Dartboard

[mustard-tree]

We know that opposite numbers on dice always add up to 7.

Is there any logic to the arrangment of numbers on a dartboard

[fallen-archie]

I don't know how the system came about, it is unclear who was responsible but I have seen a variety of dart boards some with different numbers. I chanced upon a traditional games article which throws some light on your question but has an astonishing tale about where darts originated.

Here:http://www.tradgames.org.uk/games/Darts.htm

[upthecreekyetagain]

http://www.patrickchaplin.com/Number.htm

"The numbering of a standard dartboard is designed in such a way as to cut down the incidence of ‘lucky shots’ and reduce the element of chance. The numbers are placed in such a way as to encourage accuracy. That’s it. Pure and simple. The placing of small numbers either side of large numbers e.g. 1 and 5 either side of 20, 3 and 2 either side of 17, 4 and 1 either side of 18, punishes inaccuracy. Thus, if you shoot for the 20 segment, the penalty for lack of accuracy or concentration is to land in either a 1 or a 5.

There are 2,432,902,008,176,640,000 different possible arrangements of the 20 segments on a standard dartboard so it is perhaps a little surprising that Gamlin’s arrangement of the numbers is almost perfect."