes the job.

So the bull is not less important because it is worth 50. It is important in a different way. Treble 20 helps create winning chances; bullseye often turns a winning chance into the final dart of the leg.

How to teach the rule quickly

Use the phrase “number first, ring second.” Ask the player to name the number segment, then name the ring. Single 20 is 20. Double 20 is 40. Treble 20 is 60. Bull is its own scoring area, with outer bull at 25 and inner bull at 50.

This sequence prevents the common beginner mistake of treating the board like a simple target. Once the player understands that the treble ring multiplies the number, the 50-versus-60 question stops feeling odd.

Target choice under pressure

Pressure changes the decision. A player chasing points may keep aiming at treble 20, but a player on 50 with the opponent waiting on a finish should usually take bull. The best target is the one that wins or leaves the cleanest next dart.

This is why experienced players think in visits rather than isolated darts. Treble 20 is the highest-scoring single dart, but bullseye may be the highest-value dart in the moment if it ends the leg or saves a checkout route.

Why the rule makes darts better

If the centre were always the highest score, many legs would become repetitive bull practice. The current system spreads meaningful targets across the board. It rewards scoring, switching, finishing and counting, which is why the game stays tactical even though every player uses the same board.

Common beginner confusion

Thinking centre always wins: darts is based on numbers and multipliers, not only centrality.
Mixing up bull values: outer bull is 25 and inner bull is 50.
Ignoring the ring: treble 20 is 60 because the ring triples the 20.
Aiming at bull for scoring: treble 20 is normally better for points accumulation.
Forgetting finishing rules: bullseye can still be a vital double-out target.

Practice drill

Try a simple comparison drill. Throw three darts at treble 20, then three darts at bull. Record the total and the miss pattern. Do this for ten rounds. Most beginners will learn quickly that scoring value is not just about target size.

The drill also teaches decision-making. If your bull grouping is strong but treble 20 grouping is wild, your best route in practice may differ from a professional route. The long-term aim is to make treble scoring reliable without losing bull confidence.

Equipment and setup

Clear scoring starts with a readable dartboard, steady lighting and darts that suit your throw. If the board is worn around treble 20, rotate it if the design allows. A damaged treble bed makes the comparison less useful because bounce-outs and loose fibres distort feedback.

Use consistent darts or complete dart sets, keep spare flights and stems from darts accessories, and protect the wall with dartboard surrounds. If wall mounting is not possible, use a measured dartboard stand.

Visual guide: how to apply this at the board

A practical decision map for applying the why is bullseye worth less than treble 20 answer at a real board.

Use this matrix to turn the why is bullseye worth less than treble 20 question into the right practice, scoring or setup decision.

Sources used

PDC rules of darts for official scoring context.
PDC Europe rules for bull, double-out and scoring context.
Red Dragon darts rules for rule explanation.
Winmau dartboard setup instructions for board setup context.
CITS sports dimensions guide for darts for standard setup reference.

Bottom line

The bullseye is worth less than treble 20 because darts rewards number value multiplied by ring value. The bullseye is fixed at 50, while treble 20 is 20 times 3, which makes 60.

Use treble 20 for maximum scoring when it makes sense, but do not dismiss the bull. It is one of the most important finishing and tactical targets on the board.