What Is the Proper Height of a Dartboard?

The game of darts is a sport that has definitely made its mark. One of the most important aspects of proper dart play, however, is proper height and distance from the board. Otherwise, you are either cheating or just cheating yourself.

  1. History

    • No one can date exactly the origin of the game darts. However, it is believed that the sport originated during the Medieval period in somewhere in England. There is also speculation as to how this sport began, with most historians agreeing that the first dartboard used was the bottom of a wine barrel.

    Features

    • The modern dartboard is the brainchild of Brian Gamlin, who devised the number layout that is now found on dartboards in 1896.

    Size

    • Dartboards always measure 18 inches in diameter.

    Rules

    • The modern game of darts is played at a distance of 7 feet 9 inches from the board. In standard darts, the dartboard should be placed at a height of 5 feet and 8 inches from the floor to the bull's eye. This means that the bottom of the board should be 4 feet and 11 inches from the ground.

    Variations

    • The game of London 5--otherwise known as narrow 5's--utilizes a variation on the set up of a standard dartboard. The height is set at 5 feet 6 inches to the center of the bull, and the throwing line is set at 9 feet from the front of the board.