TAKE DART!

Looking for a new way to relax? Head down to a pub and try your hand at a game of darts, while chilling out with a group of friends. It's easy to learn and a whole lot of fun!

Board membership

Everybody has seen a dartboard and people throwing darts at it, but most of us probably think that there is nothing more to the game than standing behind a line and tossing a spear-like object at a target board.

On the second floor of a local pub, the SAF Sports Association (SAFSA) Darts Team begin their weekly practice under the watchful leadership of Mr S Letchumanan.

On first look, you'll think that they are a group of buddies gathering at a cosy place to relax and talk about old times instead of a committed team of dart players.

"It's good for us to come together and have some fun during training. We get away from the stress of work for a few hours and we're happy doing it," said Mr Letchumanan, the SAFSA Darts Team Convenor.

Underneath the friendly smiles and warm jokes, the players show that they're really there to hone their marksmanship - in a flash, the drinks and food are discarded and the 'tools' are whipped out.

Mr Letchumanan explained the need for seriousness when it comes to training, telling the darts novice how tension could make or break a player.

"We have this mindset - we are playing against the board. As long as we throw the darts at the board well, we will win. It doesn't matter who we're playing against," he said.


Armed forces

Darts, like any other competitive game, allows players to play against one another.

Be it singles or team, the number of members can vary, both in numbers and gender, but it usually doesn't matter as long as the players are happy with the arrangements.

They're there to enjoy the game, after all. So the potential marksman needs his kit - three darts and a positive attitude.

"You can get darts anywhere; they cost anything from a mere $15 to over $100, and they are all made of different types of material. For beginners, I would recommend the use of brass darts because it's easier to get used to the throw," explained Mr Letchumanan.

So now that you've got your equipment ready, it's time to know how the game is really played.

D-artful thrower

The classic game of darts is called the '01', referring to the fact that the game is played from a certain number of points, always ending in '01'.

For example, the common tournament game of 501 is played from 501 points. Other variations are 301, 601, 801, and so on.

The higher points are usually played by teams. The object of the game is to reduce your number of points to zero.

Players take turns to throw a set of three darts each, and then subtract all points scored from their starting score (301, 501, 601 etc).

But there's a catch - to win, you have to reach exactly zero score, and the dart that brings the score down to zero must be a double.

Doubles consist of the numbers in the outside narrow scoring band and the centre (small) bull's-eye. For instance, if you have two points left, you have to hit a 'double 1' instead of a '2' to win.

From 18 points, a double nine would work. If you have an odd number left, you would then have to hit another number to bring the score to an even one before you can finish off with a double.

But be careful - if you over-hit and score too much, you will forfeit your turn and will have to try again after your opponent. So, more than anything, it's a game of precision planning and calculation.


Happy landings

Not everyone is cut out for the game of darts, but everyone is certainly encouraged to give this enjoyable game a try.

The SAFSA Darts Team welcomes anyone with an interest in the game to join them in their training session, and darts enthusiasts can look forward to beginners' lessons and training sessions at The Chevrons.

And if you get the hang of the game, you might even want to turn pro at one of the leagues organised by the Singapore Darts Association. League games are played, almost daily, between several divisions and at various pubs in Singapore.

But before you get down and dirty with the darts, here are some basic fundamentals to land you on the path to dart greatness.

Although two training sessions are all he needs to get you going, Mr Letchumanan (left) requires serious discipline and commitment when it comes to the game of darts.

"A good dart player basically needs to train and be patient when it comes to playing. A bad one will become temperamental too easily," he said.

That means at least an hour of training a day to get you well-oiled for the pressure from competition.

Start out by getting the correct standing position: relax and place weight equally on both feet, with your throwing hand comfortably held. Watch the dartboard and concentrate on what you want to hit.

"When you throw, the darts will not go where you want to. For beginners, the important thing is to get the darts together when you throw them, and not all over the place," Mr Letchumanan added.

So don't fret if you're hitting all over the place, just treat it as part of a 'zero-ing' process - you'll be wowing crowds with your sniper-like marksmanship on the dartboard in time to come.

Contact Mr Letchumanan at [email protected] to find out more about the game and possible training sessions.