In the year 1979, throwing a 180 in darts was considered a rare feat of skill due to the challenges presented by chunky dart barrels and thick dartboard wires. John Lowe’s accomplishment of throwing five 180s in a match during the 1979 BDO World Championship final was a significant milestone in a tournament where only 48 total 180s were thrown across 282 legs.
In contrast to the darts landscape of the late 1970s, the modern era has seen players like Gary Anderson and Luke Littler pushing the boundaries of maximum scoring. Despite the 36-year age gap between them, both Anderson and Littler are on the verge of breaking records for 180 totals and rates, showcasing the evolution of professional darts equipment and talent.
The advent of more advanced statistics tracking in recent years has allowed for a closer analysis of players’ scoring prowess. Michael Smith’s remarkable achievement of throwing more than 700 180s in a single year stands out as a groundbreaking feat, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s premier scorers.
As the 2024 season unfolds, Luke Littler is making waves with his exceptional rate of 180s per leg, positioning himself to potentially surpass Smith’s record. Meanwhile, seasoned veteran Gary Anderson continues to defy expectations with his impressive treble production, setting new standards for 180s in a match.
In a sport where precision and consistency are paramount, the ability to consistently hit 180s remains a defining measure of a player’s skill and talent. As players like Littler and Anderson continue to push the boundaries of maximum scoring, the future of darts promises even more thrilling displays of precision and accuracy on the oche.
