Why are the numbers on a dart board set out the way they are?

Question

Thanks for the answers so far thats kinda what we were thinking in the pub but what i was really wondering was is there some kind of mathematical pattern behind it?

Answer 1

By most accounts, the numbering layout was devised by Brian Gamlin in 1896 to penalize inaccuracy, i.e. small numbers next to the biggest numbers.
Apparently there are some regional variations, such as in parts of Staffordshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Answer 2

WHY ARE THE NUMBERS ON A DARTBOARD IN THE ORDER THEY ARE?

This is probably the most asked question about the origins of the modern game. Who was the devious person who structured the segments of the dartboard in such a frustrating manner?





The man who is credited with the ‘invention’ of the numbering sequence of the modern standard dartboard is BRIAN GAMLIN. Gamlin was a carpenter from Bury in the County of Lancashire, England and came up with the infuriating sequence in 1896, at the age of 44. He died in 1903 before he could patent the idea.

Answer 3

At a guess I would say to maximise skill. The numbers seem to be spread so that a small scoring number is adjacent to a bigger scoring number. In other words, if all the bigger numbers were bunched together (at the top of the board say), any fool could then achieve a decent score every time.

Answer 4

never thought about it really but i would think its to make the game slightly more difficult than it already is, love the game but stand well clear when its my turn. lol