There is a lot of open tournament action coming up in the next few months within an easy drive for New Jersey dart players. Here is my list with links for more information:
Nov. 11 Stomp Out Hunger Charity Shoot, Philadelphia, PA
Nov. 18 Garden State Open, Caldwell, NJ $1,490
Nov. 24-6 Long Island Fall Classic, Ronkonkoma, NY, $10,000+
Jan. 5-7 Rae Chesney English Dart Tournament, Philadelphia, PA $25,600+
Jan. 12-14 New York/New Jersey Open, Ronkonkoma, NY $10,000+
Let me know if I missed any guys!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Corner Bar Week #5: Battle of the Unbeaten at Mulligans
This week we traveled to Mulligans Bar in Roselle Park, NJ to play last season's league champions. Both teams went into the match undefeated with 4-0 records. One of the fun things about a traveling league is that you get to check out new places.
Mulligans is a classic sports bar. The walls are mostly covered with pictures of hockey, baseball, and football stars. The front side by the bar has at least six television screens and most of the crowd was watching the baseball World Series while we played. They serve bar food (hamburgers, appetizers, etc.) and to my delight they had Bass Ale on tap.
A big odd-shaped table runs through the center of the bar so more people have a place to put their drinks and food. The side closest to the door has a nice pool table where a league match was going on. In back of the bar is the dart area, where they have a single well-lit board and a reasonably large area for players to gather and play. Mulligans' juke box is best described by a line from The Blues Brothers movie...."We've got both kinds of music, Country and Western!" If beer, sports, darts, country-western, or pool is your thing, Mulligans is a good place to hang out.
My ugly flights were gone (See Corner Bar Week #4) and I pimped my darts with red, white and blue eagle flights from Darts World with flight protectors and the works. With the sound of Hank Williams, Jr. and the World Series announcer in the background, I put them to the test in the first 301 singles match. I had no troubles with doubles and managed to take two legs straight. Dr. Bob also knocked the no doubles monkey from his back and put two more in the win column. There is nothing quite like that feeling when a streak of bad form comes to an end...better than ______! (I'll let you fill in the blank)
Chris proved he was human by finally having an off night, dropping his singles match. He was our last unbeaten player in singles play. Only Mike from Knights of Columbus and Frank from Bottoms Up remain unbeaten, and we plan on doing something about that! Dave was red hot and racked up 714 Allstar points to edge me out for the league top spot in that category. Tom and John shot solid darts and took their singles matches.
The team kicked it up a notch in doubles and triples. Your Corner Bar won by a score of 27-6 in a match that was closer than the score suggests. Mike from Mulligans shot very well. Plenty games came down to the double, and they were unlucky. That leaves Corner Bar the only unbeaten team in match play, considering that Jessie's Place also lost this week. Is an unbeaten season possible? We'll see! Next week we are back at home for a Halloween match against Stanley's Cup. Now what would be a scary costume to a dart player at a league match...a guy from the other team with a Phil Taylor mask?
Mulligans is a classic sports bar. The walls are mostly covered with pictures of hockey, baseball, and football stars. The front side by the bar has at least six television screens and most of the crowd was watching the baseball World Series while we played. They serve bar food (hamburgers, appetizers, etc.) and to my delight they had Bass Ale on tap.
A big odd-shaped table runs through the center of the bar so more people have a place to put their drinks and food. The side closest to the door has a nice pool table where a league match was going on. In back of the bar is the dart area, where they have a single well-lit board and a reasonably large area for players to gather and play. Mulligans' juke box is best described by a line from The Blues Brothers movie...."We've got both kinds of music, Country and Western!" If beer, sports, darts, country-western, or pool is your thing, Mulligans is a good place to hang out.
My ugly flights were gone (See Corner Bar Week #4) and I pimped my darts with red, white and blue eagle flights from Darts World with flight protectors and the works. With the sound of Hank Williams, Jr. and the World Series announcer in the background, I put them to the test in the first 301 singles match. I had no troubles with doubles and managed to take two legs straight. Dr. Bob also knocked the no doubles monkey from his back and put two more in the win column. There is nothing quite like that feeling when a streak of bad form comes to an end...better than ______! (I'll let you fill in the blank)
Chris proved he was human by finally having an off night, dropping his singles match. He was our last unbeaten player in singles play. Only Mike from Knights of Columbus and Frank from Bottoms Up remain unbeaten, and we plan on doing something about that! Dave was red hot and racked up 714 Allstar points to edge me out for the league top spot in that category. Tom and John shot solid darts and took their singles matches.
The team kicked it up a notch in doubles and triples. Your Corner Bar won by a score of 27-6 in a match that was closer than the score suggests. Mike from Mulligans shot very well. Plenty games came down to the double, and they were unlucky. That leaves Corner Bar the only unbeaten team in match play, considering that Jessie's Place also lost this week. Is an unbeaten season possible? We'll see! Next week we are back at home for a Halloween match against Stanley's Cup. Now what would be a scary costume to a dart player at a league match...a guy from the other team with a Phil Taylor mask?
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Corner Bar Week 4: Darts and Superstition!
With Halloween right around the corner, it's the perfect time for a spooky story that covers the subject of darts and superstition. It all started a few weeks back when I was practicing darts at home and ran out of flights...and it all ended on our Tuesday night match against Linda's Driftwood, which was...a dark and stormy night!
As I was practicing at home just before the dart season started, I shredded my usual old red, white and blue flights, and searched around in vain for replacements. Then I remembered that my in-laws gave me some dart flights in my Christmas stocking last year, and I dug around and found them. They were remarkably ugly, probably some factory rejects that were on sale at the dollar store. I put them on my darts with the idea that I could get some new and better-looking ones before the first league match. At least that was the plan.
After putting on the ugly flights, I suddenly could not miss. I went from struggling to find the triples to 140's and 180's galore. Despite my embarrassment at how ugly they were, I could not bring myself to change them. They were obviously good luck.
The guys were greatly amused when I turned up for the first week of league play with the ugly flights. Tom said they reminded him of "cheap leopard-skin leotards" and the rest of the team amused themselves at great length with even less flattering, but undeniably accurate descriptions. Despite that, their mojo was still working and I had a superb night. Every possible break went my way. Ditto for weeks 2 and 3 of league, by which time I was undefeated 9-0 in singles, 3-0 in doubles, 3-0 in triples and leading the league in all-star points.
After 3 weeks of ribbing about my ugly flights, I considered changing them. However, some imaginary voice in my subconscious kept whispering "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I had resolved not to change my ugly flights until I lost a game. It reminded me of the movie Bull Durham, where the baseball pitcher (Nuke) went on a hot streak and decided not to have sex until he lost a game. The only problem is...if you keep winning for long enough, you might start hoping to lose!
Who can say whether that was at play, but on that dark and stormy night at the Corner Bar, I was up first in 301. Suffice to say I would have gladly traded my darts in for Scud Missiles after the first leg, which barely saw me double in before my able opponent from Linda's Driftwood closed the game. Later games confirmed that my magic flights were indeed drained of all their supernatural powers. With a sigh of regret, but also relief, I removed the ugly flights from my darts. It was fun while it lasted, but all good things must end, I thought as I gave them a proper burial in the nearby rubbish bin.
Luckily Tom, Chris, Dr. Bob, Dave and John were hitting well and they were able to pick up my slack. Jack and Don from Linda's shot well, and they took a couple more points with some impressive come from behind wins in some '01 games. However, Corner Bar ended up on top by a score of 24-9.
Let's hear some comments this week! Do you have some stories about superstition and darts, or ugly flights? How about some suggestions on what flights I should now use? You can leave your comment by clicking on the word "comments" below, and then following the instructions.
As I was practicing at home just before the dart season started, I shredded my usual old red, white and blue flights, and searched around in vain for replacements. Then I remembered that my in-laws gave me some dart flights in my Christmas stocking last year, and I dug around and found them. They were remarkably ugly, probably some factory rejects that were on sale at the dollar store. I put them on my darts with the idea that I could get some new and better-looking ones before the first league match. At least that was the plan.
After putting on the ugly flights, I suddenly could not miss. I went from struggling to find the triples to 140's and 180's galore. Despite my embarrassment at how ugly they were, I could not bring myself to change them. They were obviously good luck.
The guys were greatly amused when I turned up for the first week of league play with the ugly flights. Tom said they reminded him of "cheap leopard-skin leotards" and the rest of the team amused themselves at great length with even less flattering, but undeniably accurate descriptions. Despite that, their mojo was still working and I had a superb night. Every possible break went my way. Ditto for weeks 2 and 3 of league, by which time I was undefeated 9-0 in singles, 3-0 in doubles, 3-0 in triples and leading the league in all-star points.
After 3 weeks of ribbing about my ugly flights, I considered changing them. However, some imaginary voice in my subconscious kept whispering "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I had resolved not to change my ugly flights until I lost a game. It reminded me of the movie Bull Durham, where the baseball pitcher (Nuke) went on a hot streak and decided not to have sex until he lost a game. The only problem is...if you keep winning for long enough, you might start hoping to lose!
Who can say whether that was at play, but on that dark and stormy night at the Corner Bar, I was up first in 301. Suffice to say I would have gladly traded my darts in for Scud Missiles after the first leg, which barely saw me double in before my able opponent from Linda's Driftwood closed the game. Later games confirmed that my magic flights were indeed drained of all their supernatural powers. With a sigh of regret, but also relief, I removed the ugly flights from my darts. It was fun while it lasted, but all good things must end, I thought as I gave them a proper burial in the nearby rubbish bin.
Luckily Tom, Chris, Dr. Bob, Dave and John were hitting well and they were able to pick up my slack. Jack and Don from Linda's shot well, and they took a couple more points with some impressive come from behind wins in some '01 games. However, Corner Bar ended up on top by a score of 24-9.
Let's hear some comments this week! Do you have some stories about superstition and darts, or ugly flights? How about some suggestions on what flights I should now use? You can leave your comment by clicking on the word "comments" below, and then following the instructions.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Darts in the World Beyond: U.S. Team Makes Respectable Showing at World Masters in England
The international Winmau World Masters Darts Competition is going on right now in England, and the U.S. sent a larger than normal contingent because some Americans were prevented from attending last year due to Hurricane Katrina. The American team had a lot of new names, and they put on a respectable showing. You can check out the results at http://www.dartswdf.com/aa_darts/results/winmau/2006/Winmau2006MS.html
Local star Jimmy Widmayer from Staten Island made the team and took out opponents from England, Norway, and Italy before finally going down to former World Champ John Walton of England. Jimmy was one of the American World Series of Darts qualifiers and I have played him a few times at ADO events. He is a fine shot and did well in the competition.
One of my old friends from Louisiana, Ernest Comardelle, got past opponents from the Netherlands and Norway before finally going out to Scottish star Mike Veitch. Ernie and I played league together in New Orleans and he is a remarkably talented dart player. He is one of those who could easily be ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. if he had the time to go around to enough tournaments. Last I knew he owns a roofing business in the New Orleans area, which probably makes him one of the most busy people around. My dad lives down there and he says you have to go on a eight month long waiting list to get a roofer to look at your house! I wonder where he ever found the time to practice!
American Anthony Miera whitewashed opponents from Wales and Russia 3-0 before losing to the eventual group winner, Netherlands super-star Michael Van Gerwen. Anthony is a nice guy and a great shot. He is one of the few players I know who does not draw back the dart at all during his throw. He just puts it next to his ear and chucks it! Nobody can argue with his accuracy though. While no Americans made it to the final event, by my count they won more matches than they lost against many of the world's top players. Considering the team lacked some of our most experienced players (Kucynski, Carver, Young, Davis) the overall result was good. Congrats to the team! Feel free to comment by clicking on the "comment" button below.
Local star Jimmy Widmayer from Staten Island made the team and took out opponents from England, Norway, and Italy before finally going down to former World Champ John Walton of England. Jimmy was one of the American World Series of Darts qualifiers and I have played him a few times at ADO events. He is a fine shot and did well in the competition.
One of my old friends from Louisiana, Ernest Comardelle, got past opponents from the Netherlands and Norway before finally going out to Scottish star Mike Veitch. Ernie and I played league together in New Orleans and he is a remarkably talented dart player. He is one of those who could easily be ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. if he had the time to go around to enough tournaments. Last I knew he owns a roofing business in the New Orleans area, which probably makes him one of the most busy people around. My dad lives down there and he says you have to go on a eight month long waiting list to get a roofer to look at your house! I wonder where he ever found the time to practice!
American Anthony Miera whitewashed opponents from Wales and Russia 3-0 before losing to the eventual group winner, Netherlands super-star Michael Van Gerwen. Anthony is a nice guy and a great shot. He is one of the few players I know who does not draw back the dart at all during his throw. He just puts it next to his ear and chucks it! Nobody can argue with his accuracy though. While no Americans made it to the final event, by my count they won more matches than they lost against many of the world's top players. Considering the team lacked some of our most experienced players (Kucynski, Carver, Young, Davis) the overall result was good. Congrats to the team! Feel free to comment by clicking on the "comment" button below.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Corner Bar Darts Week 3: "Iceman" Chris Stuns Linden Elks With A Massive 170 Out!
Spectators and participants for the Corner Bar/Linden Elks match were treated to a rare spectacle Tuesday Night. Corner Bar's newest player, Chris Bills, approached the oche facing the highest and most difficult game shot, a 170 (triple 20, triple 20, double bull). The pressure was on because his opponent was waiting for an easy game winning out shot should Chris miss. In what is fast becoming his trademark, Chris stepped up without the slightest hesitation or nerves and nailed the big out shot. As we know, many good and experienced players have never hit a 170 out in competition, and for Chris to hit one in his second season playing steel-tip darts is an astonishing feat. Considering that he hit a 106 out last week and seems to have no trouble finding his doubles, it was certainly no fluke. Congrats again Chris!
We played away at the Linden Elks Lodge, which is a great place to socialize and play darts. They have a lot of antlers on the walls, a country jukebox, and one of those shotgun videogames, which made me feel like I was down south again for a minute. I sipped my Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and listened to a Garth Brooks tune as we warmed up on two new and well-lit boards. They have a spacious dart area where both teams can gather comfortably. Joe, Dave, and the guys made us feel welcome.
The night starts with six matches of 301, double in, double out, with each match being best of 3 games. Linden Elks put up a spirited challenge, pulling into the lead for a moment and taking good advantage when we missed doubles, which was often at first. However, Chris' 170 out seemed to mark a turning point. Linden Elks tried to regroup in doubles cricket when Levy and John threw back-to-back six counts to go up. However, some clutch shots by Chris and Tom pulled the game from their grasp. Dr. Bob and I found some form that eluded us in our singles matches, and managed to win our doubles 501 match when Dr. Bob hit a double 20. David and John won the second doubles 501, with David hitting a sweet 101 out.
David, Chris, and John shot an excellent triples cricket to take another win. Tom, Dr. Bob and myself turned back a strong challenge from Linden Elks in triples 601. Dave from Linden Elks opened with 123 and 140. Fortunately, I matched his 123 and Tom matched his 140. After I reminded Tom that the doubles are on the outside ring on the board :), he put the icing on the cake with a big 116 out shot.
Michele rooted us on but had no luck with those peel-a-strip cards. We had a good talk with Joe after the match about darts in general and getting more people in the area to play. Things look good. Your Corner Bar managed a big win this week, with the unofficial score being 28-5. Next Tuesday we play Linda's Driftwood at home. Please feel free to submit your comments by clicking on "comments" below.
We played away at the Linden Elks Lodge, which is a great place to socialize and play darts. They have a lot of antlers on the walls, a country jukebox, and one of those shotgun videogames, which made me feel like I was down south again for a minute. I sipped my Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and listened to a Garth Brooks tune as we warmed up on two new and well-lit boards. They have a spacious dart area where both teams can gather comfortably. Joe, Dave, and the guys made us feel welcome.
The night starts with six matches of 301, double in, double out, with each match being best of 3 games. Linden Elks put up a spirited challenge, pulling into the lead for a moment and taking good advantage when we missed doubles, which was often at first. However, Chris' 170 out seemed to mark a turning point. Linden Elks tried to regroup in doubles cricket when Levy and John threw back-to-back six counts to go up. However, some clutch shots by Chris and Tom pulled the game from their grasp. Dr. Bob and I found some form that eluded us in our singles matches, and managed to win our doubles 501 match when Dr. Bob hit a double 20. David and John won the second doubles 501, with David hitting a sweet 101 out.
David, Chris, and John shot an excellent triples cricket to take another win. Tom, Dr. Bob and myself turned back a strong challenge from Linden Elks in triples 601. Dave from Linden Elks opened with 123 and 140. Fortunately, I matched his 123 and Tom matched his 140. After I reminded Tom that the doubles are on the outside ring on the board :), he put the icing on the cake with a big 116 out shot.
Michele rooted us on but had no luck with those peel-a-strip cards. We had a good talk with Joe after the match about darts in general and getting more people in the area to play. Things look good. Your Corner Bar managed a big win this week, with the unofficial score being 28-5. Next Tuesday we play Linda's Driftwood at home. Please feel free to submit your comments by clicking on "comments" below.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Welcome, and Corner Bar Week 2!
Well here is where I get my feet wet in the blogging world! Welcome to New Jersey Darts. I welcome posts and comments from anyone interested, but of course I request that everyone remain reasonably polite and not try to sell anything! Offending posts will be terminated!
I currently play out of a steel-tip (English Darts) league called the Elizabeth Dart League. I have also played in nearby leagues such as the ABCD, Greater Trenton English Dart League, the Quaker City league in Philadelphia, and some local in-house leagues. When I am feeling cocky I go out to some tournaments and sometimes do well. Our team consists of Tom, Chris, Dr. Bob, Dave, John and myself, with Dave's wife as the sub. It's an interesting group and we all love to play.
We are in our second week of league and the team looks strong in first place with a 56-10 record. Tom has our lone Ton-Eighty but we have some good outshots so far (John with a 110 and Chris with 106).
Our bar is a bit quirky but we like it. It is hooked up to a liquor store and a loud buzzer goes off when someone comes in to alert the bartender. Of course, if that happens when you are trying for that game-winning shot, well....you get the picture!
It never fails that something funny happens during a match, and I will be sure to report it in full detail on a weekly basis. Games are on Tuesday nights, so tune in on Thursdays for a full account.
Kevin
I currently play out of a steel-tip (English Darts) league called the Elizabeth Dart League. I have also played in nearby leagues such as the ABCD, Greater Trenton English Dart League, the Quaker City league in Philadelphia, and some local in-house leagues. When I am feeling cocky I go out to some tournaments and sometimes do well. Our team consists of Tom, Chris, Dr. Bob, Dave, John and myself, with Dave's wife as the sub. It's an interesting group and we all love to play.
We are in our second week of league and the team looks strong in first place with a 56-10 record. Tom has our lone Ton-Eighty but we have some good outshots so far (John with a 110 and Chris with 106).
Our bar is a bit quirky but we like it. It is hooked up to a liquor store and a loud buzzer goes off when someone comes in to alert the bartender. Of course, if that happens when you are trying for that game-winning shot, well....you get the picture!
It never fails that something funny happens during a match, and I will be sure to report it in full detail on a weekly basis. Games are on Tuesday nights, so tune in on Thursdays for a full account.
Kevin
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