In the world of darts, the World Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious and unique tournaments on the professional circuit. Organised by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), it typically takes place every October.
What sets this tournament apart from every other major event is its specific scoring rule.
The “Double-In, Double-Out” Rule
In standard darts, players must end a leg by hitting a “double” (the thin outer ring of the board). However, the World Grand Prix requires players to start the leg with a double as well.
- Double-In: A player’s score does not start counting until they hit any double or the double-bullseye.
- Double-Out: Like standard matches, the player must hit a double to reduce their score to exactly zero and win the leg.
Why It Matters
This format significantly changes the pressure and strategy of the game:
- High Stakes: If a player misses their opening doubles, their opponent can build a massive lead before they even “get on the board.”
- Unique Skillset: It rewards players who are consistent at hitting the outer ring, rather than just those who are good at hitting the high-scoring Triple 20.
- The Format: The tournament uses a sets format (e.g., best of five sets) rather than just a total number of legs.
Tournament Prestige
The World Grand Prix is considered one of the “Triple Crown” or “Major” events in darts. Winning it is a career-defining achievement because it proves a player can handle the most mentally taxing format in the sport.