England's professional darter Bob Anderson was gracious enough to entertain my lofty goals of asking him a few questions. The easiest way to start is by explaining what is believed to be a bit of English slang which is: "What is the significance and meaning of "Chin Wag?" Anderson shared that "Chin Wag" is "An old expression for a bit of a chat" and he uses that phrase as a column area on his professional dart website at BobAnderson180.co.uk.

Pick up any dart book covering the history of darts over the past few decades, the professional dart scene in England both past and present, the creation and explosion of the PDC, or even anywhere in today's world rankings (such as Australia: Dart Players Australia) and you will find Anderson's name and picture.

Sponsored by Unicorn Darts; Anderson was born in 1947 and has had a dart in his hand since the age of 3 or 4 years old. After some other sports injuries benched his first athletic career direction, he switched gears from javelin and honed in on his dart talents. Brilliantly and consistently he rose in the world rankings...His titles include:

World Professional Champion 1988
World Masters Champion 1986, 87 & 88
World Pairs Champion 1986 & 95
World Matchplay Champion 1988
World Champions Champion 1990
British Open Champion 1988
Pacific Master 1987, 88 & 89

In '2005, Anderson shot a 15 round game of '801, quite an accomplishment considering a perfect game of '801 may be thrown with only 14 darts and to my knowledge has never been thrown in televised and ranked competition. And as recently as '2007, Anderson threw a perfect 9 dart game of '501 in the International Dart League in Holland.

The rest is absolutely and literally history in the world of darts, and Anderson continues to be a major threat on the stage of today's arena of professional world darts. Here is my interview with England's Mr. Bob Anderson, AKA The Limestone Cowboy:

1) After suffering some injuries in your youth, and having a talent for darts at a young age, did you ever imagine that you would someday be a World Champion and even be so lucky as to earn a living playing darts? What was it like to be a World Champion?
There is an old saying: "When one door closes, another opens." In my case, this happened when I had to give up athletics, then soccer. So, darts took over. Of course, in the beginning, I had no idea how far I could go. As to my feelings on becoming World Champion, a mixture of astonishment and elation, a great feeling of pride, which has never left me.

2) You've probably told this story about a million times or so, but most American darters who know your nickname as "The Limestone Cowboy" don't know the story about how your rode a horse on stage at a dart tournament reportedly with Glenn's twangy country song "Like a Rhinestone Cowboy" crooning loudly in the background.

"Limestone Cowboy" was given to me by Sid Waddell, the very clever and witty darts commentator. I didn't actually ride the horse, it just preceded me on the walk on in the 1994 World Championships.

3) Unlike many athletes who peak at their game in their younger days, when did you peak and what do you attribute this to?
I am still playing as well, if not better, than 20 years ago, having just won League of Legends! (At www.LegendsOfDarts.tv...)

4) What about being involved in the professional world of darts has brought you the most joy? Will you describe your best experience playing darts? And what do you like best about exhibitions?
Victory brings the most satisfaction. Exhibitions are fun because there is little pressure.

5) Who are the darters that you admire most in the world and why? Other than darters, who in the world do you admire and if you had the chance to break bread with them over dinner, what would you talk about?
Of my peers, John Lowe and Eric Bristow. Phil Taylor is the best there has ever been. My other sporting hero is Jack Nicklaus, who perhaps could help me with my game and help reduce my handicap from 6.

6) You have traveled the world over playing darts - what countries are your favorites to visit and compete in? Why? And which countries are the most organized when it comes to dart tournaments and leagues?
Canada is my favorite, especially B.C. (British Columbia). Darts is becoming big business all over the world, and organization and presentation is improving everywhere.

7) In your opinion is darts a game or a sport? Why or why not?
A sport, and has now been officially accepted in the UK as such.

8) Do you feel Barry Hearn and the PDC are making a difference in the world of darts not only across the pond, so to speak, but in the US as well?
The PDC has brought about a rebirth of darts worldwide, and is still in its infancy.

9) What are the qualities of a passionate darter and a true sportsman, and how do you demonstrate these qualities?
Determination, killer instinct, dedication, and a single minded ability to concentrate. All World Champions have these attributes in shed loads.

10) What three words describe you best? Will you also share three things that most darters do not know about you?
GREEDY - FOR SUCCESS
STUBBORN - I WON'T ACCEPT 2nd BEST
PASSIONATE - ABOUT MY SPORT

Both my son and daughter are champions in English Longbow competition. My son also plays an excellent game of "snooker."
I enjoy watching cricket and soccer.
I believe "CRICKET" on a dartboard is a better game than '501.

Hope that's all okay. Best Wishes,
Bob

My humbled thanks to Anderson for his time and energies for this bit of chit chat. To read up on Anderson's career, check out the following websites: