Today we're chatting with Lance Kent, a passionate darter from Montgomery, Alabama. I met Lance, so to speak, through his friend Tim "Crow" Cronian (webmaster of www.crowsdarts.com) and dropped him a couple of E-mails several months ago. As sometimes happens, we each got busy with life and lost contact. I had forgotten all about Lance but was pleasantly surprised to hear back from him on Christmas Day! After a couple of E-mails back and forth about darts Lance agreed to an interview and I have to say that I have never received a questionnaire back quicker then from Lance! He admits to typing 80 words a minute in between throwing his darts and I'm sure you'll agree that he's got lots of interesting things to say about the game of darts.

On the day after Christmas, while Lance was at home typing 80 words a minute, I ventured into the city for a night of practice with my new teammate Kat McCann. Kat just seems to know everyone in the wonderful world of darts and while talking about her upcoming trip to a tournament in Philly, she mentioned that her mixed-triples partners at the tournament are New York Phil and a fellow named Lance. "Lance! You mean Lance from Alabama?" Sure enough, Kat is shooting partners with the same Lance Kent. It really is a small world sometimes, isn't it? So here's Lance's profile (see his picture below with his "game face") and maybe some good stories from Philly in January!

Do you have a nickname (DaDoofus?) and the story behind it...

My nickname is DaDoofus. It's made up of two parts. The 'Da' part is in line with Da Bears. I'm a die-hard Chicago fan, since I was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. The Doofus part I earned when I was stationed in Germany in the late '80's. The word Doofus is a derivative of the German word 'Doof', a slang word for idiot. I 'earned' this name one night on a 9 hole golf course involving Budweiser, Jack Daniels, and a basketball. I don't remember much that night. My cohorts in crime would not tell me what I was doing out there. Whatever I did, must have been good.

Do you play steel-tip, plastic or both?

Only soft tip locally. I try and travel as much as I can to play the real McCoy.

Do you prefer steel-tip or plastic?

Steel tip, most definitely.

Do you consider plastic darts to be "real" darts? Why and why not?

No. With any sport there is a factor of luck involved. But with soft tip darts, there seems to be more luck (both good and bad) involved then with any sport that I know.

How long have you been playing darts and how old were you when you started?

I started throwing darts when I was about 13. Just winging them at the board. I really started to learn about 18 years ago.

How many teams are you currently playing on?

Just one - Back 4 More

Are you a team captain, league manager, member of any darts organizations? And describe the highs and lows. What frustrates you? What would you do if you could change the world of darts? What is rewarding?

I hold 2 positions...Team Captain and hold the position of Statistician for the league.

I have more fun being Team Captain. I'm the one that has to keep everyone's head in the game by any means necessary. If it takes a swift kick in the a$$, I'll do it. We rib each other and have a good time throwing. The best part of the job is accepting the 1st place plaque that we won at the end of last season.

As Statistician, I put up with a lot of grief. I don't know how most leagues work, but as Statistician, I am usually the one that spots anything wrong with the league (illegal players, improper rotations, etc.). The other board members are not aware of most of the stuff unless I bring it to their attention. The toughest part of the job is coming up with the schedules for the upcoming season. Have to make sure that with divisions with a different amount of teams, every bar has at least 1 home match, if it is possible. Also, you can't have 3 home matches if you only have 2 boards. I also get the scoresheets and e-mail and print the current results, both team and individual. Sometimes it becomes a 24/7 job.

Lately, this has become real frustrating to the point of insanity. The Board requires all All Star points and High outs to be written at the top of the scoresheet. We have columns that the team captains can put the respective numbers. Fortunately, I don't miss much. About 99 percent of the time when a member comes to me and says that there is an error in the current standings, it is because their respective team captain didn't record the results properly. This came to a boiling point 2 seasons ago when a high out wasn't written down and it was the high out for the division. I wasn't notified of this fact until 1 week before the banquet, 10 days AFTER the plaques were ordered. I did some research and found out the out was hit in the 7th week of a 15 week season. Of course, the out wasn't recorded properly. The decision was made to not count the out. The woman and her husband chewed me out at the banquet for not correcting the error, claiming I wasn't doing my job. I pulled out the by-laws and showed them the responsibilities of a Team Captain, which included annotating the high out correctly. To make a long story short, they haven't read the by-laws and it was all my fault.

With the above story and a few other incidents, I had no other choice but to resign the position at the end of the season. It's getting to the point where the players are only out for themselves and forgetting about the league. They are forgetting that without the league, there will be no plaques for them to win.

How did you begin playing darts?

I started throwing steel-tip when I was in Germany in 1986. Then I moved to Biloxi, Mississippi in 1989, where I got involved with league play for the first time. I then moved to Montgomery, Alabama and threw steel tip from 1992 until the league folded in 1999. I have been throwing soft tip since 1999...

Tell me about the first team that you played on...

The Misfits - out of O'Diddles Pub in d'Iberville, Mississippi. The team was thrown together because there were 6 of us who wanted to throw but didn't have a team to throw on. It was a tough learning experience, but within 5 seasons we went from the bottom division to the 3rd division of a league of 5 divisions.

What have some of your team names been?

Misfits, B-52's, Back 4 More, Team Vengeance, Manage A Trois, Jumpers, Right There, and my favorite, Kwitchurbitchn.

If so, what was your first tournament experience like? Jitters?

My first blind draw was horrible. I drew someone who was no better than I was and we stunk. We were no where near an out when the opponents took out a 100 and something. Then in Cricket, I made a mad dash to the bar. They started the game after winning the cork. After both of them threw, they had the 20's through the 15's closed. Needless to say, we didn't win that one

.

Does anything frustrate you in anyway about a blind draw partner? Who is your favorite partner and why?

The most frustrating thing is the lack of respect that a blind draw partner shows during a match. Either purposely trying to bug the throwers or plain disappearing half way through a match. I really don't have a favorite partner, I just one who will try to do the best they can. And I will do the same with them.

Is there anything that you find particularly unnerving when throwing a match?

When darters disappear during a match (either to the bar or the bathroom) or when you have to wait until the 3rd call before they grace you with their presence.

What are some of the tournaments that you've played in?

Shoot For The Moon, Huntsville, Alabama, Rae Chesney, Philadelphia, PA, Early Bird, Biloxi, Mississippi, The Golden Harvest, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the State tourneys here in Alabama, both steel and soft tip just to name a few.

Do you have a lucky dart shirt or any other superstitions for tough matches or tournaments?

I'm not going to tell. Some of the throwers here in Montgomery will pay my wife to 'ruin' my shirts...LOL

Did you go to the Las Vegas Desert Classic in July (sponsored by England's Professional Darts Corporation)?

I was planning on going, but duty called at the office.

What do you think of the PDC's format - all singles, several days, quadruple elimination, seeding of the top players to the final rounds?

It was somewhat different. I can understand the seeding of the top 8. It was the first time in many years that a darts tournament was staged in The States. It was the PDC's way to ensure that the top darters would appear on the stage. I'm sure the format will be adjusted with as time goes on.

Tell me about some of the tournaments you've been to...

The two that really stick out in my mind is The Golden Harvest in Saskatoon, and the 1999 Alabama State Championships.

The Golden Harvest is, without a doubt, the best run tournament in North America. Here is where a slug like me can compete against the best darters in the world. For 2 days, you throw in groups a best of 3 match, each set a best of 3 games. Each day lasts about 6 hours. And it is intense. You may win or lose a tough 3 set match only to be immediately called up to another board. You may lose your first match, but you know you will have 8 more coming.

The Alabama State Championship in 1999 is where I threw some of my best darts of all time. Even though I didn't win an event, I finished 2nd four times. I went from nobody knowing who I was, to "hey Lance, nice throwing" to "Hey...Bridesmaid".

How often do you practice and what is your practice routine?

I try and practice every day. Even only if I have 15 minutes, I try and throw. If I don't have that much time, I just throw to maintain my form (steady arm motion, no movement in the rest of the body, etc.)

When I do have time, throw at all the doubles from 1 to 20 then bull. I don't go to the next one until I hit 5. Then I hit triples from 9 to 20 then back at double bull, not moving to the next one until I hit 5 as well.

Another one I use is I write outs 61 through 100 on the board. I start at 61. If I hit it, I erase it from the board and go to the next out. If I miss, I just go to the next out. When I get to the last out, I start back at the beginning again. I try and get this done within 1 hour and 15 minutes without rushing my throw. My personal best has been 58 minutes, but most of the time, it takes me about an hour and a half.

Tell me about your first Ton-80. Do you keep track of them? How many do you think you've hit? What's your high out?

My first 180 was in Biloxi, warming up for the match. After that third Trip 20, you could have swore I won some sort of Championship by the way I was carrying on. To tell you the truth, I don't remember when I hit my 1st 180 in league play. As to the total number that I've hit, I would guess that I've hit at least a thousand or so.

My highest out in steel tip has been a 170. The only time I hit that was in a bar in Dundas, Minnesota, about 35 miles south of Minneapolis. I was throwing the bar owner at the time. After that, all my drinks were on the house.

In league play, my highest has been a 157 and in tournaments a 151.

My highest out in soft tip is also a 170. This was even in a game where you had to double out. I was throwing like garbage that night. I saw that I had 170 left so I said what the hell...Trip 20, Trip 20, bull. Even though the entire bull was 50 points and it was a good double, I hit that bull smack dab in the middle.

What are your thoughts on playing league with handicaps? Be brutally honest here.

If given the choice of either playing in a handicapped league or giving up darts, I would give up darts. No matter how you would handicap the league, there are going to be scam artists who would spend more time trying to maintain their high handicap then throw the game of darts as it was intended. Add to the mixture the charges of sandbagging, be it real or imagined, and it's open season for anyone who has a habit of whining.

I've spent almost 20 years trying to learn the game of darts. What's the best shot to take when going for a particular out. What is the best strategy in Cricket. I've spent more hours than I care to remember standing in front of my board at the house honing the craft. I've spent way too much time and money competing with those who are better than I am to improve my game. I understand that there are those out there who don't care to get any better. For them, it's a night out to have fun, and I respect that. But, for me to spend all this time and money to have an 'earned' advantage over those who cannot or will not take the time to learn as I have, and to have that 'earned' advantage negated by a mathematical formula sickens me.

What kind of darts do you throw? Favorite game? Favorite out?

Steel tip - 24g Piranha II, medium shafts, standard Dimplex flights
Soft tip - 17g Gorilla Grips, medium shafts, standard Dimples flights in the winter, Alien V-Wing flights in the Summer (don't ask me why it wor...it just does)

Favorite game - Cricket

Favorite Out - The one I'm about to take out to win.... LOL (Editor's Note: Good answer Lance!)

What are your favorite tournaments and/or blind draws and why?

Favorite Tournament...without a doubt has to be the Golden Harvest. From the dress code, to the caliber of the matches, to the way the tournament in itself is run, this is the one tournament that everyone must participate in, if you can.

Which are your favorite local places to play darts and what, in your opinion is the best darts "setup"? Does the best steel-tip setup have a counter or a chalkboard?

My favorite place to throw is Flanagan's Pub here in Montgomery. Even though the only darts in town at the moment is soft tip, the folks here have been trying to revive the steel tip scene. Unfortunately, it hasn't happened.....at least not yet.

The best set up for a steel tip board must have a chalk board. Chalk works wonders for sweaty palms.

What do you think of the coin-operated steel-tip board that are being trialed in the St. Louis area? And would you pay to play steel-tip darts?

I think they are going to be here to stay. Most places are losing money in beer sales, due to the extra attention being placed on drunk driving. The soft tip industry is making a mint off of the throwers in quarters alone. I don't think the steel tip industry would survive much longer unless there is an influx of money. I particularly don't like paying a machine to keep score for me, but unless the bars are seeing some sort of profit from an activity, they won't have it around for long. It's a sad, but true fact.

What are some of your best moments playing darts?

The best moment I had was in the Men's Doubles Cricket event of the '99 State Championship. We had 4 tough matches to get to the finals (all going 3 games). In the finals, our opponents won the first game, we won the second. All 4 of us were throwing brilliant darts. In the third game, the situation was they had all numbers closed and 2 bulls with a 40 point lead. We had 19's, 17's, 16's, 15's, and bulls closed. We had no 20's and 1 18. I was at the line with game shot in hand. Instead of having the jitters or feeling the pressure, I was about as calm as I could get. It was the most peaceful feeling I had in a long time. I threw the first dart and hit the double bull. Great, got the point lead. Second dart at the Trip 20. Nailed it. One dart to go. Double 18. For all the marbles. And I put the dart right outside the double wire. In fact, the dart pushed the wire inward. I couldn't have missed by a closer margin. They ended up winning the game on the next throw. Sure I was dejected, but I learned something about myself that day. Even though I didn't hit the shot, I knew, some day in the future, I would. And I have.

Who are some of the darters that you admire and why? Local and/or professional darters!

First, there's Tim Cronian. Even though he's in 'temporary' retirement, he was the first good shooter I noticed that could enjoy themselves merely by competing.

Second, Richard Davies. Right now, he and I are pushing each others darts to get better. Unfortunately for me, he's a few up on me right now....LOL

Third, any new thrower who puts up with the losing for the first year or so until the game comes around. As someone who has been there, done that, it can be really frustrating when you know you are starting out and everyone is beating you and beating you badly.

What local shooters do you really look forward to competing against whether in league, draws or tournaments?

Just one...Richard. I have some paybacks to give.

Who would be your doubles partner of choice if you could have anyone in the world?

My wife. She was a decent thrower back in the late 80's. We played on the same team when we were in Biloxi, but we never threw together as partners. When we moved to Montgomery, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and her condition deteriorated quickly. She is no longer able to throw. I don't regret much but that is one thing that I do. If only I could turn back time...

Who, if anyone, would you go to see play in exhibition if it was to be held in your hometown?

John Lowe.

In your own words, what qualities embody the "Passionate Darter" such as sportsmanship, etc.?

Dedicating yourself in trying to make the sport better not for yourself, but for everyone else involved. This could mean running the league or teaching a novice darter some of the nuances of the game. Temperament is something else (and I'm still working on that).

I think that after you have the mechanics of the game down and understand the strategy, the biggest component to winning is having the mental edge. The psychological aspect of the game is tantamount to determining how well a darter will do. Do you agree and what are your thoughts on this?

This is a tough one. I don't think I have a mental edge against most people. All I try and do is maintain a positive attitude that I'm going to throw well. Not try and win, but just to throw well.

How do you mentally prepare for tough matches?

I try and not think about it. The more I think about the situation, the more pressure I put on myself.

What words of wisdom do you have for the novice darter?

If you get knocked out of a local blind draw early, don't just leave. Hang around and watch the others throw. Pay attention to what situation they are in and what they shoot at. If you don't understand why they took a particular shot, ask them.

How do you get out of a slump?

First, I try and determine why I'm in a slump in the first place. It could be that the desire to throw isn't there anymore. It could be that you have way too much on your mind. It could be physical. Or it just could be the natural course that most darters go through (the peaks and valleys). It could be as simple as taking a night or 2 off from darts to get your head screwed on straight again.

What are some of your favorite dart web sites?

The best dart site on the web is Crow's Darts at www.crowsdarts.com.

What are some of your favorite dart phrases?

Lock and Load - usually said right before game time

Nice Shot Doofus - usually said after a 'great' hit of one 20 starting Cricket

Light It Up - Time for a REALLY BIG shot

Spider Bites or Bit by a Spider - When the boards that we play on (Arachnids) don't count the darts that you throw.

What three words describe you best?

Competitive, Intense, Loyal

Anything else you want people to know about you? The man, the darter...Share with us something most of your dart pals probably don't know about you...

My kids have named my darts:

Steel Tip - Huey, Dewey, and Louie - after Donald Duck's nephews

Soft Tip - April, May, and June - after Daisy Duck's nieces

Tell me about your dart setup at home and about your dream dart room.

Just a board hung up in the laundry room. Nothing special.

Dream set up would be anywhere accessible to a keg of beer.

Does anyone else in your family throw darts? Do you play chess at all?

No and no.

I think once you "get" that dart bug...you've just got it. I've definitely got it and luckily for me I've got lots of friends who feel the same way. Do you find this to be true? And what keeps you hooked?

I really don't know why I stay hooked. I enjoy the sport.

What are your personal goals with regard to darts?

To be on the tele over in the UK!

Where do pick up your dart parts?

Big River Darts at www.edarts.net.

Why, in your opinion, have steel-tip darts been on the decline? What do you think can be done to recruit/maintain players?

Honestly, I believe it's the soft tip industry. Better marketing.

As to what can be done to recruit/maintain players? Spray those infernal machines with a fire hose to short them out.....LOL

Any rants?

I have many, many rants. I'll save them for later...my fingers are getting tired.

Last question here Lance...How did you meet your wife?

A little background information first. In Germany, you are only allowed to blow up fireworks from 6pm New Years Eve until 2am on New Years Day. I was at a bar called the Atlantic Bar in Bremerhaven, Germany. It was about 10 when the women who would become my wife approached me at the bar and asked if I would help her light some fireworks. I said sure, why not. She takes me into a back room where the bag was. With a lit cigarette in her hand, she reaches in that bag...which contained over 500 assorted fireworks. Needless to say, I just about freaked. She just carried on like nothing happened. My dad said that I would see fireworks when I met the right woman. I don't think he quite meant it that way!

Thanks Lance for sharing your background with us. Good luck in Philly, and don't forget to send some pictures!