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.