Last night was the first night of this new 501 league. I got my tail kicked by a very good darter, but I want to explain something first. Last night was the first time ever shooting darts, in a bar, WITHOUT DRINKING. I know what the hell am I thinking. Some of you probably are calling me some kitty cat names right now, but that is ok.

I need to slow down a little on the juice and what a great time to do it. I'm only playing many of the better darters in LEDA. What could be the problem? My flippin nerms is the problem!! I suck without consuming some of the finer juices offered by the local watering hole. What a fine time to flippin try this out.

How many of you drink, but haven't consumed on dart night? Be honest. Are you better without drinking? I dought it.

I'm writing this after downing several ML's which I should have done last night. Maybe I wouldn't have embarrassed myself in front of the many darters I was trying to impress. I guess that is why I've been playing Emerald and not Diamond.

OK, I need to go get another ML. Just wanted to vent. Not sure if this non drinking thing will keep going. I have a lot of pride and loosing the way I did, SUCKED!.

Tony did shoot very well and deserved to kick my tail even if I did drink. Great darts Tony!

Craig-

You'll get used to thowing sober. It may take a while and your ego may take a hit, but it's just in your head. Like you said Thursday, you practice sober and throw well. Alcohol is a crutch and you don't need it to throw good darts. If I'm not mistaken, Tony doesn't drink any more. He seems to have overcome the "need" to drink to throw well. Keep plugging away. You are probably the best "new" darter I've seen in a while. Confidence will settle the nerves more than alcohol.

Craig, if you want i can help with the confidence thing. we can shoot after league and not play for a dollar. that might be harder to do than not drinking, seems the only time i beat you now is when its free. More pressure playing for pride? just remember you get another shot S---k in "six weeks" {get it Tony, ha ha}. see ya weds.

Craig,

I did this for a couple of years, and still do from time to time (like if I have to go back to work), with varying degrees of success. It's definitely not an easy task, but the important thing to remember is the same as with any out on the board: You've hit every number on that board when you've had to in the past, you can hit it now. You'll probably have it down by June 14th.

The other thing that I noticed is that once I tasted some sober success I felt a lot more comfortable.

Im not too sure what nerms are but i dont think i have any. I really hope i dont get any because they seem to be a problem for you. :unsure:

At least you had an excuse. I got killed and couldn't even use my sobriety as an excuse. I've been doing it for months now. Trust me my performance was far worse than yours. you were at least under 100 most of the time...

It was just an off night. Craig shot very well Friday, and didn't drink then, either. It just takes time to get used to.