a close call
Jesse and I play a good amount of darts at the House of Rock. Last night, a typical Thursday, we played 4 games of cricket. I experienced something very unusual during the game. The first game was won by Jesse. It was close and had come down to a single throw. This isn’t out of the ordinary because Jesse and I are both at about the same skill level. The second game, Jesse dominated. 256 to 17. I was SOOO angry. HOW COME THE DARTS WON’T GO WHERE I WANT THEM TO GO! My fury was multiplied by his simple nonchalant throwing style. “look at that, another bullseye!” ARRRG! I was so full of hate.
As we started the third game, I suddenly had complete control of my motor skills. Beyond the normal amount. I felt one with the darts, almost as if I could will them to their targets. My first three throws resulted in 100 points, and it didn’t stop. Jesse would hit two 18’s and then I would hit two triple 18’s. I was en fuego.
the final score was 438 to Zero.
But that was it. We played the next game, and it was close again. I had lost the touch.
yes. I know what you’re thinking, and I think you’re right.
.
I flirted with the Dark Side.
We would like to request the “Invisible Belt” song for download on your site. It’s an
awesome song and we have not heard it since cape cod.
ask and ye shall receive! please check the “RockStar” section under the title MIKE D’S SOLO WORK
Some thoughts on the darts phenomenon, very much what some people call the “hot hands” phenomenon in basketball. In actuality, you have a certain probability of accuracy with each throw. Though ocassionally you will indeed reach a new level of skill, your last game suggests a regression to the mean which does not indicate a new skill level, rather just a biased understanding of chance. Here we have a good example of what we social-scientists call the representative heuristic, in which rather than considering the base rate, you take from the sample most readily available - that which you just threw - and form an impression. In truth, the chance associated with each of your throws is basically the chance associated with each of your throws - and not a function of a magical sensation of darts majesty.
Now that that’s said, I can tell you my real opinion, which is definitely that you were on fire, and I love when that happens, and do you want your dart board back?
Theresa,
interesting analysis. One that I appreciate greatly. I think however, that there was a definite change that occured after I became enraged.
For the first game, where I lost badly, I think my emotions influenced my throwing. I was rushed, and was throwing without concentrating. As a result, my throwing bell curve widened resulting in more throws falling outside of the target area.
Once that game was finished, I think I was able to mentally release those emotions. This put me back into my normal level of skill. But in addition to the normal skill level, I think I was concious of the huge emotional rollercoaster I had gone through and was concentrating more on the mechanics of my throw. Resulting in a more accurate average.
But, I’m not sure.
If you’re looking to get rid of my dart board I will take it, otherwise I won’t need it as long as I’m in the House of Rock because Jesse has the same board.