The Wire Ring Around the Edge of a Dartboard: What’s Its Purpose?
When you look at a dartboard, you most likely notice the wire ring around the edges. The wire ring is a standard feature of dartboards, but have you ever wondered what it’s for? The wire ring around the edge of the dartboard serves several purposes.
Protecting the Wall and Surrounding Area
The first and foremost purpose of the wire ring is to protect the wall and surrounding area from stray darts. Without the wire ring, the darts could easily miss the board and end up sticking in the wall, damaging it, or worse, injuring someone in the room. The wire ring acts as a barrier, catching any stray darts and preventing them from hitting the wall or other objects.
Scoring Boundary
The wire ring around the edge of the dartboard also serves as the scoring boundary. If a dart lands inside the wire ring, it’s considered a scoring throw. However, if it lands outside the wire ring, it doesn’t count as a valid throw and earns no points. The wire ring is positioned just outside the scoring areas, which are numbered from 1 to 20, with the bullseye at the center.
Visual Reference
The wire ring acts as a visual reference for dart players. Since the scoring areas are numbered and colored differently, dart players can use the wire ring as a reference point to aim their throws. Players can align their throws with the wire ring and use it to adjust their aim to land the dart in the desired scoring area.
Shape and Design of the Ring
The wire ring is not just a simple wire; its shape and design also serve a purpose. The wire ring is typically made from galvanized steel, which is sturdy and durable. It’s designed to be slightly raised from the surface of the board, which causes any incoming darts to bounce back into the board instead of falling to the ground. The shape of the wire ring is also important; it’s bent in a way that ensures darts do not get stuck between wires, making the board easier to use.
Aesthetics
Lastly, the wire ring around the edge of the dartboard serves an aesthetic purpose. It adds a bit of visual appeal to the board and enhances its overall appearance. The wire ring is typically colored black or red, which gives a sharp contrast to the green background of the board. The colors also make it easier to see the scoring areas and wire ring.
