Howie Reed’s Column

Monday, September 10, 2018
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FREE ADVICE for the BDO, ADO and local leagues

Yes, ‘tis been awhile since we last had the chance to visit and chat about darts, particularly things about which only the Old Dart Coach has interest…

The British Darts Organization has removed the final vestige of its claim to …

Wednesday, August 15, 2018
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It’s a good thing Phil Taylor could count on the Old Dart Coach!

It may surprise some who partake of these efforts that there are people out there in Dartland who have questioned the qualifications of the Old Dart Coach – his bona fides and his “oche cred.” Just …

Monday, August 6, 2018
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World Matchplay – some questions answered, others remain

Sometimes the best laid plans of mice and men – to say nothing of people that write of darts, as they’re too lazy for real work – go astray. As Huey Lewis sang, “This is it.”

The plan for World Matchplay …

Monday, July 23, 2018
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PDC World Matchplay – What a Difference a Day Makes

The Old Dart Coach’s all-time favorite song is Dinah Washington’s “What a Difference a Day Makes.” It barely edged out “Who Left the Chewing Gum on the Bedpost Overnight,” “Mrs. Brown you Have a Lovely Daughter” and “I Gave …

Thursday, July 12, 2018
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“The song is ended… but the melody lingers on” (lyrics by Irving Berlin, 1927)

The song? The recently concluded North American Dart Championship/US Dart Masters.

The melodies (memories) that linger? Coming together for the love of darts, rekindling old friendships and beginning new ones, sharing stories – …

Monday, July 9, 2018
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The road to (and from) Mandalay

When but a young toddler the Old Dart Coach’s pater used to love singing “On the Road to Mandalay” (where the flying fishes play). In all honesty Frank Sinatra on his “Come Fly with Me” album did a better job.

The ODC had …

Friday, June 29, 2018
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Larry Butler – on the road to recovery and continued domination

North America has a history of world class dart players. The names Umberger, Kramer, Ney, Virachkul, Verrier (G), Payne, Holyoake, Part, Sinnaeve, Gopar, Lim (P), Ennis, Puccello, Daniels, McGinnis, Fischer, Heard, Kelly, Miller and Valleto are just a …

Sunday, June 3, 2018
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PDC World Cup XIII – Final Day

The lunchtime crowd at the Eissporthalle was rocking and rolling when the final day of World Cup XIII swung into action. They were there primarily to indulge in the German custom of enjoying “Golden Elixir” and cheering on the home team when …

Saturday, June 2, 2018
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PDC World Cup XIII – Day 3 Round up

The lunchtime menu at the Eissporthalle promised some delectable delights. As it was, there appeared nothing more than appetizers. Served, but of course served with large quantities of “Golden Elixir.” The evening session promised a full main course. It delivered …

Friday, June 1, 2018
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PDC World Cup XIII – Day 2 Round up

On the second day of World Cup XIII the Eissporthalle was an almost chocker block full in anticipation of Germany facing Sweden. The beer sellers were busy as the match was scheduled next-to-last. Clever fellows. (The Eissporthalle’s primary function is …