Fred from Spokane, WA
Q: In cricket, is it a better strategy to score points or close numbers?
A: The best strategy is to do both. However, I don’t recall ever thinking that I had scored too many points upon completion of a cricket game. Although there have been times when I wished I had scored more.

Amy from Chicago, IL
Q: I can whip most of the guys I play against. Why are there always separate events for ladies only?
A: That’s a very good question. While most tournaments do offer ladies-only events, the “men’s events” are usually open events that would welcome female entrants. Most of the women who win the ladies events are skilled players and could probably compete very well in the open events, so there is no real advantage to entering a ladies event for the average female dart player.

Todd from Pflugerville, TX
Q: Why are you such a dork?
A: Is that a darts-related question? Oh, I get it now. You must be referring to that cricket game we played last week when I opened with seven 20s and after you had a round with no marks, I proceeded with seven 19s. What can I say? That’s how the game is played.

Geoffrey from Charlottesville, VA
Q: What’s the best double to shoot for in ‘01 games?
A: The last time I checked, all of the doubles were the same size except for the double bullseye. Thus, there is no “best” double to shoot for and in certain circumstances it is even appropriate to shoot for the double bull. That said, certain doubles are preferred because of the way they break down if you miss just inside the double ring. For example, if you miss a D20 by hitting a S20, you are immediately set up to throw an out shot at the D10 with your next dart. On the other hand, if you miss a D19 by hitting a S19, you have to throw a set up dart to get a shot at another double. In case it’s not obvious, the preferred doubles (listed in order of the number of break downs they allow) are D16, D8, D20, D12, D4, D18, D14, D10, D6 and D2.

Oliver from Ipswich, MA
Q: What is the best practice routine to improve consistency and accuracy?
A: If only I knew…...

Benjamin from Ruskin, FL
Q: '01 games are boring and require no strategy. Cricket is the only real game in darts.
A: I have to disagree with you there. ’01 games require a great deal of strategy in setting up an out shot that gives you the best chance of winning. For example, with 46 left a lot of folks insist that S14-D16 is the only way to go, but if you are a little off on your shot at S14 you’ll find yourself landing in a S9 or S11 (leaving 37 or 35 and requiring another dart before you can even attempt a double). It is much better to throw for the wire between the S6 and S10. The 6/10 fat wedge provides a big target and both the S6 and the S10 leave you a “good” double. Furthermore, even if you slop into a double or triple (6 or 10) you’ll still be set up with a double to shoot at. In my opinion, the 6/10 wire is the best way to go with 46 left.

Meeghan from West Conshohocken, PA
Q: How do you attempt a 74 check-out and why do you do it that way?
A: This is an interesting question, because my approach depends on the game situation. With only two darts left and my opponent on an out, I shoot for T16-D13. It is a bit unconventional, but my thinking is that I have to hit a triple to get a shot at the double and if I don’t take it out with my two remaining darts, I may not get another chance with my opponent sitting on an out. I think that going after the T16 is the best shot because if I miss the T16 by hitting the T8 right next door, I’ll still get a potential game winning shot at the double bull. With three darts in hand I shoot for T14-D16. If I hit a S14 with my first dart, I’m left with a fairly straightforward S20-D20 shot to complete the check-out. Also, misses into both the S9 above the 14 or the S11 below the 14 get me below the magic 71 and can be taken out with two darts without hitting a triple.