The exciting history of darts
Darts, as we know it today, has a fascinating history steeped in weaponry, strategic warfare, and pub competitions. Although darts' modern roots lie in the United Kingdom, its history stretches far beyond the British Isles—and even back thousands of years.
French roots and Henry VIII.
The term "darts" itself comes from French, where "dards" referred to small spear-like darts. These were once used as weapons in battle. They probably came to the British Isles as war booty or through cultural adoption. According to legend, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, gave her husband a set of darts. Whether the game was already practiced as a recreational activity in court circles at that time or whether the darts were merely intended as a symbolic gift remains uncertain. Interestingly, darts are now called "les fléchettes" in France.
From antique weapons to pub culture
The origins of projectiles go back even further. Archaeological and historical records indicate that darts have been used since ancient times:
Roman plumbatae: These small throwing spears were equipped with lead weights and barbs. They were used by the Roman army not only to decimate enemy troops but also to restrict the mobility of riders and horses.
Byzantine war strategy: Under the general Belisarius, these throwing weapons were further developed and used specifically to weaken the enemy. Their effectiveness is demonstrated by the fact that they were later adopted by various cultures—remains of such weapons have even been found in Germania.
The transition from military use to recreational use is less documented, but the development of weapons into sporting equipment is not uncommon. Over time, a martial practice evolved into a game of skill, initially popular as a pastime in pubs and clubs.
The birth of modern darts
The actual sport of darts as we know it today emerged between 1860 and 1898.
Important milestones mark this path:
The first dartboard: In 1896, Lancashire carpenter Brian Gamlin established the number layout for dartboards. This layout is still used today, deliberately placing a mix of high and low scores side by side to minimize random hits.
Paper flights and new materials: Until 1898, flights (the wings at the end of darts) were made of turkey feathers. With the introduction of paper flights, the game became more precise and modern. Starting in 1906, metal replaced the wooden dart shafts.
The court ruling that changed everything
One of the most exciting turning points in darts history occurred in Leeds in 1908. At that time, darts was legally considered a game of chance, and landlords who offered it in their pubs faced penalties. Landlord Jim Garside of the Adelphi Inn was charged with illegal gambling, but he came to court with a clever defense.
He had the area's best darts player, William "Bigfoot" Anakin, give a demonstration in the courtroom. Anakin hit the 20 three times – a feat no one else present could replicate. The judges then declared, "This is no game of chance," thus allowing legal gambling in pubs.
Darts: From pub sport to international discipline
What once began as a recreational activity in British pubs quickly developed into a serious sport. The first competitions were held as early as the beginning of the 20th century. Today, darts is one of the world's most popular precision sports, uniting millions of amateur and professional players.
The history of darts is a striking example of how a simple concept has changed over the centuries and been integrated into completely new contexts - from ancient times to the grand stages of today's World Darts Championships.