History of Darts

Darts sport began as training in the martial arts, (well, the martial art of archery). Darts began in Medieval England. Historians surmise, because they don't know for certain, that those teaching archery shortened some arrows and had their students throw them at the bottom of an empty wine barrel.

The fact that the bottom of an empty wine barrel was used is a clue to how the game developed into a pastime. It is thought that the soldiers took their shortened arrows with them to the local drinking establishment to both exhibit their skill and have fun at the same time. When the bottoms of wine barrels proved to be inconvenient or in short supply, some inventive dart thrower brought in a cross-section of a moderate sized tree.

The "board" provided rings, and when it dried out, the cracks provided further segmentation. This cracked and dried board began to evolve into what we think of as the current dart board.

A game as fun as darts could not be hidden from the upper classes, and they soon put their own stamp on the game, the oft-married Henry VIII was reputed to enjoy the game immensely. So much so, that he was given a beautifully ornate set by Anne Boleyn.

Darts Rules

Following these rules will allow you to play in most competitions without mishap.

1. To start the game the captains of the opposing teams toss a coin to decide who is to "bull up" first.
2. "Bulling up" is when a member of each team throws a dart at the bull in the centre of the dartboard. The person with the dart closest to the bull gets to choose whether their team will play first or second.
3. The player stands up to the line on the floor and starts throwing their darts. No part of the foot or footwear may be over the line. In darts "on the line is out". Stay behind the line.
4. All games, except special promotional games, must start and end with a "double".

5. The Chalker or Caller is the person who records the score of the game and will write the score achieved on the board beside the game. They will calculate the new score and write it for all to see.
6. The Chalker may tell you the remaining score needed but must not tell you how to score the necessary points, e.g. "44 left" as opposed to "Double 20, Double 2".
7. If a dart falls out of the board before the score is called it will not be counted.
8. You may not use unfair tactics to disadvantage your opponents, e.g. excessive talking, heckling.
9. The decisions of the match referee are absolute.