Beyond the Bullseye

Who invented darts? Why are the numbers arranged in their familiar order? How did a traditional pub game grow into an international professional sport? In Beyond the Bullseye, Dutch darts player Christel Timmermans takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history and living culture of darts. She explores the earliest documented games, famous origin stories, the development of dartboards and tungsten darts, the rise of organised competitions, television’s first golden age and the dramatic division between the BDO and PDC. The book also celebrates the champions who transformed the sport, the international growth of darts, the development of women’s competition, and the worlds of youth, para, soft-tip and online darts. Alongside carefully researched history, Christel shares her own experiences: discovering darts through her brother at the age of twelve, competing under pressure, training through online matches and being inspired by Francis Hoenselaar. Accessible, honest and written for newcomers and devoted supporters alike, Beyond the Bullseye reveals the people, struggles and innovations behind every throw.