March 2007

Q: Mike, why is NDA more popular than Medalist in the Phoenix area?

A: Good question (that I should avoid,) but here goes. First, the NDA has been in the Phoenix area since 1988, which was years ahead of Medalist. There are also more NDA operators than Medalist. The NDA system was in place long before Medalist, and when people get used to something it is hard to change. There are still steel-tip shooters who refuse to play soft-tip because it is not �real darts.�

Now here is what I feel is the big difference. The vendors that run the NDA leagues pay out more money for leagues. Most pay everyone in the league. The league fees, bar sponsor money, and even some added money gets paid out three or four times a year. Since most of the players do not travel and are average dart shooters this is the league to play in.

I believe Medalist is set up for the big money at the big tournament. I also believe this is the reason that most of the Medalist players in Arizona are higher-rated players. Most also play both. The lower-rated players don't want to play league and win nothing, then have to travel out of state to get any money.

I hear it all the time, that Medalist pays out way better than NDA. Of course, the payouts are higher, the fees are higher for the operators, and the league money goes to the main tournament. If they paid out every season it would be a different story.

Now here is where I get into trouble... Because all the ratings are in place, you have more sandbagging going on in Medalist's leagues. I know they have worked very hard to police this, but in the past especially, it was on a huge scale. I knew players that would carry around cards that would tell them what to shoot to keep their average down.

I know players who have played one Medalist league, got a low rating, went to the main tournament, and won thousands of dollars. Sure they got bumped up, but they were so low it didn't matter.

It is not just Medalist either. NDA has their share of sandbaggers as well, but at least in our area, I don't know any players who sandbag for the NDA event. Because the league is just a formality in Medalist, you don't have to shoot your best. Keep your average down and get the big money at the main tournament.

In our Masters league, which is an NDA league, you are playing for a lot of money, not to mention bragging rights. You can't sandbag or you won't get picked next season. You have to shoot your best every time. Now, does that mean everyone who plays Medalist is a sandbagger? Of course not.

We have some great players who are very high rated that shoot as good as they can and have had great success and won lots of money. But there are lots more average shooters or players that shoot great but are just playing leagues to have fun.

PDI Darts, Tag Darts, Northern Darts and Troy Vending have lots of leagues for players who want to have fun with their friends, shoot some darts, pay their fees, and in the end, win some cash back.

The great option for these players is that they also have the option to go to NDA and shoot with players of their level.

All these leagues have been in place for many years before Medalist was in the Valley. They enjoy it, and some things are hard to change. In closing, both NDA and Medalist have good and bad sides. Choose the one that fits you best and play it, or play both. Just have a good time and shoot your best�

These are just my opinions and I may be wrong, but I doubt it...

Everything we offer is on our Web site, and you can check it all out at www.stardust-country.com. In the mean time, come on in, have a drink and a good time. We can't wait to meet you!

 

February 2007

Q: Mike, why do you think some bars have bigger turnouts for their tournaments, even though they don't have a better setup?

A: Good question, and I don't think it has been asked before. Here goes.

If I knew the answer for sure, I could sell my services to the bars that aren't getting the turnout. But here are some things I think affect it.

First the bar owner or manager. We have some great bar owners who I really feel care about the players. You have Randy (formerly owner of Stardust and now Jimbo's), Dale and Dana of Stingers, JR the manager from Six shooters, Pam from My Ole Mans, and many more. If the players feel you want them there, they will come.

Sure, if you put up the money you usually get a big crowd, but I feel most dart players have some loyalty to certain locations as well. I think that makes the biggest difference. If they are around making sure things go well, the players notice this. They don't have to be buying drinks for everyone, but just being there and mingling is enough.

Sheila, formerly owner of The Bar was great, because she was always around and had a great time at her events. She made things fun for all. Joe at Joe's Grotto seems to live there, and takes an interest in all that goes on. Players and other patrons really notice this.

A good tournament director can make or break a bar as well. Just the mere thought that things aren't on the up and up and you will lose lots of players. Start as close to on time as possible, treat the players with respect, and they will do the same (most of the time).

You don't have to speed through the tournament, but run it in a timely fashion. If you have 10 teams, take a little time. If you have 50, get 'er done. You can run a tournament too slow, but you can also run it too fast.

I was at a tournament not long ago; we lost our first match and played seven more in a row, without a break. I felt like I was running a race; it was a workout.

If you mess up the draw or something, be honest, don't try to hide it. If there is a simple solution, fix it. If not, no one is perfect, so do it over.

Next, have good equipment; every machine breaks at one time or another, but sometimes it is ridiculous. If you are having a big tournament, check out the boards beforehand. It will save you trouble later.

And the fourth reason some go well and others fail is � the service. Yes the service� Have enough people to handle the crowd. Not just their buddies, but everyone. Not just the guys if you're a lady, and not just the ladies if you're a guy � everyone. I will see waitresses give guys their drinks even if a lady order hers first. You need everyone there.

Ok, the girl is crabby and the guy tips more. Well, guess what, neither one will be there next time if you don't take care of her. Most guys will go anywhere to play darts. So take care of the ladies and they will bring the guys.

In recapping: Have an owner who cares and is there; have a good TD who makes things run smoothly and respects the players; make sure your equipment is in working order, and have enough staff on hand to handle the crowd.

The money added helps as well. If these aren't the answers, I don't know the answer, which I doubt. These are just my opinions and I may be wrong, but I doubt it.

On a sad note: Speaking of excellent bar owners, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mick, the owner of Champions. Although I hadn't seen him in a while, I have nothing but good memories of him and Champions.

I know all the loyal Champions players and patrons will miss him dearly. He was an innovator in the dart world, always looking for new boards or something to make it better for the darters. My thoughts are with his family and friends; Mick, you will be missed.

You may submit your questions to Mike anonymously if yo u'd like, or include your name. We may just publish your question and answer in the next issue of the Medallion!

Please direct your questions to Mike at:

[email protected]

Mike at work: (623) 847-2077

Mike's Fax: (623) 847-2377

 

January 2007

Q: Mike, I heard that players (including you) and bar owners get upset when other bars run tournaments against theirs. Isn't that the idea? What if they don't know?

A: Ok, good question I guess. I usually don't like to answer when you don't put down your name, but here goes.

First, let me address your last part about them not knowing. Give me a break. Certain tournaments run all the time � Enoch's and Sixshooters on Saturday night, My Ole Mans Saturday afternoon, Cheers on Bell every third Friday, etc. You get it. Also when you run an ad in the Medallion about a tournament, you can ask what else is going on that day and Dawn will let you know.

Even if you don't ask, she usually calls you back and lets you know. The bar owners know what's going on and when, or they can easily find out. So don't go with the, �What if we didn't know.� Pull your head out and find out.

Next, I only get upset if I think someone is deliberately trying to wreck another tournament by doing a bigger event on the same day. Let's say Stinger's is doing a $1,000 tournament on Saturday the 15th, Sixshooters decides to do a $500 guaranteed added the same day, the same time. Is that smart? If you say yes, you're a moron. That is not the idea, to top another event and grab their players.

What happens is, the dart players get divided. Some go to one place, some go to the other and some decide to avoid both because they like both places. So you get 28 at one, 34 at the other and the bars lose their you know what.

The idea is to co-exist; you don't have to like the other place, but trying to ruin his event with yours is wrong. Have it the next week and you both get 60 players or more. If there are four big tournaments a month, work with the others and I guarantee 1) the tournaments will be bigger and better, and 2) they will promote your event if you promote theirs.

Weekly tournaments are different; players go where they like to go. But in the same instance, if you have three successful Friday night tournaments, why would you run a big event on a Friday unless you want to steal their players? I know this question originated because of the Toso's Friday event and my view on it.

First, let me make a couple things clear, if I think something is wrong, I will tell you, whether you are my best friend or my worst enemy. I usually speak my mind. I also say my peace and we go on, have a beer or whatever. I have known Dave Dilettoso and his brother, Sam, for about 30 years. I went to Backtracks, Sidetracks, Big Daddy's North, when I could. Now Dave has Toso's, and I am sure I will go there as well.

Do I consider Dave a friend? Yes! Would I like the bar to succeed? Of course! Do I think Dave makes all the right decisions, no! That is my opinion; he has a business to run and needs to make the decisions he deems necessary to succeed. He could probably care less what I think anyway. Regarding last month's Friday night fiasco, Dave and I have talked, I gave him my side, he gave me his, we have moved on.

Life is too short to let things linger; say your say and move on� I hope most of the bars can get on the same page and we can have some great tournaments in the coming year.

These are just my opinions, and I may be wrong, but I doubt it. I wish everyone and their families a great New Year� Stay safe� Mike Bates

You may submit your questions to Mike anonymously if you'd like, or include your name. We may just publish your question and answer in the next issue of the Medallion!

Please direct your questions to Mike at:

[email protected]

Mike at work: (623) 847-2077

Mike's Fax: (623) 847-2377

 

December 2006

Q: Mike, why should I go to the NDA tournament or the Medalist finals? I probably won't win, and I spend too much money.

A: Is it all about winning or making money? For some it is, but for most it is about playing competitive darts and having a great time. Name me a hobby or leisure sport where you make more money than you put in. I don't think that there is one.

I hear guys tell me how much money they make playing darts and most of it is B.S. No matter how many tournaments you play, it is so hard to make a profit. Those who tell you they do are usually on heroin. If you really consider your time, quarters, drinks, gas money, etc., are you really going to make lots of cash? I doubt it.

Maybe on a weekend or at a major tournament you win, but think about all the times you don't win. Playing darts and going to major events is awesome.

The great thing about darts is that you can go no matter how great you are. In some sports you have to qualify in city, state or regional to go to a major championship. Not in darts � you can be level 13 and still be a champion or compete against players at that level.

You also meet players from all over the country and the world. I have friends (and enemies) from places in the USA and other countries. I met them playing darts in Vegas. I know people who have met in Vegas and have great friendships.

You should go into a major out-of-state tournament as if it is a vacation. Go to have fun first and win second. Winning and making cash is just icing on the cake.

Yes, your right, I go to win; but if I don't, it isn't the end of the world. I want to compete as well as possible � and live with the results. I don't look at it as a money thing. If I can't afford to go, I don't. Never go with your last money planning on winning because you beat Tommy last week in league.

I know those who take their rent money and go to Vegas and lose and then borrow money to pay the rent. That is idiotic. The best thing about the afore-mentioned tournaments is that you are in Vegas! You can lose at darts and win at the machines or tables. Or, you can lose at both.

Bottom line is, go to compete on a higher level against people you don't see every day, and test your skills, make friends, and have fun. Don't ever go with scared money or go only to win. I have great memories from big tournaments and they aren't always because of winning.

These are just my opinions and I may be wrong, but I doubt it �

Happy Holidays �

 

November 2006

Q: Mike, sometimes when I draw a top shooter, they treat me like I don't know how to play. I shoot almost a 3.0 and like to play my own game; what do you think about this?

A: I can go a couple ways with this, so here goes. First of all, some of the top shooters are goofballs, to put it nicely. I guess they think that because they are good dart players, they have an open invitation to be arrogant, rude, loud and obnoxious to whomever they please. This is not the majority, but a few idiots give all the so-called �Masters Players� a bad name.

Ninety percent of the top players and Master League players are good guys; they treat their partners and others with respect, as well as others (waitresses, bartenders, and cohorts). But all it takes are a few bad apples to sour players from participating in tournaments, going to certain bars, and wanting to play the better players and improve their games.

This is not exactly your question, but it is in the same area. I am tired of it. These few need to grow up and act like adults; however, with some, this will never happen. Now, more about your question . . .

Treating you like you don't know how to play is wrong, unless you show that you don't. You like to play your own game; well, I have news for you � it is a team game. Your own game is great in singles, but doesn't work in a team concept. Think of it this way � you and I are partners; I shoot near a 4.0, you shoot near a 3.0. You want to shoot first because you want to play your way. Is that smart? No, it isn't.

I have drawn players who are very low shooters and they will say, �I'll start 501, you start Cricket.� Does that really make sense? I am not trying to be cool, but I should start � period. We are trying to win; yes, we are there to have fun, but we paid money, and winning is more fun than losing.

When you are partners, you should communicate. Talk about the numbers you like, and those you don't. I like the player who tells me, �I can hit anything.� Oh yeah � that 2.0 tells me that! You have to be on the same page, and some players are smarter players than others.

I play with many players better than me, and they ask me what to shoot at. We talk � who is up next, point or close, what number should I shoot to leave you an out you like, etc. What I am getting at is that you should put yourself in the �top player's� shoes once. He arrives, draws a 2.8 shooter who wants to shoot a trip-17 instead of bulls, wants to start, and tries to close 17 when you have 19 closed and are down 70 points. This can be frustrating. On the other hand, they should at least give their partner a shot and not have an attitude right off the bat.

In closing � yes, some of the top players are also the top idiots. But most are great guys who want to play and want to help. However, it goes the same way with some of the lower players as well. Communicate, and your dart career will be much better. These are just my opinions and I may be wrong, but not this time . . .

 

October 2006

Mike, how do most people start playing darts; how did you start; and, I am 40 � is it too late too start now?

It is never too late. I really can't answer how most people start playing darts; only from some of the people I know and myself. I think most of the players who started in the 80's and before had a parent who played. The parent had a practice board and the kids played; some stuck with it and some didn't.

I know lots of guys who played pool first and then got into darts later. I believe Lucky Newbury started after he was 40, and he is still one of the top shooters around.

I started when I was 25. We would go to the Benchwarmer after we got done playing softball or basketball and have a few beers. We were always creating games to see who would have to buy the next round. One night, there was a new electronic dart board in the bar with a cup of darts next to it. We decided we would all throw the 12 darts in the cup at the Bullseye, and whoever missed the most would have to buy the next round.

I was hitting the bull on nearly every dart. After three or four times, a guy at the bar named Mike Allen said that his top player in league was gone and he needed a sub the next night. I said I can't play darts; he said, �Yes, you can � I just watched you hit about 40 out of 48 bulls � you can play darts.�

Mike let me use his darts and showed me the game of 301. I went out the next day and bought a set of darts from Shoot the Bull. Josie, who owned it at the time, was not fond of plastic-tip darts and only had a small selection.

She asked what weight or flights I wanted. I said I would take the blue darts with the Coors Light flights. She asked if I wanted to try them, and I said, �No, I've never played before so it wouldn't matter.�

She shook her head and I was on my way. I won all three of my games that night, and only lost two games the whole rest of the season. We won the city championship and the rest is history. I wish I threw that good now! And it was so easy �back in the day.�

I believe you can start anytime. Guys and ladies play into their sixties and are still competitive. If you're having fun, do it!

It is different now than it was 20 years ago. Almost everyone started with steel-tip darts and moved to plastic later. I think most of the soft-tip players now started with soft-tip. Either way, darts is great and you should start now. We can always use more players.

These are my stories and my opinions; I may be wrong, but I doubt it. . .

 

September 2006

Mike, you did an article about tournament directors a few years back. Could you revisit that subject and let us know what you believe makes a good tournament director?

You could probably write an article a month on TDs, good and bad; but many people have been asking about them lately, so here goes. What makes a great tournament director? Well, everyone complains about re-draws, so let's start there.

Marty wrote a few months back about an excellently run tournament Joe did at My Ole Mans. Then I heard that the next week they had two or three re-draws. So, even top-notch TDs have problems. Is a re-draw really that bad? If there is a legitimate reason for it, why rag on the TD?

People make mistakes; you can check all you want, but no one is perfect. A chip could have been missing, a player could have been skipped, or a number written down wrong. It is like a misdeal in cards. So what if you had a pair of kings? If it had been dealt right, you wouldn't have had them anyway! Who cares if you drew Joe Blow, who just hit three Ton-80s in a row? Isn't the idea to have it run right?

It is frustrating and I rag as much as anyone, but sometimes it is unforeseen. So give them a break. Not everyone is cheating.

On that note, as a TD, try to do whatever you can to avoid messing up the draw. If you are missing one chip, don't just say, �re-draw.� Find the number missing and that is the last person! That is fair. Find the problem for sure before you draw.

One night, instead of writing �Fat Ass�, they wrote �Matt S.� Fat Ass, of course, is Bill Beard (although he has trimmed down in other areas). Bill had been there playing for four hours and didn't see his name on the chart.

The TD went ballistic and walked out before even looking for an error. We found it pretty easy when we looked at the names.

Don't try to hide things, but keep as many people away from the draw area as possible � they can only mess you up. So, here are some guidelines I would follow if I were a tournament director:

� Be above-board on everything � calling names, drawing numbers; do it in an open area, not in a little corner where it appears you are hiding something.

� If there is an out shot or special of some sort, make sure everyone, or the majority, is paying attention in the event you have to stop the matches � sometimes there is lots of money involved; people need to know what is going on.

� Get help, but only from two or three people. Don't try to do everything yourself. Have someone hold the draw bucket, someone write, and someone double-check. The same goes if you are picking their chips for them. Have one hold the bucket, one draw, one write, and even have someone watching to check. All others should be out of the area.

� Sell the bar. By that I mean, get people to like the bar � promote the other activities and back the owner.

Most TDs get paid or get free drinks, so you are basically an employee for that night. Act like it. If you think the payout isn't right, talk with the owner privately, but the final word is his and you have to sell it. Even if you disagree with his answer, you still back him and talk more later.

Don't say to players, �It should be $400, but he is only putting in $320.� Let them know you will try to get a bigger payout next time. Most of the dart bars are small and can't afford to overpay for tournaments, etc. Give them a break!

� Be honest. If you messed up, say, �I messed up; sorry.� If you try to hide something, they think you are cheating in some way. There are lots of players who have been to and have run thousands of tournaments � nothing will be new, so handle it the best way you can and move on.

� Start on time, or close to it. If you are going to be late, let people know. Most of the time people don't mind waiting for more players.

� Run a fair tournament. Move people around on the boards; your best buddy doesn't get the best board �cause he likes it better!

� Be cordial to people, even when they are being idiots. You don't want problems, and you want people to come back.

There are plenty more things to discuss, but the paper is only so big. So those are some of my ideas � and as usual, I may be wrong, but I doubt it.

 

Please direct your questions to Mike at:

[email protected]

Mike at work: (623) 847-2077

Mike's fax: (623) 847-2377

 

August 2006

Q: Hi Mike, I think I am a pretty good player who hovers around 2.5MPD. I have a very pronounced hop that has so far prevented me from getting better. A lot of really good players have tried to help me get rid of it, but when I try to do what they say, my game goes away. Do I play a season not worrying about my stats and try to cure the problem, or should I accept the fact that my stroke includes a hop and not worry about it?

A: Great question and thanks for asking. I am not sure I can give you the answer you want, but I appreciate you trusting me enough to ask.

First, are you sure the hop is what is keeping you from getting better? Some great players have had some oddball styles, yet have managed to win at all levels. I would have to see it to give you my thoughts.

If you are sure that is the problem, then you must do what the �good players have been telling you.� You go back to the basics, get rid of the hop, and do not worry about how you are shooting.

Get comfortable with your stance first, and then work on the other aspects. It is like anything that you change; at first you must go backward to move further forward. It will not happen overnight.

After you are comfortable, make sure the rest of your throw is in line. The basics � elbow in, and throw your arm forward at the target. The guys with the oddball styles I mentioned earlier had movement with their bodies, but their arms were solid.

I would tell you to check other areas first, because maybe the hop isn�t the problem; but it seems that you are mentally convinced it is the problem. The mental game is more important than anything. When you get everything right, you will need to believe in yourself and what you are doing.

Confidence and concentration will take you a long way. No matter what you change, you won�t shoot any better unless you believe that what you are doing is right for you.

Now, a sort of question for you. You state in your question that you are a pretty good player, hovering around a 2.5. Is a 2.5 a pretty good player? If you do get things straightened out, what is your goal then? I am not dogging you, just making a point.

If you get to a 3.0, is that a good or great player?

Don�t sell yourself short; never be satisfied with a 2.8 or 3.2 or 3.8. It sounds like you love the sport of darts and want to get better.

The stat numbers don�t mean as much as the respect of the other players. If you can get to a point where players know you can hold your own, and you are not intimidated, your stats don�t matter. I have played with and against lots of players who are 2.5 or 2.7. Some shoot like 4.0, and some shoot like 1.0. Get your game to the point where you are confident, and you will only get better.

I hope I helped at least a little. As always, I may be wrong, but I doubt it.

[email protected]
Mike at work: (623) 847-2077
Mike's Fax: (623) 847-2377

 

June 2006

Question:

Mike, what do these things all have in common:

� Players getting kicked out of their rooms, casino, and tournament
� Players backing out on their teams at the last minute
� Players staying out all night, every night, and trying to play in the morning
� Players wanting to kick a player off their team for not shooting good
� Players not giving a dart to an opposing team when it was clearly sticking in the number
� A player spitting in an opponent�s face

These were things that Arizona players did in Las Vegas. Mike, weren�t you embarrassed for Arizona? And many were wearing your shirts! What are your thoughts?

Answer: For seventeen years, I have gone to the NDA tournament, and we have had some problems. But this was ridiculous. Yes, I was embarrassed. I very seldom get down on our players; in fact, I brag about them all over the place. Not this time.

We took 150 players to NDA; probably 130 were great and were there for the right reasons. If you are one of the other 20 � and you know who you are � you should wear a big �L� on your forehead.

Lots of our players work all year long to get to go to the NDA. They take vacation time from work, spend lots of money, and leave their families behind to have their shot at being a champion, while competing against people across the country and the world.

Several of you showed a lack of respect for yourself, your team, your state, your vendor, and anyone else who helped you or your teammates get to the tournament. What happened to not letting your team down?

I don�t mean if you shoot badly, that happens to all of us. But give it your best shot, or don�t go. Only a handful of teams actually met beforehand, warmed up together, and played as a team. I don�t know how many times I heard players say, �I don�t know where (he or she) is; I hope they show up.� That is a joke.

Players like to warm up differently and that is fine, but come by and let your teammates know what you are doing. Don�t just show up five minutes before the first match! What happened to guys like Dan Wilson, Bill Beard, Brad Halley, and others? They were there to play � team players who put darts first and partying second. They are competitors first.

Spit in a guy�s face, no excuse for that; kick a player off for shooting bad, what a joke; getting kicked out of the hotel, give me a break! I�m used to hearing all the time what quality dart players and what quality people we have in Arizona. Well, I heard lots of comments the other way on this trip.

Let�s get back on track and show some pride. Make Team Arizona a team again!

These are just my opinions, and I could be wrong; but on this one, I�m not.

Mike Bates, if you don�t already know, is the resident smart guy when it comes to darts in the greater Phoenix area. Each month, the Medallion features �Ask Mike� and we encourage everyone to submit those questions about the game that have had you scratching your head all this time.

You may submit your questions anonymously if you�d like, or include your name. We may just publish your question and answer in the next issue of the Medallion!

Please direct your questions to Mike at:

[email protected]
Mike at work: (623) 847-2077
Mike�s Fax: (623) 847-2377