The History of Darts
James Hunt
The sport of darts actually began as training for people who were
interested in martial arts (archery). Darts itself began in
Medieval England, and is still popular today. It has been said
that darts were used in archery training because it helped with
accuracy. They shortened the darts and had people throw them at
the bottom of an empty wine barrel. It has been noted by
historians that the use of the barrel lead to the development of
the game of darts that we know today.
It was thought that darts developed into a sport in itself when
soldiers being trained in archery took their shortened darts to
local pubs and bars so they could refine their skills as well as
exhibit their talents to the locals. When the bottom of the
barrel proved to be inconvenient, someone created a cross-section
of a moderate sized tree.
The new dart board, provided rings, and when it was dried out,
the cracks provided even further segmentation. This cracked and
dried board began to evolve into what we think of as the current
dart board that we have today.
The game of darts itself soon spread and it was being played by
old and young all over England. The rich and elite of the country
were no different. They soon put their own stamp on the game.
Darts can be traced back to the Pilgrims. It has been said that
the game of darts was very popular on the Mayflower as it made
its ocean crossing.
The rules of darts settled into what we know today at around
1900. The size of the board, throwing distance and even the size
of the darts became standard. Many people enjoy the sport around
the world. Today there are organized tournaments and
organizations and leagues that specialize in the sport of darts.
It is very popular and people make their living playing this
sport all over the world.
James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and
researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of
interest. Read more at
www.best-in-darts.info
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