What Is the History of Darts?

Have you ever wondered how darts became a household game? From Medieval times to our modern day, the game of darts has undergone its fair share of changes. Whether you're a darts aficionado or just curious about how the game got its start, the history of darts is fascinating.

Below, you'll find out more about this treasured pastime, including when darts were invented, where darts originate from, and the history of how darts became the widely celebrated sport it is today. Read on if you want to know how your favorite pub game has evolved through the centuries.

Who Invented the Dart Board?

Before diving into more of the backstory of darts, it's important to discuss who invented the dartboard. The man credited with creating the first official dartboard was named Brian Gamlin. Gamlin was a carpenter from Bury, Lancashire, in England. He is generally accepted as the person who invented the number system on a dartboard in 1896. Unfortunately, Gamlin died in 1903 before he could attain a patent for his work.

However, there is debate among darts experts about whether Gamlin was even a real person. Some dart historians theorize that the dartboard was actually invented by a man named Thomas William Buckle. Although research is still being conducted on this topic, common belief attributes Gamlin with devising the first dartboard to date.

Regardless of which of these men invented the dartboard, the game of darts goes much farther back than the circular, colorful dartboard we know today.

How Old Is the Game of Darts?

The game of darts originated as a military pastime in England during the Medieval Era in the 1300s, making darts approximately 700 years old. However, the concept of aiming sharp objects at a target, which the game of darts is based on, had existed long before the 14th century. For example, many other games involved throwing things like arrows, knives, or swords at tree trunks or tables.

The historical account of darts emerging as a popular military pastime recounts soldiers aiming at upturned wine casks and cross-sectioned tree trunks to prove their mettle. The soldiers would use spearheads and other sharp objects for their version of darts. Officials often encouraged their soldiers to participate in these games because it allowed them to practice their aim and throwing skills.

Soon, competitors set out to consolidate a consistent set of rules for the game and refine the cross-sections drawn on a tree trunk. The tree trunk's natural growth rings served as a template for the cross-sections and even established the design for our modern-day dartboard. Over the next few hundred years, the game would evolve into the version of darts we know and love today.

Where Did Darts Originate?

Most likely, shortened bow arrows were the forerunners of the modern dart. While other regions of the world had been using military weapons for accuracy games similar to darts, the first record of a modern-day darts game can be traced back to France. In France, people began using "flechettes," which means "small arrow," and consisted of a short arrow with a metal point and flights made from bird feathers, as their darts.

These flechettes were thrown at a target that had concentric rings, much like the dart boards of today. Later, darts became more popular as a game played at English fairgrounds. The dartboards used at fairgrounds were designed to make the game appear easier than it was, making it less likely that a player would win a prize. Soon, this captivating game of skill would make its way into English pubs and become even more popular.

History of Darts

Darts have evolved significantly since their Medieval beginnings. Originally, playing target-centered games like darts involved throwing a dangerous object, such as a spear or a javelin. Some of these throwing weapons also had a throwing string attached to their end to help the thrower launch them farther.

As the game of darts made its way to civilians, it evolved to include smaller throwing objects, such as the pocket-sized darts we know today. English pubs, in particular, took to playing darts quickly and devised an official dart board complete with a unique scoring system. By the turn of the 20th century, darts had become a beloved game for pub-goers.

Once darts became a pub staple, it continued to gain devoted fans, and the first organized darts championship was held in the 1920s. In 1924, the National Darts Association was established. By the 1930s, darts expanded from being played at pubs and breweries to being a household game. Many people had darts and a dartboard at home. Some even had an entire dart cabinet.

Throughout the 20th century, the game gained increasing popularity until it was finally recognized as an official sport.

When Did Darts Become a Sport?

As darts continued to garner a large following of dedicated fans, the sports world became increasingly interested in the pub game. In 1974, the World Darts Federation (WDF) was established as a governing body and tournament organizer for darts, thereby making the game an internationally recognized sport. Membership with the WDF is available to the national organizing body for darts in any country.

After the formation of the WDF, playing darts professionally gained momentum quickly. In 1978, the first World Darts Championship was hosted by the U.K. A man from Wales named Leighton Rees won the championship, taking home a shiny trophy and a check for about $4,100. Since then, the prize money for major darts tournaments has increased significantly, with the 2021 PDC World Darts Championship offering its winner about $680,000.

The Modern Darts Game

When the National Championships for darts were established, many high-profile darts players were not happy with the way the competitions were formed. These disagreements led to the first significant organizational split in the sport in 1992. The split led to the establishment of the World Dart Council and the creation of the separate Professional Dart Corporation.

By having two different organizations, the game of darts became more popular than ever. Both of the organizations have done outstanding work in integrating the game of darts into the modern world and transforming it into a functional sport. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the sport of darts has garnered millions of dollars in investment and attracts substantial sponsorships from a variety of supporters.

Today, the sport of darts remains most popular in Britain, with millions of British players competing in thousands of registered darts clubs. Darts is rapidly gaining traction in other parts of the world, including the Netherlands, Germany, and the Scandinavian countries. The U.S. sells hundreds of thousands of dartboards each year, and millions of Americans enjoy playing darts regularly.

From its humble roots as a casual pub game, darts has grown into an international sport played and watched by millions. Professional darts players enjoy lucrative sponsorship deals and substantial prize money. At the same time, playing darts remains a favorite among everyday amateurs who want to have a good time, challenging their friends to a little friendly competition.

Get Your Dart Board From HB Home

Are you ready to try your hand at the storied sport of darts? Purchase a dartboard cabinet from HB Home. Our dart board cabinets come fully stocked with a board, darts, and a reusable scorekeeping card. You can choose from silver, black, whiskey, and dark chestnut cabinet colors to ensure your dart board looks classy in your game room and complements your other game furnishings.