Darts
A throwing sport and traditional pub game of skill.
Darts is a competitive sport in which two or more players bare-handedly throw small sharp-pointed projectiles known as darts at a round target known as a dartboard. Points can be scored by hitting specific marked areas of the board, though unlike in sports such as archery, these areas are distributed all across the board and do not follow a principle of points increasing toward the board's bullseye. Darts is both a professional throwing sport and a traditional pub game, commonly played in the British Isles and recreationally loved around the world.
- field
- Throwing sport
- nationality
- Originated in the British Isles
Lore & Background
This came about after the landlord of the Adelphi Inn in Leeds was prosecuted for allowing darts to be played in his pub. As darts was considered a game of chance at the time, it was not allowed on licensed premises. The landlord was supported in his case by the best darts player in the region, William 'Bigfoot' Anakin. A dartboard was hung in the court and Anakin proved that darts was not a game of chance by hitting three double 20s in a row. The original target in the game was likely a cross-section of a tree trunk, whose circular shape and natural concentric rings inspired the standard dartboard design used today. An older name for a dartboard is 'butt'; the word comes from the French word but, meaning 'target' or 'goal'. Many configurations have been used, varying by time and location. Before World War I, pubs in the United Kingdom had dartboards made from solid blocks of wood, usually elm. Small bundles of sisal fibres of the same length were bundled together, compressed into a disk, and bound with a metal ring. This new dartboard was more durable and required little maintenance.
Reader's Guide
This legal decision allowed its widespread play in pubs, cementing its role in British social culture. The sport's equipment evolved from tree trunk cross-sections and wooden darts to standardized sisal fiber boards and tungsten-alloy darts, reflecting both tradition and technological advancement. Darts continues to be played professionally and recreationally worldwide, with governing bodies like the World Darts Federation establishing precise playing dimensions. The sport's legacy includes its enduring popularity in the British Isles and its influence on pub culture, as well as ongoing innovations in dartboard materials and dart design to improve durability and performance.
Did You Know?
- The original dartboard was likely a cross-section of a tree trunk, inspiring the circular design.
- Modern quality dartboards are made of sisal fibres from Eastern Africa, Brazil, and China.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is darts?
Darts is a competitive throwing sport in which players toss small sharp-pointed projectiles bare-handed at a round target called a dartboard. It can be played by two or more competitors and is enjoyed both professionally and recreationally.
How does scoring work in darts?
Players earn points by landing darts in specific marked zones spread across the entire face of the board. Unlike archery, the scoring areas do not follow a pattern of increasing value toward the center bullseye.
Where did darts originate?
The sport originated in the British Isles, where it became both a professional competitive activity and a beloved traditional pub pastime. It has since grown into a globally enjoyed recreational game.
What makes darts different from other throwing sports like archery?
Darts uses small sharp-pointed projectiles thrown bare-handed rather than with a bow or other implement. Additionally, the scoring zones are distributed across the whole board rather than concentrating higher values at the center.
Is darts only a pub game?
No, while darts is famously tied to pub culture in the British Isles, it is also a fully professional competitive sport with organized leagues and tournaments. Recreational play is popular worldwide, but the professional side operates at a high competitive level.
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