10/13/02 A Tip on Outs and Triples...

Here's another tip for you that could make the difference between winning and losing a game. This is something you should memorize; the combinations you can and should try to figure out as you go along. Know what numbers are makable 3 dart outs. Here they are: 170, 167, 164, 161, 160, 158 and anything below. 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159 cannot be taken out in 3 darts. Depending on how close the game is, knowing this can buy you an extra turn. Many times I've seen someone get excited because they left themselves 159 and say "That's an out!" If you are sitting on 164, sure, they are ahead, but you can take a 164 out. And even if you don't, your opponent cannot take out the 159 so you will have another shot at game. It's even more fun when they don't realize it! I can't stress enough how important this is.

Another tip I have is to go for combinations that involve hitting triples of cricket numbers. Another good reason to throw out the out charts. How many times do you really throw at trip 14 or 13 or 11? There's always a good or better combination using a cricket triple. Just about the only time I use a non-cricket triple is when I have 62 left and 3 darts in my hand. Then, I go for the trip 10 which leaves 32, If I miss and hit a 15, another 15 leaves 32.

Lots to think about. Good luck tonight. - Nancy