Q: Mike, how come some players play better when they drink and others play worse?

A: Obviously you’ve seen me play before. I knew this would come up someday, so here goes.

For myself, I have no idea why three hours later I can shoot. It is definitely in my head, one way or another.

It’s crazy, because when I first started playing, I could walk in and shoot as well at the beginning as I could four hours later. Not anymore. I know players who can jump out of bed with no drinks, no warm ups and still shoot lights out. I am not in that category at all. Some of those players can do it all night long that way.

Others are what I call batting practice players, in early games before Masters league or tournaments, they can’t miss, but once the match begins, they turn into Girl Scouts; nice young ladies (no offense to the girls), and they can’t hit anything. There are also those that I call Cinderella players - you know, eventually they will drink too much and turn into a pumpkin. They can’t hit anything. Some won’t stop playing and usually love to give their money away.

I think a drink or two can take the edge off and too much can drive you over the edge, so I guess what I am saying is it is an edge thing. Whatever that means.

Really, if you drink at a slow pace, it shouldn’t have a negative effect. Some players pound shots and beers all night and wonder why they run out of steam. I see many great players have a drink or two and then shut it down. I guess it calms the nerves. There are those of us who need to keep up a pretty steady pace and our darts stay pretty steady. But lets face it, sometimes it doesn’t matter what you drink, how much, or what, it just doesn’t work. Other nights it is there and you have to wonder why. At this point in my darting career (if that’s what you want to call it), I need beers to play. Sorry honey, (my wife) it’s true. It’s not an excuse, it’s a fact. I am not alone. Yes, I know at home I can beat you and the kids sober, but it is a different world in the bar against all the great players in our area. And yes, as with others it is probably only in my mind. The only time I drink is playing darts. I know those who drink all the time, but not when they play. So you are probably more messed up than when you asked this question, but at least I have had fun answering you.

Anyway most who drink in moderation will play fine. Too much and you are usually done. So, I guess what I am saying is don’t do as I do, do as I say.

As always I may be wrong, but I doubt it. Happy New Year!