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Who the Heck is Dartoid?
Dartoid, AKA Paul Seigel, recently indulged me in answering some questions. Here they are!
What do you do for a living that allows you to travel the world in search of darts, the darters and the ultimate game? And do you need an assistant to carry your darts? (Hint, me, me, me!)
Basically, I raise money for not-for profit organizations that have international operations. I do need an assistant. Go to www.penthousemagazine.com and fill out the application. Don't forget to attach the photos.
Are you able to make a decent living on darts or do you have to work?
Is this a serious question? I once won $20 at a Luck of the Draw. I was thrilled. Then the bartender gave me my tab. Technically, I lost five bucks. So, unfortunately I have to work.
What in the world did you do before your interest in darts? Was there life before darts?
I chased women. So, yes, life was pretty good before I developed my interest in darts. I do make an effort to stay in "touch" with my former interest.
How did your interest in darts begin?
Actually, my parents gave me a paper-wound board and a cheap set of darts many years ago for a Christmas present. I hung it on the back of my bedroom door and threw constantly. But I never threw at anything but the bull. I couldn't hit it way back then either.
Do you play electronic as well?
Not really. But I once played tiddlywinks. Does that qualify?
What's your favorite tournament and why?
I can't pick a favorite. I've been to a lot of the bigger ones around the country (like Windy City, Witch City, Chesney, Virginia Beach Classic, Houston Open, North American Open) and also many of the smaller ones. Knowing how hard the organizers work to put them together, regardless of how large or small they may be, it just doesn't feel right to single one out from among the others. There are some that I haven't yet made it to which sound intriguing however: like White Mountain, which holds a pajama shoot one evening and Chuck and Stick's Shoot, which is held in a forest near Joplin, Missouri.
Darts are played differently all over the world…what's the oddest thing that you've run into? The coolest thing?
Again, this is a tough question to answer. I've played "blow darts" in the Amazon, thrown knives in Bombay, thrown 501 in a prison in Soweto, South Africa, thrown on a board that I personally carried and nailed to a tree somewhere in Northern Congo. In Bangkok, I once won a bet with a bar owner in a club called Cosmos in Patpong. The prize was a couple of the girls. I settled for a few beers instead. I make it a point to stop in each time I am in the area for a few games.
What games are played worldwide that aren't played here in the states?
The only game that I have seen played, consistently, elsewhere in the world - which I have seldom seen played in America is called Mickey Mouse. It's essentially a long-form of cricket, but usually played with no points tallied. Added to the 15 through Bull are the numbers 12, 13 and 14, and doubles and triples. It's a strategy-less game - but (unless you go to where the serious shooters hang out) it's the main bar game pretty much throughout the Far East.
What dart customs are different from those in the states?
Surprisingly, there seems to be a great universality in customs. In pub darts, most anywhere in the world - and I've thrown in some 60 counties - play always begins with a toss for cork. Winner calls the game. Winner of the match keeps the board. To get on the board you write your initials on the chalkboard. Generally, again in pub play - and unless a bar girl is around - you chalk your own score, always conscious to do so before pulling your darts. The basic etiquette darters follow in America are much the same everywhere. What I find amazing is that, despite my inability to speak the same language sometimes, I am always able to communicate with my opponent, even about the finer points of play. If two people understand darts they can enjoy the game. The "language" of darts is the same everywhere.
Do you ever play for money? Have you ever had to race out the back door?
Oh, everybody's played for a few bucks here and there. You only have to duck out of the back door if you win. So, I've never had to make a run for it.
Are you any good?
Why don't you fill out the Penthouse application first? Then, perhaps we can explore this question.
Editor's Note: Obviously I meant are you any good at darts!
How did you get started? Still play on any teams?
It was a friend named Chris James on Cape Cod who got me seriously involved. Though I'd thrown casually for years, Chris introduced me to league play and then tournaments. Technically, I currently play for the Old English Darts League in Philadelphia but it's been some time since I have been able to make a match. I travel too much.
Ever visit just a dive and think it was a smart idea to leave pretty quickly?
Definitely. I remember being pointed to a bar in Cincinnati once. I can't remember the name of the place but when I arrived there was a long line of motorcycles parked out front. I decided I'd pass on throwing that night. The next night I hit a joint called Perkey's with Mike Kenny, Jr. There have been many others that I should have never walked into, but did. As I've already noted however, there just seems to be an understanding among darters. A pub might be pretty rough looking on the outside and the guys at the bar and the pool tables might be pretty unfriendly looking. But the guys at the oche are always there for the game.
What are your greatest moments playing darts?
When a "great moment" happens I'll be in touch!
What is the best dart bar or dart setup? (Besides Di's Den in my sweet home Chicago…)
Without out a doubt Jerry Feather in Denver owned the most outstanding darts bar I have even seen. A sad thing (but fortunate at this moment, because I can't remember the name of the place), it closed up a few years ago. It had 26 boards, if I recall correctly. It was once rated the "Best Darts Bar in the World" by the UK's Dartsplayer magazine. Of course, "Di's" in Chicago is quite the place. Joe Edward's "Blueberry Hill" is a Mecca! I hear Eric Bristow's "Crafty Cockney" is quite something in England. But I'll never go there because Eric's a prick.
What has been the worst setup?
Easy question. There is a board on the veranda at Queen Elizabeth Park in western Uganda. I remember worrying about the wart hogs that were wandering just behind the line as I was throwing one night. Later in the night I was awakened by a sound just outside the window of my hut. I took a peek and a hippo peeked back. I can't say, as I usually can, that I slept particularly well after this night at the line.
Ever visit with Patrick Chaplin, the Darts Historian?
No, I never have. I have followed his incredibly interesting writing for some time however. We have corresponded a time or two - he put me in contact with the publisher of a new book called "In & Out," a mystery novel about with a darts theme. I believe it's about a league darter who is found murdered - stabbed with a dart. Unfortunately I still haven't found a moment to order it.
Who are some of the most interesting darters that you have met?
Jess Nicoll, Tee Ruleman, Debbie Gordon and Tina DiGregorio. One of my main goals in life is to get to know them all MUCH better. John Lowe, John Part, Steve Brown, Roger Carter, Phil Taylor, Paul Lim - there are so many great guys in darts. But I'd prefer they all keep their shirts on.
Your wife must be some kind of gal to put up with your travels and wittiness. How did you meet and how does she humor you? Is she as clever as you are?
The truth is: I have known my wife since high school. I thought she was perfect then. I think she's perfect now. Sometimes I amazed that she still puts up with me. Honestly, I am in Manila as I write this and she is home sleeping on the couch with my dog near the basement. This is because it is raining and the sump pump is broken (because I have procrastinated getting it fixed). She has to head into the basement every hour or so to tweak it or the basement will flood. She's been doing this for the past two days. Oh well, I guess I'll go out and throw darts.
Do you ever really piss people off with your columns? And do you care?
Yes I do. And yes, definitely I care. I honestly do not mean to hurt anybody's feelings. I only strive to bring the game to life. Occasionally, even I have an opinion. Sometimes the mix of humor and opinion has not set quite right with some people. For that I can only apologize and try harder.
You're quite prolific…had you written about other things before darts?
I wrote a column about politics throughout college and graduate school. I wrote for a weekly for a while out of college. I still think Nixon was God. I wrote a feature for High Times - about some pretty good weed and a couple of cats. I interviewed Linda Lovelace of "Deep Throat" fame. I never did - and as anybody who follows my writing already knows, I never do and probably never will make much sense.
Have you considered writing a book with your columns?
There's one completed ("Come. Travel the World with Dartoid and Eve") and another in the works, but that's all I can say now. Recently I did a chapter for a new book that John Lowe is working on. Patrick Chaplin has also contributed.
Who is your favorite professional darter and why?
I can't say that I have a favorite. John Part is a good friend and a fine person and my own view is that the day's not so far away that he's going to be the dominant professional in the world. Ronnie Baxter's a very nice guy. Carolyn Mars is a sweet as they come and as strong a shooter among the women that you're gonna find anywhere in the world. The list of top-flight Americans that do the sport proud like Steve Brown, Roger Carter, Paul Lim, Luis Martinez, Bill Davis, Ray Carver, Shane Meeks, Tim Grossman, Stacy Bromberg, Marilyn Popp, Julie Nicoll - just to name a few and miss so many - is endless.
Do you think steel-tip darts are on the decline and if so, what can be done to encourage new blood?
Jeez, what do I know? I'd start by banning assholes from the sport. Nothing turns away new blood more than the experience we have all had to endure, from time to time, when someone drinks too much and ruins a good night of fun at the pub. I think the ADO is doing an admirable job of bringing younger players into the sport. The ADA's Glenn Remick has worked hard to develop a handicapping system so darters of different skill levels can have a competitive game together. The PDC is working very effectively to bring the sport to the masses through the glitz of their productions and television. Jay Tomlinson at Bull's Eye News has been educating interested readers for twenty years. Kevin Berlyn at the Dart Players Australia web site, Tim Cronian at Crow's Darts web site and so many others, like you, are bringing the sport to the world through the Internet. Yes, the numbers show that steel-tip darts is in decline and soft-tip participation has more or less leveled off. But a number of people are working diligently to reverse the trend. I am confident they will be successful.
Do you think darters will actually pay to play steel-tip darts?
Yes, I do. I am convinced that 20 years from now free steel-tip darts will be damn difficult to find in American pubs. I believe soft-tip darts will no longer exist. I think the future of the sport, at least in the pubs, is in coin operated steel tip machines. On the other hand, I thought AOL was never going to fly. If I'd have bought $5,000 worth of AOL stock when it was proposed to me by a friend 10 years ago, I' be a rich man. He cashed out his $5,000 investment in 2000 for $320,000. So I don't have much of a record as a prognosticator. I'm basically just a big, damn dummy.
What's your favorite dart city/country?
Bangkok, Thailand. If anyone who reads this ever gets to Bangkok check out Studio 22 at Sukhumvit, Soi 23 (for serious darts), Blue Lakes Pub and Restaurant on Soi 23 (for moderately serious darts) and almost any bar in Patpong for the game of your life!
Describe the passionate darter and good sportsman (or sportswoman!).
Passionate darter? What's that? Sounds like a good name for a web site.
Editor's Note: You're a funny guy.
Do you practice and travel with a board?
I don't practice enough. I hope someday to travel with a broad.
Describe your own dart room. Pictures???
I have two boards - one at home and one at the office. I also have a Champion's Choice board that I put up from time to time. Both rooms are square. All the boards are round. I also have a really cool light.
Who, in your opinion, should be in the Darts Hall of Fame (who isn't a member already)?
Man, what a question! I am sure I don't know most of the people who should be in the Hall of Fame that aren't there yet. For understandable reasons, Charity Dart System's "system" for induction just hasn't reached out effectively to much of America, outside of the East Coast. I was pleased to see that St. Louis' Glenn Remick was recently inducted. If Jerry Feather isn't inducted soon it will be a shame. There's a hell of a shooter called "Jazz" in Philadelphia who deserves the honor. I don't know if New Orleans' Scott Wollaston has been inducted but he should be - into the Army.
Does your wife play darts or is she just married to a "Dartaholic"? How in the world does she put up with you?
My wife, she play wit de dart in de privacy of our bedroom.
What countries haven't you been to that are on your list to visit?
I've thrown on six of the seven continents, so at the top of my list is Antarctica. I haven't been there. I was once booked to go to Cairo (with John Part) for the first Egyptian Open, but it was canceled - so Egypt is still on my list. I planned to go to Roswell, New Mexico last July to throw with aliens in a pub near Area 51. But I passed to go to the Las Vegas Desert Classic and see Tommy Cox instead - though I guess this is pretty much the same thing.
Who do you admire most (darters or non-darters)?
There is nothing I admire more than a great set of boobs.
What do you envision the future of steel-tip darts? What can I do (the Passionate Darter) to help promote the game?
What I hope for is tremendous growth, continued enjoyment for the recreational darter and real money to be made for the professionals. What I envision, I am afraid, is a continuing struggle for the sport. What the future, holds only time will tell.
Darts - Game or Sport?
My GOD! If skateboarding is considered sport and worthy of television coverage… if jumping out of an airplane and surfing through the sky is worthy of the same… if rifle shooting and archery are considered sport… if ball room dancing and synchronized swimming (for God's sake!) are considered sport… who in their right mind would consider steel-tip darts just a game? Now, soft-tip darts - that's another matter all together.
What is the most outstanding match that you've watched up close and personal?
Well, I once partnered with the late Bucky Bakalac and Jess Nicoll at a tournament. I don't remember where. Bucky wasn't much to watch but Jess… there's not a more outstanding site in the business.
Would you sponsor me in tournament play? I should at least get points for asking, and c'mon, how many darters have asked you?
Actually, I have never been asked this question before. I suppose I'd be willing to give it some thought. But I'd have to watch your "stroke," close up, for a night. After a couple bottles of wine.
Would you put in a good word for me with Fox Sports Broadcasting as a spotter (the folks who clue in the camera-men, based on strategy, where the next dart will probably go).
It would be my pleasure - if I knew anybody at Fox Sports Broadcasting. But keep in mind that to fill this role you would have to be knocked out of the tournament. It's not very easy to spot from anywhere other that the broadcasting van. This is why Eric Bristow spots for Sky Television. He can't throw for shit anymore.
How do I get a Dartoid's World T-shirt?
Do you really want to know?
Editor's Note: Here's what I've learned during my discussion with Dartoid:
- You either love him or hate him. Either way he writes from the heart and helps support darts in a positive manner. Personally, I find his columns right on the money and quite humorous.
- He writes with gusto about serious dart stuff like the PDC tournament in Vegas, and banning assholes from the sport. Yes, he believes darts is a sport and supports that to all ends of the earth. He has a voice to be listened to as he's got a lot of great ideas.
- When he's really pissed people off, I've seen his apology in the steel-tip listserve column. This takes a man of character to apologize... It's not his intention to irritate people and he does care. He's just got his own opinions and isn't afraid to speak up. We need more "Dartoids" like him!
- He appreciates good darts and good darters!
- I have no idea what his fascination with Britney Spears is! (Okay, maybe I do...)
- Next, I'd love to interview his wife for her side of the story!
- There's a little bit of Dartoid in each of us, isn't there?
Thank you to Paul Seigel for sharing his thoughts on the dart world with us and to all of you for surfing by. As always, good luck and I'll see you at the line. In the meantime I'll be warming up for my match with Dartoid, the next time he's in the Windy City. I might even buy him a cold one!
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