Winning and Losing Graciously at Darts

Everyone talks about winning and losing graciously but no one has exactly explained what this means and how to demonstrate this through one's actions. How does one win graciously and how does one lose graciously when playing competitive darts? Those are the questions that all passionate darters need to understand the answers to, so read on...

Winning Graciously

Winning graciously is a wonderful trait to possess and to exhibit every time that you win. Let's face it, winning feels good and it is only natural to be excited about winning and to feel downright exuberant. But winning graciously means not bragging about the win. Winning graciously means not putting down your opponents, or worse putting them down within their earshot. Darts is no place for gossip or judgment, and winning does not give you the right to speak poorly of other darters. Period.

Winning graciously means treating your opponents with respect, learning from your competitors, encouraging those whom you play along the way, and appreciating everything, including the effort that your opponents have put forth. Remember, your opponent(s) are doing the best that they are able to do, at that exact moment in time, and every performance should be appreciated. Take care to remember that every beginner or every darter having an "off" day is trying their hardest. Don't ever forget that every darter has started somewhere, or had a bad day of darts along the way. It is not your place to rub this in, to brag, to judge, or to make your opponents feel bad about their performance.

Winning graciously means finding something positive to compliment your opponents on, and of course, ending the match with a handshake and a kind word. All of this goes a long way and not only will winning graciously help build your own character in the process, but you will also feel good about yourself - With this approach, your opponents will respect you as well. Before you proceed on to the next match wish your opponents well in the other tournament events. Odds are your opponents, who have just lost their match to you, will remember your kind words long after the event is over. Treat others as you want to be treated and you cannot go wrong.

Losing Graciously

Losing graciously is much tougher than winning graciously but just as important, if not more important. The fact of the matter is there will always be a winner and a loser, and if you are a darter than somewhere along the way you have lost a match. Did you do so graciously? Losing graciously means not throwing a tantrum, not swearing, not refusing to shake hands, not throwing your darts, not pouting, not yelling at the chalker, etcetera, but instead taking positive actions. Bad behavior is unacceptable even when you have lost your match. The bottom line is that everyone needs to understand how to lose graciously - let's call it part of Darts 101. And this starts with positive words and positive actions.

I know, I know, I know firsthand that it's tough to be positive when you have just lost a match. Especially when it is something that you wanted more than anything in the world at that moment in time. It hurts, it's disappointing, it is frustrating and if you let it get you down your confidence will take a nose dive. But there is no pouting in darts and there's no crying in darts either - unless, of course, you're alone in a bathroom stall. So forget the negative, be a big darter, hold your head high, do your best to be positive and remember that the next day is a new day, with new competition and new chances to prove yourself. And more time for additional practice! So take this time to give yourself some credit...you didn't just try, you got out there and played which is more than some.

Losing graciously means congratulating your opponent for their skills and their win. This also means finding something positive to say to your opponent and wishing them luck in their next matches or rounds. Don't ignore your chalker either - the gracious darter ALWAYS thanks their chalker when the match has finished.

It is important to know that a loss to a very skilled opponent doesn't necessarily mean that you shot poorly, it simply means that the winner shot at a higher level of skill at that exact moment in time. You might even ask your opponent what you might do differently to improve your game in the future. Their insights might be invaluable, but you won't know if you don't ask. What do you have to lose?

The most important part of losing graciously is not giving up, working to improve your game, (Problems with your stroke?, Need to know your outs better?, Having problems getting your head in the game?, Moving too much at the line?, Distracted by the pretty girls on the board next to you?) and keeping a good attitude. Show this good attitude with your words AND your actions. Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk and show others that you are a gracious darter, period. Of course, this seems easier said than done, but this is the truth and all good players must learn both, to win AND to lose graciously.

Again, remember every match for both winners and losers, should begin and end with a handshake, and a kind word. You might surprise yourself and make a friend or two along the way.

The old adage is true: Actions speak louder than words! When it comes to being a gracious darter, whether a winner or a loser, which type of player do you choose to be?

As always, shoot well and see you at the line.