Darts is a fun and engaging game you can enjoy by yourself, in a team of two, or by facing one opponent only. This game has a long history that goes back centuries ago. Darts has strived to conquer its status and reputation and change the general perception that it is a mere pub game. Not a long time ago, it managed to achieve this, and darts is now officially considered a sport. Learn a few interesting facts about this sport/game that will make your buddies smile next time you get together for a 501.
- Darts was not initially a game for the laymen: a few players might consider the origins of darts today, but the truth is that this game was not available in pubs since day one and its initial purpose was not entertainment. Darts evolved from old archery. Soldiers were the first people who played what would later become the game of darts. This happened in England in the 14th century when soldiers used arrowheads and threw them at empty wine barrels both for fun and as a way of improving their aim, which was an essential skill in battle.
- Darts was an illegal activity at first: after players indulged in the game for a while, they started taking it to bars and pubs where it became available for everyone. However, given the nature of the game, it was initially illegal because it was considered a sport of chance and it often involved betting. This happened until 1908 when a judge ruled that darts was actually a game of skill after seeing one of the best players in Leeds giving a live performance in the courtroom to support dart’s legitimacy as a skill game.
- Darts can be as heavy as 50 grams: it might be hard to picture yourself throwing darts of this weight if you are used to lighter darts of 18 – 20 grams. These instruments come in different weights because each player has a different throwing style, and each dart weight is more suitable for a particular technique. While most darts you can find online or in stores weigh between 18 and 23 grams, there are also heavier darts that can reach as much as 50 grams.
- Darts is not a gender-biased game: one of the peculiarities of this game is that it does not have restrictive rules when it comes to the players that can compete against each other. In some Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tournaments, you will be able to see men compete at darts against women. This game is one of the most inclusive ones. Besides the fact that anyone regardless of their gender can join a competition if they are skilled enough, darts is also flexible in terms of age. You can see players as young as 18 compete against senior players who are in their 60s.
- Darts has different etiquette rules: darts, just like any other game, has specific rules players need to follow in order to complete the challenge correctly and secure a victory. However, besides the game’s rules, darts also has several etiquette or ‘good manners’ rules. For example, the player who waits for their turn is not allowed to make noise or any gestures that could distract their opponent who is aiming. Another common-sense rule is that the player who’s at the oche line should not waste too much time before making their throw.
Overall, darts is a fascinating game, one that requires focus, patience, and offers plenty of mental and social benefits. If you want to enjoy this game to the full, check out our catalog for sturdy tools that can help you at it.
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