As teen star Luke Littler puts the sport in the news, could playing darts make you smarter?

The 16-year-old became the youngest person ever to reach the final in the iconic contest – and anyone who’s been watching will know there’s a lot of skill involved.

Although impeccably controlled aim may be the key component to winning, darts is all about numbers. Players start with a score of 501 and have to try and get down to zero the quickest, by getting high numbers on the board – but they must end precisely on zero with a double, so there’s a lot of maths and mental gymnastics involved.

It may be a game we often associate with pubs – but could darts actually help us all sharpen our brains and get smarter?

“Playing darts can have profound effects on the brain, providing a dynamic mental workout that sharpens cognitive skills, nurtures neuroconnectivity and provides a holistic approach to brain health,” says Dr Steve Allder, consultant neurologist at Re:Cognition Health.

Here’s a closer look…

Mathematical and strategic thinking

Psychologist and relationship adviser Barbara Santini says one of the immediate benefits of the sport is “the enhancement of mathematical skills” involved.

“The game necessitates quick mental arithmetic for scorekeeping and strategising the most efficient path to zero, which can significantly improve one’s numerical agility. However, beyond simple arithmetic, darts encourages strategic thinking,” says Santini. “Players must plan several steps ahead, considering the best combinations to close the game efficiently. This strategic aspect exercises higher-order thinking skills such as planning, foresight, and problem-solving.”

Stimulation and concentration