Bull

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The bullseye sits at the very heart of the dartboard — a small red circle worth 50 points, surrounded by a green outer bull ring worth 25. In checkout situations, the inner bull counts as a double (double 25), making it a valid finishing shot. This is critical for understanding checkouts like 170 (T20, T20, Bull) and 50 (Bull straight). The bull is a unique target because it's the only one at the center of the board. Aiming at it requires a fundamentally different technique than aiming at the numbered segments around the edge. Your dart needs to arrive at the geometric center, which for most players means a slightly different throwing arc. In professional darts, the bullseye plays a key role beyond just scoring. Before many matches, players "diddle for the middle" — each throwing one dart at the bull, with the closest going first. This moment of pressure, with both players and the crowd watching, sets the tone for the match. Strategically, the bull comes into play most during checkouts. Leaving yourself on 50 (the bull) is a common strategy because it's a single-dart finish. However, many players actually find the bull harder to hit than a standard double because of its small size and central position. Statistics show that professional players hit the bull at a lower rate than doubles like D20 or D16. The outer bull (25) is useful in cricket and for setting up specific checkout routes. It's a larger target and can be a smart play when you need exactly 25 to leave a double.