As the World Darts Championship kicks off this week at Alexandra Palace, many fans are asking a classic question: why do matches start at 501 and not 500? The answer is remarkably straightforward—it keeps the game competitive.
If play began on an even number like 500, players could simply aim for the 20 segment repeatedly without needing to hit odd numbers. Starting at 501 forces competitors to use the entire board, which increases the challenge and makes for a more exciting contest.
The dartboard's distinctive colours also have a history. The four colours—black, white, red and green—were chosen to make the sport more visually appealing. Red and green are a nod to British heritage: red represents the Tudor rose, while green relates to the House of Lancaster. The bright hues also help players focus, especially on the prized treble 20.
The board's segmented design dates back to when boards were made from the end grain of tree trunks, whose spiral growth patterns naturally lent themselves to the layout. Today, dartboards are crafted from sisal fibre, derived from cactus strands.
Star players like Luke Humphries and Luke Littler will be aiming for those high-scoring segments when the championship begins on Thursday, December 11.
