History may be long, but darts have traversed the ages. Whether it is in the pubs, clubs, or even in homes, the game itself comes out as a small piece of history. Its origins go back centuries and, over time, have turned into the sport as we know it today. One thing that means the most to darts is the dartboard. But who invented it, and how did it all begin?
In this article, we take a look at the history of darts, the invention of the dartboard, rules, game variations and some of the key individuals who helped shape this timeless game.
What is Darts?
Darts is a game where players throw small, pointed missile (Darts) at a target, a round board to which numbered sections are attached, each differently valued. Thereby, the player aims at scoring by hitting particular areas, including the bullseye and the double or triple section.
The most standard format is 501, in which the players begin with this score and subtract each time until reaching zero. Darts is a sport that includes accuracy, strategy, and consistency.
It is played both casually and professionally, with tournaments held all around the world. The standard equipment includes tungsten darts, a bristle board, and proper throwing distance.
The Early Origins of Darts
The origins of darts are truly unknown. Darts as we know them today have their history in the medieval period. It is believed that the game developed from a pastime played by soldiers in the 15th century whereby they would throw short blunt-ended arrows at the bottom of a barrel or tree trunk, marking the targets with a chalk or carved design.
Darts began to take on some sense of organization during the time of England’s King Henry VIII between 1491 and 1547. It is believed that his court enjoyed several target games and these added to the beginning of darts. The game was played in taverns where people threw knives or arrowheads at wooden targets with a gradually developed dartboard.

It gradually evolved from the concept of hurling small objects at a mark to a game. With time, these informal contests gained significant appeal. In some time, it took the shape of a game that was enjoyable for all age groups.
Who invented the first Modern Dartboard?
In the early days of darts, players would throw their darts at very simple targets-usually sections of tree trunks or pieces of wood that had been painted with sections. Often these sections were divided into zones to help keep score, but the design was inconsistent. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that a more standardized approach to the game began to emerge.
The invention of the modern dartboard is often credited to a carpenter named Brian Gamlin. Gamlin lived in Lancashire, England, and is believed to have designed the first standardized dartboard around 1896. Up until then, various regions and pubs had their own versions of dartboards, making it difficult for players to enjoy the game in a consistent manner.
Gamlin’s dartboard was numbered and round in design, with the capability of much strategy involved. It was divided into 20 sections, each section having a different point value. The highest point value, at 20, rested atop the board, while the lowest, at 1, was at the bottom. This setup gave players a fair chance at scoring based on skill, rather than luck.
One of the most important features of Gamlin’s dartboard was the scoring mechanism, which would make it a lot easier for players to score points. Each section on the board was clearly numbered, and the outermost ring awarded the lowest points while the inner rings and bullseye earned higher points. Gamlin’s design standardized the game to a great degree, and this played a significant part in its surge in popularity.
The Rise of Competitive Darts
As the game of darts became more standardized with Gamlin’s dartboard, it started to gain traction in public settings. Pubs and social clubs in England and across Europe began to host dart tournaments. These events were informal at first, but they grew larger over time. By the early 20th century, darts had become a competitive sport, with organized leagues and championships.
In the early 1900s, the National Darts Association was founded in the United Kingdom, helping to formalize the rules and regulations of the game. The association also played a key role in organizing major tournaments, such as the British Darts Championship, which attracted large crowds. The game continued to grow in popularity, and more dartboards were produced, allowing for a wider range of people to get involved in the sport.

In the 1920s and 1930s, darts saw a surge in interest. It was during this period that professional darts players began to emerge. The first major professional tournament, the World Professional Darts Championship, was held in 1927. This event, which is still held today, is considered one of the most prestigious in the sport of darts.
Darts continued to grow throughout the 20th century, and by the 1970s, the sport became increasingly televised. This helped expose the game to a global audience and attracted even more players. The emergence of television coverage also brought attention to the personalities of top players, which further fueled the growth of the sport.
The Evolution of Dartboards
While the basic design of the dartboard invented by Brian Gamlin has remained largely unchanged, there have been some important improvements over the years. Early dartboards were frequently made of wood that would quite easily wear out after constant impact from darts. The mid-20th century introduction of sisal fiber dartboards really revolutionized the game. Sisal is a natural fiber; as such, it’s durable and allows the darts to stick much better than wood.
The quality and durability of dartboards have consistently improved with advancement in materials and methods of manufacturing. Modern-day dartboards are made from an array of materials that include compressed sisal fibers, cork, and even plastic. The use of superior material allows dartboards to not only last longer but also provide a consistent playing experience.
Other than the improvements made in the material used to make dartboards, new innovations have been invented, such as the electronic dartboard. These are fitted with sensors that score automatically, eliminating any manual operation of scoring. Electronic dartboards are most popular in casual settings where players may not be familiar with the traditional way of keeping score.
The Influence of Darts on Popular Culture
Over the years, darts has had a significant influence on popular culture. The sport has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and books. Famous darts players, such as Phil Taylor and Eric Bristow, have become household names. Their skill, charisma, and ability to entertain crowds helped raise the profile of the sport and turn it into a global phenomenon.

The World Darts Championship, which is held annually in London, is one of the most-watched events in the world of darts. The tournament attracts thousands of fans and is broadcast on television to millions of viewers. In addition to the World Championship, there are numerous other professional tournaments held throughout the year, all of which showcase the best players in the world.
Darts has also inspired a number of video games and arcade machines, further cementing its place in popular culture. These games allow people to experience the thrill of throwing darts without needing a physical dartboard. Many of these video games also introduce new, creative variations of the game, making darts even more accessible to players of all ages.
History of Darts in America
Darts began to gain popularity in the United States in the early 20th century. The game came from England, where it was played in pubs. American soldiers brought darts back home after World War I. They played in bars and social clubs, making the game part of American culture.
In the 1970s, darts saw a rise in interest. The American Darts Organization (ADO) formed in 1976. This group helped standardize rules and organize tournaments. Players began competing in leagues across the country. The sport became more formal, with competitions offering prizes.
Television played a key role in promoting darts. Shows in the 1980s showcased professional players and tournaments. This exposure helped grow the fan base. Many bars added dartboards, making it a common pastime.
Today, darts is played at all levels in America. Local leagues and national tournaments attract players of all ages. The game is known for its mix of skill and strategy. Darts continues to be enjoyed in homes, bars, and clubs, proving its lasting appeal. The history of darts in America shows its evolution from a simple game to a respected sport.
What are the Darts Rules?
Basically, the board is divided into sections, each with a point value. The players take three darts per round. The game pertains to reaching from an initially high score, say 501 or 301, down to zero by hitting appropriate sections of the board.
Players subtract points depending on where their darts land. The game finishes when a player reaches zero, which needs to be hit with a double-a double is the outer ring of a section-or a bullseye.
Other rules which must be followed while playing the game are for scoring: starting and ending on an even number. This is a very tactical and accurate game for one to win.
How to Darts Scoring in a game?
In darts, scoring depends on where the dart lands on the board. The dartboard has 20 numbered sections. The center is called the bullseye, which has two parts: the outer bullseye (25 points) and the inner bullseye (50 points). Each section has a specific point value, from 1 to 20.
The game usually starts with each player having 501 points. The goal is to reduce your score to zero. Players take turns throwing three darts per round. The score for each turn is the sum of the points from the three darts. For example, hitting the 20 section three times gives 60 points (20 + 20 + 20).

The outer ring of each numbered section doubles the score, and the inner ring triples it. For example, a dart in the outer ring of 20 scores 40 points (20 x 2), and in the inner ring, it scores 60 points (20 x 3).
Players must end the game by hitting a double that brings their score exactly to zero. If a player’s score goes below zero, the turn is void, and their score returns to what it was before that turn.
Different Types of Darts Game Variations
Darts is a popular game that has many variations. Each variation offers a different challenge, making it fun for players of all skill levels. Here are ten types of darts game variations that you can try.
501: This is one of the most common dart games. Players start with 501 points and take turns throwing darts. Each dart reduces the player’s total score. The goal is to reach zero exactly, and you must finish by hitting a double (a dart that lands in the outer ring of a numbered section).
301: This game is similar to 501 but with a smaller starting score. Players begin with 301 points and follow the same rules as 501. The game ends when a player reaches exactly zero, with a double finish required.
Cricket: In Cricket, players aim to hit numbers 15 through 20, plus the bullseye, three times each. The goal is to “close” these numbers by hitting them three times before your opponent does. Once a number is closed, it cannot be used by the other player. The first player to close all their numbers and have a higher score wins.
Around the World: This game requires players to hit every number from 1 to 20 in order, followed by the bullseye. Players must hit each number once before moving on to the next. The first player to complete the sequence wins.

Shanghai: In Shanghai, players must hit three specific numbers: 1, 2, and 3. The twist is that the number 1 must be hit with a single dart, the number 2 with a double, and the number 3 with a triple. The first player to complete this combination wins.
Killer: In Killer, each player starts with a random number (1-20). The objective is to hit that number three times before anyone else hits theirs. Once you’ve hit your number three times, you become a “Killer” and can try to eliminate other players by hitting their numbers.
Baseball: In Baseball, players aim to hit specific numbers, much like a baseball game. The numbers are broken into innings, with each round focusing on a different number. Players must hit the number for that inning, with higher points awarded for hitting the number as a single, double, or triple.
Learn More: How to Play Baseball Darts
Half-It: In Half-It, the goal is to hit certain numbers within a limited number of darts. If a player misses, their score for that round is halved. The first player to reach the target score wins. Players need to be accurate since missing means losing points.
Conclusion
Today, darts is enjoyed by people all over the world, from casual players to professional athletes. The dartboard, which has remained largely unchanged since Gamlin’s time, continues to be an essential part of the game. Thanks to the efforts of players, manufacturers, and organizations, darts has become a global sport that brings people together in the spirit of friendly competition.