Saturday Afternoon at Di's Den

This Saturday was just a great day of darts and I cannot help but be reminded of one of the reasons that I play this game...the people!

Saturday was a beautiful fall day here in the Windy City and let me tell you, it was pretty darn windy here! (Not to digress here but I am writing on election day in the states so I am compelled to mention that Chicago is known as the Windy City, however, this has nothing to do with wind! Chicago picked up that reference in regards to the Democratic political machine being full of hot air or "wind". So, Chicago is not literally the windiest city!) The sun was shining, the weather was warm and it was a fine day for a dart tournament at Chicago's Di's Den to benefit the Y-ME Breast Cancer Organization. Not only were the raffles and donations going to a wonderful organization (this was the 4th annual tournament to benefit the Y-Me Organization, hosted by Chicago darter Nancy Visocki and Lady Di Jun), but the tournament was held at one of the country's best dart bars: Di's Den. Owner and matriarch Lady Di draws the darters in because of her dart bar (great setup and the best competition in the city) and her warm personality. Lady Di strongly believes in supporting her darters as well as giving back to the community. When her teams are in playoff finals (even at other dart bars, where ever the Windy City finals are held) you will find Lady Di there supporting her darters and rooting for her teams. She goes a step further as she generously donates her time, energies and money to several charities throughout the land.

Some great darts were thrown on Saturday though I personally didn't make it to the money rounds in the two events that I shot in. That's okay though because I was in rare form and had a great time. I entered both of the mixed doubles events, '501 mixed and Cricket mixed. I wasn't planning on entering the first event but as the darters started flooding the dart room and warming up I just had the itch and HAD to play. So, I did what many people do at tournaments when they don't have a partner and that is I put my name on a list. To be honest, I have never actually played on stage with a partner that I picked up along the way but I have met some pretty nice people along the way and that's what it's all about. Saturday was no exception!

I met Paul when he came to the registration table to put his name on the list. He seemed like a real happy go lucky kind of guy and seemed glad to have acquired a partner. I know I was! We introduced ourselves, coughed up our money and waited to be called. When we finally heard out names we went to the board to warmup. "Do you want to diddle?" I asked him and that's when Paul sheepishly explained that he was new to darts and had only played in one blind draw before. He quickly told me he practices at the dart bar every other day (he must live close to Di's Den, that lucky guy) and would try his best. "Just have fun! No pressure!" I told him and we were off. Let me tell you, for not having any tournament or league experience Paul did just fine. When he relaxed he had some nice groups and hit some good numbers. It was obvious that he enjoyed playing darts and his attitude was infectious! I couldn't help but remember how exciting it was when I first started. I remember that first blind draw and that first tournament like they were yesterday! I remember the first time I threw the winning dart for a match and proudly shook my opponent's hand. My stomach felt like a tilt-a-whirl when I stood at the line and I was so nervous that my dart trembled. And right from the get-go I loved the game, the competition and the people. So many people encouraged me when I first started and helped me with the strategy of the games... When I look back, I know now that I had no idea what I was doing back then and I'm sure I didn't have a clue to the outs unless I got down to 32. But my friends and teammates, opponents and partners (all for the most part) were supportive and encouraging. Some became my friends and years later I still consider them my friends! Playing darts has truly been a great adventure and I'm certain there is more to come!

I had tons of fun shooting with Paul (even though there were no tons from my darts in that event!). But what a great time I had and I tried to share with new partner my thoughts about darts and the people! "Stick with game and have fun!" I gave Paul a few pointers and told him about some fun blind draws in the city. Hopefully I'll see Paul and his friends around town with darts in hand and ready for a match!

It's an awesome feeling when you win a game of darts or even just shoot really well. And winning money to boot is just sublime. But, let's face it folks. If darts were only about you and you alone chucking arrows at the board, not many people would be passionate about the game. Sure it's the competition, but the bottom line is it's all about the people; it is the camaraderie and the friends you meet along the way that hooks you in and keeps you coming back for more.

Thanks Paul for reminding me what it's all about. As always, shoot well and I'll see you at the line.