| Darts is a game that's enjoyed by players of all | | | | It doesn't stop there either because some players |
| ages and from all different backgrounds. However | | | | will try and put off their opponent by changing the |
| in many ways it is still a game that is played | | | | pace of the game. For example if their opponent |
| predominantly in pubs, whether it's a league match | | | | is a really fast player, they will often slow down |
| or just a friendly game with your mates. As a | | | | their own game quite considerably and take their |
| result, you will often find that there are a lot of | | | | time taking their darts out of the board to try |
| underhand tactics that players use to put off their | | | | and disrupt their rhythm. They may also |
| opponents. | | | | 'accidentally' knock the flight out or drop one of |
| The first tactic that many people use in order to | | | | the darts when taking their darts out. |
| try and distract their opponent is to stand right | | | | Finally if you are playing darts in the pub there are |
| behind them when they are throwing. This is | | | | two other forms of gamesmanship that people |
| something that a few professional players have | | | | use. One is to either take your time working out |
| done over the years and it's one of the most | | | | the scores each time (if you are scoring yourself) |
| common forms of gamesmanship. It seems to | | | | and the other more extreme tactic is to spike |
| work because there's nothing worse than having | | | | your opponent's drink. |
| someone breathing down your neck when you're | | | | I personally don't use or approve of any of these |
| trying to throw your darts. | | | | tactics as I like to play fair and square (honest!), |
| Another devious ploy is to play with your darts | | | | but these tactics are commonly used by a lot of |
| when your opponent is throwing. For example you | | | | players, particularly in the local darts leagues |
| will often see players tapping their darts together, | | | | where competition is fierce. Ultimately it's down to |
| playing with their flights or tapping their toes on | | | | you whether or not you decide to use any of |
| the floor. All of these little things can be more | | | | them, but it's worth making a note of them |
| than enough to distract your opponent and put | | | | because then you can spot when your opponent |
| them off their game. | | | | is trying to use these tactics on you. |