Darts

Dartboard diagram

Public bar, Railway Inn, Spofforth, North Yorkshire (1st August 2015) 015

HOPE-AND-ANCHOR-DART-CLUB

Darts gameplay

International dartboard height and distance

Darts is a sport in which small missiles are thrown at a circular target ("dartboard") fixed to a wall. Though various boards and rules have been used in the past, the term "darts" usually now refers to a standardized game involving a specific board design and set of rules. As a traditional pub game, darts is a popular activity in the United Kingdom, as well as in other countries around the world.

History

The game of darts has its origins in the military, dating back to the medieval period in England. Soldiers would throw short arrows at the bottom of the cask or a tree trunk to improve their aim. This pastime evolved over the centuries, becoming more formalized with the introduction of standardized rules and equipment.

Equipment

Dartboard

The modern dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, scoring from 1 to 20 points, by wires running from the small central circle to the outer circular wire. Two concentric circles, the "bullseye" in the center, score 25 and 50 points respectively. Dartboards are made from sisal fibers or boar bristles; electronic dartboards, which use soft-tip darts, are also popular.

Darts

Darts are made up of four parts: the point, the barrel, the shaft, and the flight. The points can be either steel-tip for traditional bristle dartboards or soft-tip for electronic dartboards. The barrel is the part that players grip, and its weight and shape can vary. The shaft holds the flight, which stabilizes the dart in flight.

Rules and Scoring

The objective of a standard game of darts is to hit specific targets on the dartboard. In the most common game, players start with a set score, typically 501 or 301, and take turns throwing three darts. The score for each turn is calculated and deducted from the players' total. The goal is to reach exactly zero; the final dart must land in either a double or the bullseye.

Variants

There are many variations of the game, including 'Round the Clock', 'Cricket', and 'Halve it', each with its own set of rules and scoring methods.

Professional Play

Darts has grown in popularity as a professional sport, with several organizations such as the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the British Darts Organisation (BDO) hosting annual international competitions. These events attract significant television audiences and offer substantial prize funds.

Culture

Darts is more than just a professional sport; it is a significant part of the culture in the UK and other countries, often associated with pubs and social gatherings. Its accessibility and social nature have contributed to its widespread popularity.