Darts is an increasingly popular sport. If you’re reading this post, you’re probably one of those persons who contribute to its popularity. This puts us in the same boat as here, at IgnatGames, we’re not only selling quality darts gear but also practice this sport with joy and enthusiasm.
This is also why we are constantly learning more about the game and once we gather new knowledge, we gladly share it with all darts enthusiasts out there. Here’s our latest achievement we managed to put together by doing a bit of darts research. We hope you’ll like the 7 darts facts below and if you’ve got similar information, please feel free to share it using our comments section.
1. Original dartboards were made of different materials
Nowadays, if you play the traditional game of darts, the one that involves a set of steel tip darts, you’re playing on a sisal or bristle dartboard. However, this was not the case more than a century ago when the first dartboards were made of pieces of rope that were tightly compressed together so that they made up an item that was similar to the one we play on today.
2. This is one of the oldest established games in the world
Darts was born in English pubs where people used to enjoy a pint of beer with their mates in the evening while aiming for the target. As they grew fonder of the game, passionate players decided it was time to take it to the next level. This is how darts became one of the first established games, with leagues appearing before the First World War.
3. This game has had regulatory bodies for almost 100 years
Today, there are different darts organizations that oversee the way in which darts is played worldwide, the WDF or World Darts Federation being the main regulatory body. However, this sport started having such organizations as early as 1925 when the National Darts Association was formed in England.
4. Brian Gamlin put the numbers on the dartboard
Many players out there might not be familiar with the name Brian Gamlin, but this English carpenter definitely deserves a place in the history of darts. This skilled craftsman is the person who invented the dartboard numbering that is still in use today and helps players challenge their precision.
5. The first player who managed to get a perfect score was John Lowe
Another name that has made history in darts is John Lowe. He was the first player who managed to get a perfect score in the classic 501 game. This happened in1984 during the World Matchplay championship that was transmitted live on television. On this occasion, Lowe hit the triple 20 for 6 times in a row. Then, he scored on the triple 17, double 18, and finally, triple 18.
6. Darts flights were not what we’ve gotten used with today
Nowadays, if you want to buy a set of dart flights, you’re faced with myriad choices. Basically, they are all pieces of plastic you attach to the end of the dart to enhance its flight trajectory and enable its front part to stick in the target. However, the first dart flights couldn’t have been made of plastic, so players used turkey feathers for this purpose.
7. Darts is officially recognized as a sport
Long has been the debate about whether darts can be considered a sport or not. Given its informal and casual character and the fact that anybody can play it at home or in a pub, many consider darts a mere game. However, let us not forget that this game has a federation, official tournaments, and elite players that earn considerable amounts of money by competing. Moreover, in 2005, Sports England officially granted darts the sports statute.
All in all, darts is a fascinating game/sport, played and enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. We’re proud to call ourselves darts players and to help others out there with quality darts gear and articles on this subject. If you love darts, stay connected to our blog, there are plenty of interesting things you can learn here.
triple 20, 6 times straight! Insane.