Choosing a teammate

Wh en choosing teammates for weeks of league play – or, for a weekend tournament, for that matter, a whole lot of things may help decide the final success of your coming together.

If and when you play Medalist Leagues or tournaments, the rating points of prospective partners is of paramount importance. Medalist always puts caps on the number of points a doubles or trios team can total. Whether it's for a single evening of play, or for leagues – it's the same.

This is what allows the parity of their program – matching teams by points – so that anyone, that's anyone, can sign up and know they'll have nearly an equal chance of winning as the next guy/gal. So, you'll be looking for players whose points, combined with your own rating, don't “bust” the team out of the bracket you're looking to play.

Too many players go this far and stop. That's a mistake. Points alone don't make a team. A team is just what it implies – spirits working together for a common goal. Success. Success means a melding of personalities, of sytle, energy, understanding, and even more intangible stuff.

Therefore, when looking for teammates, be sure you know who you may be asking to join you. If nothing else, shoot a few games together. Get a feel for the other's strong darts – match those with your own strengths. Ideally, you will compliment, not mirror, one another.

Next, get a feel for a potential's personality. Do you shoot best with a quiet, sincere partner, or do you need a boisterous environment to get your blood going. Do you enjoy accolades after you shoot; do you beef up with helpful comments along the game's way; or, do you want everybody to leave you alone while you contemplate the shape the game's taking? These are all valid questions to consider in any teammate.

After all, you'll be together for at least an evening – or, for weeks of competitive play. Of course it's like a marriage – only more intense, more immediately rewarding or discouraging. You will do your best with a compatible other.

In fact, couples in a relationship often shoot together, but with mixed results. The intensity of a dart partnership can either strengthen or unravel a connection away from the board. Consider this carefully. Too often team will break up, mid–season, as darts amplify other problems in a relationship. This is just a truism. Go cautiously if thinking of doing darts with your live-in.

Long, long-term friendships will be formed at those dart boards. So will some other impressions of your fellow shooters. Darts is an incredibly personal way to meet people. And, all of us love the opportunity to meet and mingle with other types, all because of darts.

Darts is a people sport. Try and hook up with those that will assure you the most rewarding evening or league – be it with a new friend or a handful of cash.