Article 1: Why Are Darts Fun?

So, why is the sport of Darts fun? How can a sport that, at times, can be so irritating and frustrating, be so much of a blast? The first response that is usually given is winning. I can understand that. Losing is not that appealing. Especially when it happens week after week (been there, done that). But, is the winning-isn't-everything-it's-the-only-thing philosophy the only way that darts are fun? I will admit, I used to subscribe to this way of thinking. Let's face it. The only way to have fun all the time, according to the win philosophy, is to win each and every game that is thrown. I don't care if you're the best darter in the world, you are not going to win every single game that you throw.

So, why is the sport of Darts fun? Here are some of the reasons that I believe that make Darts fun for me.

• I'm doing something that I truly love to do
• It's a chance to get away from all the stresses that I deal with on a daily basis
• Witnessing a beginner's first 180 or 9-mark and the excitement that comes from it
• Watching someone throw clutch darts to win a game or match (even if that person is my opponent)
• Throwing a challenging game of Cricket that points are plentiful and bad darts are few
• After a match or tournament, trading darting war stories with other darters over a nice cold beverage
• Participating in the 'Championship of the World' match for the umpteen thousandth time
• And, in some sick and perverse way, having to throw a 6-mark or a 3-dart out, knowing that my opponent is one easy dart away from winning the game.

Don't get me wrong, I still hate to lose. I guess it's my Type A personality. The only problem was, the A was starting to mean an expletive that won't be displayed here. I have learned, albeit a lot later that I should have, that win, lose, or draw, I'm going to have fun. After all, if I'm not having fun throwing darts, then why should I do it in the first place?