Please note: This article is a summation of a great discussion held on Phil Freid Facebook wall. By his request the conversation was summed up and repackaged for further comments and feedback.

Chalking is a major aspect of the sport that goes hand in hand with playing. Look around at the number of dart players in the U.S. and look again for how many of those know how to chalk and are willing to do so - you will see many more people playing than chalking.

Are players not chalking because they are mathematically challenged? Or is playing darts more of a social outlet and players would rather sit around and talk, drink and smoke?

Let's talk a bit about this disparity. Chalking is a key component to the game of darts as it teaches beginners strategy when they chalk for more advanced players and helps drive home the outs and math skills needed in 01 games. Outside of the U.S., every player is expected to chalk. It is a given for all players. In the U.S., players go to extreme lengths to avoid chalking and enable others to play without learning how to chalk. At tournaments they are very hard to find after the first couple rounds and it really slows down the events. Ideally all players should chalk during matches or tournaments to set an example for others and to hone our own skills.

Let's examine sportsmanship a bit. A good sport will learn the basics of all aspects of their game and be ready to pitch in when needed to promote the game itself. Chalking for others when asked is courteous. But the system only works if there is reciprocity – if you're going to ask others to chalk for you, be willing to do so yourself when asked. Likewise, when someone is chalking for you a bit of courtesy and respect is called for. Being rude or snide to the chalker only reinforces the reluctance of others to learn how (or agree to) chalk in the first place. Ideally everyone would have enough patience to allow novice chalkers to learn the ropes without biting their heads off. Beginners cite this as the number two reason why they stop doing the chalking. The number one reason why people don't chalk is that they are lazy, selfish and want to socialize with their friends or drink when not playing. What many forget is that it is called sportsmanship – mutual support and respect for all players and team members.

With a bit of experience, chalkers not only can figure your outs on the fly, but also will get a better foundation in strategy and a stronger grasp of the games. When agreeing to chalk for others, the skill level of the chalker should be disclosed up front to avoid misunderstandings. It drives many players crazy when they need to focus on the chalking in addition to the match in progress to ensure no mistakes are made. If the skill level is not what is desired, they can ask someone else, or know to double check occasionally while playing. Also there needs to be a focus by chalkers on the chalking and have it taken seriously. Chatting up people (or players), taking phone calls, texting, socializing and being inattentive is not chalking. Chalkers are supposed to be keeping score.

Only a very few organizations in the U.S. require players to chalk. The common problem at tournaments is when players are eliminated they won't or don't chalk. Should chalking be mandatory in tournaments so that if you lose you must chalk the next match (like in the PDC)? Or mandatory on league nights so everyone learns how to chalk properly? Something needs to change here in the U.S. in regards to chalking. There shouldn't need to be any incentives for players to chalk because it is part of the game and should be expected.

Now that the issue is on the table, the question now is where do we go from here? Let us know your thoughts on the matter.

Randy Rhino
http://www.facebook.com/RandyTheRhino
randy@redeyerhinodarts.com