|
 | |||
CAN I REALLY TEACH THE WORLD TO PLAY DARTS?
Followers of my work will know that I have previously co-authored books with three-time World Darts Champion John Lowe (2005 and 2009) and eight-time Women’s World Champion, Trina Gulliver (2008) and had the book based on my PhD (Darts in England 1900-1939: A social history) published by Manchester University Press last year, but this latest work is, for me, a bit special. The Official Bar Guide to Darts is written specifically with the general reader in mind. The book is aimed at all those interested in playing the game whether they are beginners, seasoned members of a darts league or even - dare I suggest it – seriously experienced darts players looking to hone their skills or to solve a particular problem with their game. The title of the book The Official Bar Guide to Darts might seem to point specifically at pub players but that is not the case. It is a book for everyone; players of all abilities and ages. At heart I am an enthusiastic pub darts player who has won a few trophies over the years at that level. However, I have also learned a great deal about the game during more than two and a half decades of research and numerous hours watching the sport and even from time to time taking on some of the greats. I have written The Official Bar Guide to Darts to be the book which not only embraces all the key elements of learning to play one of the most popular and social sports on the planet but also includes new information, advice and ideas for all players. This new information includes, amongst other things, player’s rituals, the role of the referee, the history of the sport in both the UK and USA and, for what I believe to be the first time in a comprehensive darts tuition book, a chapter on women’s darts. Early reviews from darts experts have been very positive. Chris Carey, author of The American Darts Organization Book of Darts has called my book ‘a useful and trusted resource for darts players of all skill levels ‘ and ‘an essential addition to any darts library’ whilst the prodigious US darts author and tutor George Silberzahn has described it as ‘a must read’. But can I teach the world to play darts? I think I can - or at least play my part. I am hoping that The Official Bar Guide to Darts will become the darts handbook for the global darts community regardless of age, ability or gender, whether they play steel-tip or soft-tip. If that happens then I can say that, in some small way, I have contributed towards the continuing growth of the worldwide phenomenon that is the sport of darts.” The Official Bar Guide to Darts is published by Puzzlewright Press (an imprint of Sterling Publishing) and orders can be placed via Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.
Welcome to my website.
In fact I have been staggered by the response from darts fans and over time this website has become one of the most popular darts sites on the planet. For those visiting for the first time ever, my name is Dr. Patrick Chaplin, I live in the UK with my wife Maureen and cat Angel and now spend most of my waking hours researching darts. I still play friendly pub darts every week with some close drinking friends but have not played in serious competition for over a decade. In December 2006, after more than ten years part-time, self-funded research I was awarded a PhD by the Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. . I am, therefore, a real ‘DOCTOR of DARTS.’ I am now regarded by many as the world’s leading darts historian and I am known affectionately across the globe as ‘Dr. Darts’. This is an authoritative and very popular website covering every aspect of darts, not just darts history. Fans can also approach me direct to raise any questions they may have about the sport. Through my website I am encouraging those interested in the history and development of the game to share and exchange information. Judging by the kind remarks I have received in the past from contacts it seems to me that it’s working just fine. As you navigate around the site you will find contributions from other darts enthusiasts which I know you will find of interest. I hope you enjoy my website. I hope you will also return again and again to discover what new articles have been posted. Best wishes and extremely happy darting to you all. Patrick Chaplin December 2009
Latest site updates |
After more than four years in
the making, my new book The Official Bar Guide to Darts has now been
unleashed on an unsuspecting global darting public. 
When I set up my original Darts History website back in 2000, I had no idea
how successful it would be or indeed if anyone else out there in the global
internet community was interested in the history of the greatest of all
sports.
 |
