Origins of the Game of Darts

Mainstream Darts Competition as a Professional Sport

The origin of the game of darts is not really clear, though it is thought to be during the middle ages. The game was a favourite in pubs, originally invented by perhaps bored, or slightly inebriated, or both, soldiers. They would take turns throwing their arrows that had not yet been used and try to hit the bottom of a wine barrel. They would take turns throwing, though there is no indication of a scoring system. It is also thought that the game was originally a training game for perhaps amateur archers or soldiers for practicing accuracy. Since it was an indoor game, the arrows being used were shortened into what we now know as darts.

Going forward into the 20th century, darts had become a popular pastime in pubs. Friendly matches were held and eventually became quite popular, even to the point of elbowing out previously popular games such as skittles and rings. Eventually, the sport has come under the umbrella of “World Darts Federation” or WDF. The WDF represents 60 nations on the continents of Africa, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. Now, in the 21st century, darts games are more popular than ever.

Scoring 501 Darts Game

The objective in winning a 501 darts game is simply starting at the beginning total of 501 and bringing it to a total of exactly zero points. There are three scoring rates on the board, single, double, and treble. The question of why a darts player is not aiming at the bullseye may be asked. Hitting a bullseye, only worth 50 points, is not the highest scoring spot on the board. It’s actually a treble 20, worth three times the original amount, for a total of 60 points. When hitting the triple 20 spot, the total score for that round is 180 points, whereas hitting the bullseye three times is only 150 points.

The players throw three darts in a row, typically at the numbers 17, 18, 19, and 20 on the triple score spot. Then the stage is set. Each dart point has to be touching the board to score. A dart that sticks into another dart (typically called a “Robin Hood” shot) does not count, nor does a dart that falls to the floor. This continues until the first player to bring their score from 501 to zero for the winning score.

The last throw to win the game needs to be a double. All of the double-scoring shots are on the outside ring of the darts board, so making sure to hit a double is just as skilful a move as any other. With that final score achieved, a win has been earned. For more information check out: https://aviddarts.com.au/

Coaching Darts Games in Schools

Each state or territory in Queensland and Western Australia have been adding darts playing in their school programs. Not only does the game provide learning numeracy, but it also promotes more accurate hand-eye coordination as well. To add to that, it’s an enjoyable sport that doesn’t include full contact, so there is far less likely an incidence of injury will be experienced. Not only are children learning their mathematics, but they are accomplishing skills for their physical health, and most of all, they’re having fun. There’s no way to go wrong!