New to Darktable, best Black and White workflow

I would shoot in color and then convert color to BW in DT. This approach allows you to simulate the look of color contrast filters used in film photography. For instance, with a landscape image in the sky you might want to simulate the high contrast look that came from using a red or orange filter with film. But in the foreground the foliage looks better if you simulate the look of using a yellow/green filter. This can be achieved through various ways in DT. If you submit a suitable image as a playraw you would get some good insight into how people approach this.

This previous thread might be helpful to you.