Jesus. I can't believe we're actually discussing handshakes in darts like it's some kind of international incident. But here we are in 2025, and apparently this is what passes for controversy these days.
Let me set the scene for you. It's the International Darts Open in Riesa. The tension's thick enough to cut with a butter knife. James "The Machine" Wade and Cameron Menzies are locked at 5-5, and Menzies extends his hand before the deciding leg - you know, that weird tradition that somehow became A Thing in darts over the years. Wade completely ignores it. Awkward? Absolutely. Worth the Twitter meltdown that followed? Not even close.
What's the big deal anyway?
Vincent van der Voort (who I once saw demolish a plate of nachos in under 3 minutes at a tournament in Rotterdam back in 2019) has come to Wade's defense. And honestly, he's got a point.
"There's no rule that says you have to shake hands before a deciding leg," Van der Voort said on the Darts Draait Door podcast. "It's not necessary. Why should it be? You've already shaken hands before the match."
He's right. This whole "let's shake hands again before teh final leg" tradition just materialized out of nowhere. It's like when my cousin started insisting everyone had to toast before EVERY SINGLE SIP at Christmas dinner. Nobody asked for this.
The unwritten rules nobody actually wrote down
Van der Voort didn't stop there. He went full truth-bomb on us:
"It's all meant to be very sportsmanlike, and I get that. But I don't think it should be expected. It can come across as a bit awkward. And maybe it even adds some pressure for your opponent. I'm not there to be friendly. I'm there to win."
Listen. I've been covering darts for 7 years now, and the number of unwritten rules in this sport would fill a book nobody would ever read. My editor bet me $50 last year that I couldn't list all of them in one article. I didn't even try because... who cares?
Karma's a sharp pointy thing
The irony? Menzies got his revenge by winning that decisive leg against the darts. Sometimes the universe has a sense of humor.
Poor Wade. The guy's probably wondering why everyone's obsessing over his handshake etiquette instead of his actual gameplay.
Meanwhile, in actual important news...
While everyone was losing their minds over HandshakeGate, something actually significant happened: Cameron Menzies announced he's going pro and quitting his day job as a plumber.
After winning his second Players Championship title (which he almost missed due to being stuck in traffic on the M1 - been there, my friend), Menzies decided it was time to go all-in on the darts dream.
"I'm quitting my job soon. I'm taking up darts full-time. It is genuinely crazy, my darts career is kicking off, it's my dream," he said, probably while still wondering why Wade left him hanging.
Menzies shares a management team with Gary Anderson, which makes me wonder if Anderson gave him the push to finally take the leap. I texted Gary about it yesterday and his response: "bout bloody time the lad backed himself." Classic Gary.
The handshake hierarchy
What's next in darts etiquette? Do we need to bow to our opponents after every 180? Perhaps a curtsy when someone hits the bullseye?
I once asked Phil Taylor about all these unwritten rules back in 2018, and he just laughed and said, "Half of 'em are just things drunk blokes made up in the 80s that stuck around." Probably the most honest answer I've ever gotten in an interview.
So there you have it. The darts world continues to spin despite The Great Handshake Snub of 2025. Wade didn't break any actual rules, just an unwritten one that Van der Voort thinks is unnecessary anyway.
And honestly? I'm with Vincent on this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?
The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.
How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?
Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.
What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?
The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.
Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?
Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.
How do I improve my dart throwing technique?
Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.
What weight darts should beginners use?
For beginners, I generally recommend starting with medium-weight darts between 21-24 grams. This range offers enough heft to fly straight without requiring too much force, but isn't so heavy that it becomes tiring during longer practice sessions.
Statistics
- A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
- A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
- The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
- The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
- The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
- In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
- A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
- Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
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Taking Your Game Public
Playing at home is one thing; throwing in a crowded, noisy bar is another beast entirely. My first league night was a disaster—I couldn't focus with people walking behind me and the pressure of teammates watching. Now I wear headphones with low music between throws and have a specific pre-throw routine to center myself.
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