This column is short, sweet and to the point. If you are a beginner darter or even an intermediate darter (hey! We all have to start somewhere...), then this column is for you.

Know your outs before stepping up to the line to throw. Spend a buck or two and invest in one of those pocket outcharts. If you can afford it, buy a poster for the wall next to your dartboard. Heck, make an outchart for your wall if you have to. Knowing your outs is part of the game and if you want to win then you had best know your outs.

Recently I interviewed a darter who asserted that the out chart is good only for the first few months that a darter is playing. I disagree. Knowing your outs is going to help you win and having an out chart for reference goes a long way. Even now after years of play, I do know my numbers and I am good at remembering outs (believe me, I know my numbers much better than I am able to hit them), but the out chart is a good tool to help you remember your outs and the different out-number combinations, as well as your choices. I still take a look at an out chart now and again. The best advice here is get an out chart of your own, look at it and actually study it. Know your outs, period. (You can buy a great one online from Bull's Eye News Magazine, written by Mean Irene - it's a great reference that no darter should be without.)

Once you've been playing awhile you will begin to know and remember your outs. Still, sometimes when at the line it is easy to go "brain dead" and forget your numbers or forget how to subtract at the line. Use your out chart! And of course confer with your partner and/or teammates.

When you have progressed beyond the out chart you will invariably develop your own preferences as to what to throw at. This is good - you are learning the game. While the out chart will steer you in the right direction, over time you will develop your own preferences. How many times has a partner suggested an out that you are not quite comfortable with? When this happens the darter most often is torn between knowing what they want to do, and what their partner is telling him to do. Follow your gut. Being torn between outs often times ends in not being able to hit anything because you are thinking about what you want to hit and what your partner wants you to hit. Again, follow your gut and throw at your numbers.

The out chart is a tool but not the be-all-end-all. There are so many combinations of outs for most numbers that now you need to be concerned with what is referred to as percentage shots. Percentage shots are designed to help you make the most of your outs and to be successful whether you miss your target or not. For example, many numbers on the board are even numbers located right next to each other or even odd numbers located next to each other. Should you miss your intended target, when you're aiming at a number, even or odd, your chances improve greatly of leaving yourself an out should you miss your target BUT fall into a number that is even, or odd (that you need). Even or odd, missing and hitting the right number, or falling into the odd/even one next door, will often still leave you an out. You want the best chance at setting yourself for an out. Play the board and use all the numbers of the board.

It is best to know your numbers intimately because tournament halls and many dart bars do NOT have outcharts hanging on the wall. Without knowing your outs, you're stuck without the out chart. Learn your numbers, your outs, your best bets and be prepared to throw at a number that works as the even numbers are together and the odd numbers are together on certain parts of the board. Even if you miss your target, throwing at a number bordered by an even, if you need it, or an odd number if you need it, greatly improves your chances at leaving yourself an out. Again, play the board!

Next, and this is a pet peeve of mine, KNOW your target and what you are shooting at BEFORE you step up to the line. I cannot tell you enough how many darters are not sure of what they are going to shoot at before s.tepping up to the line so they fall back on those trusty 20s. This is not good, does not set you up for the out and worst case scenario, you bust and have lost your turn. You should be confident in your partner's abilities as well so if your partner seems unsure of what they should be going for - talk to them!

Not only do you need to know your numbers before you step up to the board, just as importantly, know what you are going to aim for with that second or third dart, should you miss your intended target with the first dart. Have Plan A and have Plan B. This WILL make you a better darter and increase your chances of hitting your number and getting closer to that out. Getting down to the out first, before your opponent, greatly increases your chances of winning the game. Sure, you still have to double out in '301 or '501 but getting there first greatly increases your chances of being first to aim for that double, that game shot!

Lastly, whether you are at the board or not, maybe you are driving in your car, VISUALIZE, VISUALIZE AND VISUALIZE the numbers that you are going for and hitting them. This visualization exercise helps put you in the groove and again, gives you an up on your opponent.

It's all about being positive and believing you have a shot at the game. Specifically, this means knowing what you're going to hit before you step up to the line, and knowing what your're going to hit with each and every dart. Know your numbers, and know your outs. Intimately.

Shoot well and I'll see you at the line.