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.

4 thoughts on “a close call

  • 2/26/2005 at 12:54 am
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    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.

    Reply
  • 2/26/2005 at 9:23 am
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    ask and ye shall receive! please check the “RockStar” section under the title MIKE D’S SOLO WORK

    Reply
  • 2/28/2005 at 12:26 pm
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    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?

    Reply
  • 2/28/2005 at 2:33 pm
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    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.

    Reply

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