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The anticipation of playing darts is pretty much the only thing that can lure me into any drinking establishment these days. I'm not a tournament player, or even a very good player, but I can hit a bulls eye when I need one. And although I'll participate in a round on the house, I reserve my elbow bending skills for my dart game.

My introduction to the game began with electronic darts. It was the only thing available in my neighborhood bars and I liked the brightly colored, soft tipped plastic darts. It wasn't until much later that I discovered these machines were considered lowly by the "steel-tippers", those who played on bristle boards. As time went on, the electronic machines were replaced with "real" dartboards and I have to admit the transition was difficult. Somehow, the electronic machine made it more fun, like a game rather than a Game. But it wasn't long before a bristle board was my preference, too. I have nothing against electronic darts, and I would play them even now, if I could find them anywhere around here.

Regardless of the type of board, Cricket is usually my game of choice, with perhaps a game of Baseball or Around the Clock thrown in for variety. The '01 games are always popular but not really to my liking. Cricket, in my opinion, requires more skill and is the most fun to play.

Pubs are not the only places I've played darts, although it is easier since everything is set up for you, and you know the distances are correct. However, I have been in people's homes where, with absolutely no regard to fine home furnishings and expensive woodwork and floors, they have rigged a dart board on a wall, a stair railing or an entertainment center. Many hours have been spent in the spirited argument of placement and measurement. Those are sometimes the best parts of the game.

Having your own darts is not necessary, but extremely convenient because bar darts rarely offer any kind of quality, if they can be had at all. This is why I try to carry my own darts with me at all times. Currently I am using Sharp Shooter 80% tungsten darts, with 24 gr. steel tips. They came with extra flights and shafts and cost around $50. These are the most expensive darts I've ever owned and they are quite nice, fit in my fingers perfectly and have quite substantial weight without the bulk. I bought them against my better judgment, as I tend to lose darts easily by lending them out to friends and strangers.

That is really the best part of playing darts. It is just a friendly social game that doesn't take itself too seriously, unlike pool, which often ends up in fistfights. Get a few friends together for a game of Cricket and you will likely find patrons lured from their boring bar stools to watch. Soon enough, they are invited to try their hand at throwing and pretty soon you have a fairly raucous dart party going full swing. Your new friends are buying you beers. Life is good. You'll have a sore arm the next morning, but it's totally worth it.

Learn more about this author, Diane Callahan.
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