Practice
Don't confuse a night of darts out with friends as practice, or blind draws, league night or tournaments either. Practice is you and the board in solitude where you can work on the mechanics of your game, mental focus, triples, doubles, solid numbers and outs. Competitive play is where you put your practice to use.
Some of the most recent strategy dart books (such as "Mastering the Sport of Darts" by George Silberzahn) suggest that you DON'T practice '301, '501 and cricket against yourself. Why? You are most likely to become frustrated playing yourself with long games that may drag on, and this might lead to boredom. When you're bored, you are NOT practicing but rather you are shooting darts, and there is a huge difference between being engaged in a practice routine and simply chucking arrows at the board. Regarding practice, you are better off throwing 100 bullseyes, doubles and triples around the board or using other practice routines where you can track your progress. Try to practice every day whether it is for only 15 minutes, but better yet, make a commitment to practice for an hour a day. Check out John Part's insight on practice at www.planetdarts.co.uk...
Confidence
This tip comes from George Silberzahn, author of "Mastering the Sport of Darts". "Your whole mental game can be summed up in one word: CONFIDENCE. If you know you can do it, you can do it. If you did it before, you can do it again!"
Another Look at 90 Out - The Sure Shot at an Out w/3 Darts
And once again, go for the solid numbers and not the trips. Case in point...with 90 left in '301, go for the single-20, single-20 and double-bull for game shot. You don't need a triple and you just might not have another shot at the out.
Double-Ones in '01
Got double-ones left in '301 with 3 darts? More people bust with this number by hitting a big fat solid one then any other number on the board, it seems. Here are a couple of ideas. If you've got 3 darts to take out the number, then use all 3 darts if necessary. When you've got double-one left, then you've most likely missed the double-two for game shot, hit a single-two and now have double-one left. The double-two is at the bottom of the board, so you've got to re-focus to the top of the board. Remember this and be aware of your range of motion. Use the first dart and aim high, outside the double. Then walk your darts in and nail that number. Many people moan and groan about having double-one left and with that negative self-talk, they have just talked themselves out of hitting that game-shot. Bottom line? Double-one is just another number and you've got to be confident that you can hit it. Practice the number, engage in confident self-talk and nail that game-shot!
Cricket Tip
When playing cricket...if you hit 4 20s with your first 2 darts, rather then drop down to the triple-19, hit the bull, preferable the double-bull. This gives you an advantage and helps "psyche" out your opponent. Good luck.
And Ed's Comments Regarding the Tip of the Week: Hi Sherilyn, I have to disagree with your tip of the week this time around. If you really want to psyche out your opponent hit another T20. If you go for a bull that early in the game and you miss, I'm going to shove so many 19's down your throat you won't even know what hit you. (Editor's Note: Love your spirit Ed!) Even if you hit that bull those 19's are my friends and one T19 is worth more than a Dbull. Not to mention that it's three times the size of a Dbull. Once again I say wait until the 17's are closed. Anything after that you'll need a four count to equal that Double-Bull. If you want to be a hot-dog go ahead and take an early shot at the bull. If you want to win play it smart, know how many points you are up or down and what it's going to take to get where you want to be. Figure this out before you get to line because we all know that thinking on the line is not a good thing. Have it set in your mind where that third dart will be before you even throw the first one. Of course I'm sure there will be some debate over this and this is just my opinion. It really depends on the individual player and what works for them. One question. Who came up with that one? My guess, a soft tip player? Time to go, talk to you later, ED
Another Cricket Tip
Just a little tip for cricket. Let's say you have 1 dart in your and you have your numbers closed down to and including 17's and you feel you have enough points to not have to worry about it. What to do with that last dart? My suggestion is to pop a bullseye. If you hit a bull or two you leave yourself or your partner a 3 dart out in cricket. If you were to hit a single 16 on that one dart it would still be 4 darts to finish. I know some people (Steve Brown!!) that do it even earlier, but after the 17's works for me. Happy Cricket Ladies and Gentlemen. Later, BamBam
Note from the Editor regarding the Tip of the Week: Sometimes it's easier to nail the bullseye when you're ahead and this gives you more confidence while leaving a 3 dart out for game. This, in turn, intimidates your opponent.
Another Cricket Tip
To point or not to point when playing cricket?...Some darters don't point unless they are forced to and others are point mongers. The truth of the matter is if you want to win at cricket and you are down in numbers, the smart thing to do is point and force your opponent to feel the pressure. You don't ever want to play catch-up - leave that for your opponent! And if you aren't any good at hitting bullseyes, you're going to have a rather tough time of winning a game of cricket.
And from Nancy Visocki...I have one basic tip for playing Cricket. Make sure your opponent needs at least 4 darts to win.
Here are Ed Debehnke's thoughts on pointing while playing cricket: If you are down in numbers you had better get up on points. Depending on the caliber of competition, especially in my league, it should be a lot of points. Cricket is the only game that what I throw dictates what my opponent has to throw at. It is the chess game of darts. My strategy is to keep all the pressure on the other darter. Make him throw the perfect darts to get close or ahead. I do that by taking that extra dart in my hand and using it for points. Instead of trying to close a number with a one dart triple, that one dart at points can put the game out of reach or put so much pressure on your opponent that they will fold up like a cheap lawn chair. The really good players will find a way to answer and never say die. So it's always a good idea to hit a few extra points along the way. Many people say that's Dirty Cricket and I say yup, you're right, but if you want to win you will play it a little extra dirty. Also a little practice on the bottom of the board is always a good thing. That is where Cricket games are won and lost.
Stand Still While Throwing
One of the keys to throwing consistently good darts is to throw without moving your upper or lower body, or anything other then your dart arm. Those who throw with a little hop, fidget like a kangaroo, or have that horrible back-kick may get lucky but those darters would throw much better if they learned to stand still. Once you begin this habit it's hard to break. How much do you move around at the line?
Analyzing Your Style
A short and simple exercise is to throw a few rounds you normally do at the triple-20. Then, throw a few rounds at that same triple-20 with your eyes closed. Without being able to see, you will be much more aware of your balance and your movements at the line. Your memory cells, or brain, remembers how to throw so you may not be that far off from your numbers. Be aware of and concentrate on your form!
Another way to analyze your throw and body movements is to have a friend video tape a profile shot of you when you're throwing darts. This is really an eye-opening exercise and you will probably see movements/habits that you were unaware of!
An Out for 103
An out for 103...The standard double-out charts will show the out for 103 as triple-20, single-11 and double-16. Recently at the Windy City Open I lost a well played match to Peter who took this number out a little differently, but with no hesitation and he hit his numbers to win the match. The winning combination? For 103 he hit triple-18 (54), single-17 and double-16. This just goes to show that there is no right or wrong way to take out your number...it's more important to know your outs and to be able to hit them on demand. Good luck and as always, I'll see you at the line!
The 170 Practice Game
A great practice game is 170 open in, double-out. This gives you the opportunity to try for the 170 out and gives you practice at the triple-20s as well as the outs. It's short enough to keep your interest while giving you some real practice. Good luck!
50-Out
Recently in league with 50 out I went for the single-18, double-16 for game, but unfortunately I busted on the first dart with a triple-18. My opponent then took his number out for game, and match. With 50 left and having to double out, an alternative is to shoot for the triple-10 to leave you with double-10. The beauty of this out is by aiming for the 10s, when you hit the triple-10, you're in the same area for the double-out. Even if you hit a single-10, you can then move upstairs for the double-20.
Selecting the Right Weight Dart for You
How do you select the right weight when picking out a new set of darts? Stop on by your local dart store, pick out a set of darts and throw 3 rounds at the board. You're going to throw at any target that is near eye level such as the triple-11, bullseye or triple-6. If most of your darts are landing lower then 2 inches from your target then the darts are too heavy. If they're landing higher then 2 inches from your target then the darts are too light. If your darts are within 2 inches of your target then they are just right.
If your darts are not hitting the board at the same angle, or are landing more then 2 inches from side to side then try a different shaped flight. The larger the flight the more drag there is. Beginners usually start with the standard shape flight while experienced throwers usually use slim or speed flights as they take up less room, and allow for closer groups when you've got some accuracy.
The Odd Number We've All Got to Hit
Today's tip comes from the book "How to Play Winning Darts" by Buddy. "Think! Once below 100, you are within a few darts of doubling out to win. With odd number left, STOP and THINK! Few players run into problems with even numbers, but use care there, too. Pausing may be the turning point, assuring a win in steel-tipped matches needing a final double."
With 23 left, you need one dart to "correct" the score or get to an even number so that you may double out. Aim for the 7-19-3 area. These are 3 odd numbers side by side, which gives you the greatest chance to even your score with one dart. You have to take care not to bust, but hitting one of these numbers gives you a double-out! If you aim instead for the single-15 (to leave double-4s), and you miss the 15 you've most likely hit one of the neighboring even numbers. This means you still need to fix your score or hit another odd number to leave yourself a double-out. You want as many darts to hit the double, so go with the best odds and aim for an odd number at the bottom of the board!
Sometimes 19s Are Your Best Shot
With 126 left, shoot for the triple-19! This works for steel-tippers who have to double-out as well as soft-tippers who only need to single out. Many darters start out aiming for the 20s with 126 left. Problem is, if you aim for the triple-20 and only hit a single, this leaves you with 106. 106 is not a pretty out...and cannot be done with only two darts. With 126 left, if you hit the triple-19 (57) with your first dart, this leaves you with 69. Hit the triple-19 again and you've got 12 left, which may easily be hit with one dart (straight 12 or a double-6). If you miss the 1st triple-19 and hit a single-19, this leaves you with 107. With 107 left, aim for the same segment of the board and hit the triple-19 again to leave yourself 50 out.
With 93 left, shoot for the triple-19 and the double-18. If you miss the triple-19 and hit a single, you're left with 74. You can still double-out with 2 darts by hitting the triple-14 and the double-16. If you're an electronic shooter - don't shoot the bullseye with 93 left as if you hit the 50-points, this leaves you with 43 which requires 2 darts. When playing single-out electronic darts, again, aim for the triple-19 and the double-18. The single out can be done with only 2 darts, leaving you a 3rd if you miss your target. Good luck!
For beginners and intermediate players playing the '01 games...if you're off the 20s and not hitting solid 60s, you may want to move down to the 19s. If you're off on both the 20s and the 19s...re-focus and throw a turn or two at the triple-14. Look, 2 single-14s beat breakfast up top and three triple-14s are 126 points. If you miss and fall out into the triple-9 (next door to the 14s) you'll hit a 27 (which still beats breakfast!). Often times just the act of focusing on a new number before returning to the 20s is enough to get you to re-focus and avoid the frustration that sometime builds after missing the solid 20s or 19s.
Don't confuse a night of darts out with friends as practice, or blind draws, league night or tournaments either. Practice is you and the board in solitude where you can work on the mechanics of your game, mental focus, triples, doubles, solid numbers and outs. Competitive play is where you put your practice to use.
Some of the most recent strategy dart books (such as "Mastering the Sport of Darts" by George Silberzahn) suggest that you DON'T practice '301, '501 and cricket against yourself. Why? You are most likely to become frustrated playing yourself with long games that may drag on, and this might lead to boredom. When you're bored, you are NOT practicing but rather you are shooting darts, and there is a huge difference between being engaged in a practice routine and simply chucking arrows at the board. Regarding practice, you are better off throwing 100 bullseyes, doubles and triples around the board or using other practice routines where you can track your progress. Try to practice every day whether it is for only 15 minutes, but better yet, make a commitment to practice for an hour a day. Check out John Part's insight on practice at www.planetdarts.co.uk...
Confidence
This tip comes from George Silberzahn, author of "Mastering the Sport of Darts". "Your whole mental game can be summed up in one word: CONFIDENCE. If you know you can do it, you can do it. If you did it before, you can do it again!"
Another Look at 90 Out - The Sure Shot at an Out w/3 Darts
And once again, go for the solid numbers and not the trips. Case in point...with 90 left in '301, go for the single-20, single-20 and double-bull for game shot. You don't need a triple and you just might not have another shot at the out.
Double-Ones in '01
Got double-ones left in '301 with 3 darts? More people bust with this number by hitting a big fat solid one then any other number on the board, it seems. Here are a couple of ideas. If you've got 3 darts to take out the number, then use all 3 darts if necessary. When you've got double-one left, then you've most likely missed the double-two for game shot, hit a single-two and now have double-one left. The double-two is at the bottom of the board, so you've got to re-focus to the top of the board. Remember this and be aware of your range of motion. Use the first dart and aim high, outside the double. Then walk your darts in and nail that number. Many people moan and groan about having double-one left and with that negative self-talk, they have just talked themselves out of hitting that game-shot. Bottom line? Double-one is just another number and you've got to be confident that you can hit it. Practice the number, engage in confident self-talk and nail that game-shot!
Cricket Tip
When playing cricket...if you hit 4 20s with your first 2 darts, rather then drop down to the triple-19, hit the bull, preferable the double-bull. This gives you an advantage and helps "psyche" out your opponent. Good luck.
And Ed's Comments Regarding the Tip of the Week: Hi Sherilyn, I have to disagree with your tip of the week this time around. If you really want to psyche out your opponent hit another T20. If you go for a bull that early in the game and you miss, I'm going to shove so many 19's down your throat you won't even know what hit you. (Editor's Note: Love your spirit Ed!) Even if you hit that bull those 19's are my friends and one T19 is worth more than a Dbull. Not to mention that it's three times the size of a Dbull. Once again I say wait until the 17's are closed. Anything after that you'll need a four count to equal that Double-Bull. If you want to be a hot-dog go ahead and take an early shot at the bull. If you want to win play it smart, know how many points you are up or down and what it's going to take to get where you want to be. Figure this out before you get to line because we all know that thinking on the line is not a good thing. Have it set in your mind where that third dart will be before you even throw the first one. Of course I'm sure there will be some debate over this and this is just my opinion. It really depends on the individual player and what works for them. One question. Who came up with that one? My guess, a soft tip player? Time to go, talk to you later, ED
Another Cricket Tip
Just a little tip for cricket. Let's say you have 1 dart in your and you have your numbers closed down to and including 17's and you feel you have enough points to not have to worry about it. What to do with that last dart? My suggestion is to pop a bullseye. If you hit a bull or two you leave yourself or your partner a 3 dart out in cricket. If you were to hit a single 16 on that one dart it would still be 4 darts to finish. I know some people (Steve Brown!!) that do it even earlier, but after the 17's works for me. Happy Cricket Ladies and Gentlemen. Later, BamBam
Note from the Editor regarding the Tip of the Week: Sometimes it's easier to nail the bullseye when you're ahead and this gives you more confidence while leaving a 3 dart out for game. This, in turn, intimidates your opponent.
Another Cricket Tip
To point or not to point when playing cricket?...Some darters don't point unless they are forced to and others are point mongers. The truth of the matter is if you want to win at cricket and you are down in numbers, the smart thing to do is point and force your opponent to feel the pressure. You don't ever want to play catch-up - leave that for your opponent! And if you aren't any good at hitting bullseyes, you're going to have a rather tough time of winning a game of cricket.
And from Nancy Visocki...I have one basic tip for playing Cricket. Make sure your opponent needs at least 4 darts to win.
Here are Ed Debehnke's thoughts on pointing while playing cricket: If you are down in numbers you had better get up on points. Depending on the caliber of competition, especially in my league, it should be a lot of points. Cricket is the only game that what I throw dictates what my opponent has to throw at. It is the chess game of darts. My strategy is to keep all the pressure on the other darter. Make him throw the perfect darts to get close or ahead. I do that by taking that extra dart in my hand and using it for points. Instead of trying to close a number with a one dart triple, that one dart at points can put the game out of reach or put so much pressure on your opponent that they will fold up like a cheap lawn chair. The really good players will find a way to answer and never say die. So it's always a good idea to hit a few extra points along the way. Many people say that's Dirty Cricket and I say yup, you're right, but if you want to win you will play it a little extra dirty. Also a little practice on the bottom of the board is always a good thing. That is where Cricket games are won and lost.
Stand Still While Throwing
One of the keys to throwing consistently good darts is to throw without moving your upper or lower body, or anything other then your dart arm. Those who throw with a little hop, fidget like a kangaroo, or have that horrible back-kick may get lucky but those darters would throw much better if they learned to stand still. Once you begin this habit it's hard to break. How much do you move around at the line?
Analyzing Your Style
A short and simple exercise is to throw a few rounds you normally do at the triple-20. Then, throw a few rounds at that same triple-20 with your eyes closed. Without being able to see, you will be much more aware of your balance and your movements at the line. Your memory cells, or brain, remembers how to throw so you may not be that far off from your numbers. Be aware of and concentrate on your form!
Another way to analyze your throw and body movements is to have a friend video tape a profile shot of you when you're throwing darts. This is really an eye-opening exercise and you will probably see movements/habits that you were unaware of!
An Out for 103
An out for 103...The standard double-out charts will show the out for 103 as triple-20, single-11 and double-16. Recently at the Windy City Open I lost a well played match to Peter who took this number out a little differently, but with no hesitation and he hit his numbers to win the match. The winning combination? For 103 he hit triple-18 (54), single-17 and double-16. This just goes to show that there is no right or wrong way to take out your number...it's more important to know your outs and to be able to hit them on demand. Good luck and as always, I'll see you at the line!
The 170 Practice Game
A great practice game is 170 open in, double-out. This gives you the opportunity to try for the 170 out and gives you practice at the triple-20s as well as the outs. It's short enough to keep your interest while giving you some real practice. Good luck!
50-Out
Recently in league with 50 out I went for the single-18, double-16 for game, but unfortunately I busted on the first dart with a triple-18. My opponent then took his number out for game, and match. With 50 left and having to double out, an alternative is to shoot for the triple-10 to leave you with double-10. The beauty of this out is by aiming for the 10s, when you hit the triple-10, you're in the same area for the double-out. Even if you hit a single-10, you can then move upstairs for the double-20.
Selecting the Right Weight Dart for You
How do you select the right weight when picking out a new set of darts? Stop on by your local dart store, pick out a set of darts and throw 3 rounds at the board. You're going to throw at any target that is near eye level such as the triple-11, bullseye or triple-6. If most of your darts are landing lower then 2 inches from your target then the darts are too heavy. If they're landing higher then 2 inches from your target then the darts are too light. If your darts are within 2 inches of your target then they are just right.
If your darts are not hitting the board at the same angle, or are landing more then 2 inches from side to side then try a different shaped flight. The larger the flight the more drag there is. Beginners usually start with the standard shape flight while experienced throwers usually use slim or speed flights as they take up less room, and allow for closer groups when you've got some accuracy.
The Odd Number We've All Got to Hit
Today's tip comes from the book "How to Play Winning Darts" by Buddy. "Think! Once below 100, you are within a few darts of doubling out to win. With odd number left, STOP and THINK! Few players run into problems with even numbers, but use care there, too. Pausing may be the turning point, assuring a win in steel-tipped matches needing a final double."
With 23 left, you need one dart to "correct" the score or get to an even number so that you may double out. Aim for the 7-19-3 area. These are 3 odd numbers side by side, which gives you the greatest chance to even your score with one dart. You have to take care not to bust, but hitting one of these numbers gives you a double-out! If you aim instead for the single-15 (to leave double-4s), and you miss the 15 you've most likely hit one of the neighboring even numbers. This means you still need to fix your score or hit another odd number to leave yourself a double-out. You want as many darts to hit the double, so go with the best odds and aim for an odd number at the bottom of the board!
Sometimes 19s Are Your Best Shot
With 126 left, shoot for the triple-19! This works for steel-tippers who have to double-out as well as soft-tippers who only need to single out. Many darters start out aiming for the 20s with 126 left. Problem is, if you aim for the triple-20 and only hit a single, this leaves you with 106. 106 is not a pretty out...and cannot be done with only two darts. With 126 left, if you hit the triple-19 (57) with your first dart, this leaves you with 69. Hit the triple-19 again and you've got 12 left, which may easily be hit with one dart (straight 12 or a double-6). If you miss the 1st triple-19 and hit a single-19, this leaves you with 107. With 107 left, aim for the same segment of the board and hit the triple-19 again to leave yourself 50 out.
With 93 left, shoot for the triple-19 and the double-18. If you miss the triple-19 and hit a single, you're left with 74. You can still double-out with 2 darts by hitting the triple-14 and the double-16. If you're an electronic shooter - don't shoot the bullseye with 93 left as if you hit the 50-points, this leaves you with 43 which requires 2 darts. When playing single-out electronic darts, again, aim for the triple-19 and the double-18. The single out can be done with only 2 darts, leaving you a 3rd if you miss your target. Good luck!
For beginners and intermediate players playing the '01 games...if you're off the 20s and not hitting solid 60s, you may want to move down to the 19s. If you're off on both the 20s and the 19s...re-focus and throw a turn or two at the triple-14. Look, 2 single-14s beat breakfast up top and three triple-14s are 126 points. If you miss and fall out into the triple-9 (next door to the 14s) you'll hit a 27 (which still beats breakfast!). Often times just the act of focusing on a new number before returning to the 20s is enough to get you to re-focus and avoid the frustration that sometime builds after missing the solid 20s or 19s.
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