Beyond the Bullseye

Who invented darts? Why are the numbers arranged in their familiar order? And how did a traditional pub game grow into an international professional sport?In Beyond the Bullseye, Dutch professional darts player Christel Timmermans takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history and living culture of darts. She explores the game's disputed origins, the development of the dartboard and equipment, the rise of organised competition, legendary champions, television, the BDO-PDC split and today's global professional circuit. The book also examines women's darts, youth and para darts, soft-tip competition and the growing world of online play. Along the way, Christel shares honest experiences from her own life at the oche from beginning at the age of twelve to training, travelling and competing under pressure. Accessible, carefully researched and written for newcomers and devoted supporters alike, Beyond the Bullseye separates documented history from popular legend and reveals the people, struggles and innovations behind the sport.