Listen, I've been thinking about Eric a lot lately.
Bobby George – that's me, in case you forgot – recently spilled his guts about losing Eric Bristow back in 2018. Heart attack. Just like that. The man was only 60 years old, which honestly feels like a cruel joke when you think about it. I mean, 60 isn't old anymore, is it? My neighbor just started marathon training at 62, for crying out loud.
But Eric... Eric lived like every day was his last pub crawl.
We Were Kids When This All Started
People forget that Eric and I go way back – I'm talking teenage years here. Before the fame, before the five world titles, before he became "The Crafty Cockney" and I became the "King of Bling." (God, those nicknames sound ridiculous now, don't they?) We were just two kids who could throw darts better than most adults.
The thing about Eric was this: he could be an absolute nightmare to deal with. A real pain in the backside, if I'm being honest. We had some proper arguments over the years – shouting matches that probably scared the punters. But underneath all that bravado and those heated exchanges at the oche, he was my mate.
That 1980 World Championship final still stings a bit. His first crown, my biggest disappointment. He went on to collect four more after that – 1981, '84, '85, and '86. Meanwhile, I managed two major BDO titles during my entire career. Not exactly living in his shadow, but... well, maybe a little bit.
The Man Who Wouldn't Listen to Anyone
Here's what really gets me about Eric's death – I saw it coming from miles away. We all did.
The guy smoked like a chimney (always rolling his own, never bought a pack), and his daily routine involved putting away 15 or 16 pints of Guinness. Fifteen! Then he'd cap it off with a curry because apparently his stomach needed one more challenge. Nobody's body can handle that punishment day after day, year after year.
I used to tell him straight up: "You smoke too much, you drink too much." His response? Classic Eric. He'd look at me with that cocky grin and say, "I know all about that, Bob. But put it this way – no one is going to be pushing me around in a wheelchair. When I go, I'll go like that. Bang."
And the stubborn fool did exactly that. Bang.
What Really Happened That Day
When the news broke in 2018, I felt like someone had punched me in the chest. Eric Bristow was supposed to be indestructible – this larger-than-life character who dominated darts in the '80s and never seemed to age. Sure, his lifestyle was basically a medical textbook of what not to do, but Eric? Dead at 60?
The darts world lost its biggest personality that day. Love him or hate him (and plenty of people fell into both camps), Eric was the face of our sport during its golden era. He brought the crowds, the drama, the headlines – both good and bad.
Missing the Chaos
You know what's weird? I actually miss our arguments now.
Those "right ding-dongs" we used to have – they were part of what made the sport exciting back then. Real rivalry, real emotion. Not manufactured drama for the cameras, but genuine competitive fire between two guys who desperately wanted to win.
Eric never changed from the teenager I first met decades ago. Same attitude, same swagger, same refusal to back down from anyone or anything. Including his own mortality, apparently.
At 79, I've learned that losing people hits differently than you expect. It's not just the big moments you miss – it's the stupid little things. The way Eric would roll his eyes when someone gave him health advice. His laugh after he'd nail a perfect finish. Even his complaints about everything and everyone.
Sixty years old. What a waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?
Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.
Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.
Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.
How do I improve my dart throwing technique?
Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.
Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?
The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.
Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?
Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.
What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?
The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.
Statistics
- Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
- In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
- The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
- The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
- The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
- A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
- The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
- Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
External Links
How To
The Dart Player's Journey: From Rookie to Robin Hood
I've been throwing darts since my college days back in 2008, but it wasn't until February 2022 that I really got serious about improving my game. That winter was brutal in Minneapolis—we had snow piled up to our windowsills, and I needed an indoor hobby that wouldn't drive my roommates crazy. Darts seemed perfect! Well, until I put a few holes in our wall... which led to my first lesson: always invest in a proper dartboard surround. My landlord wasn't thrilled about teh repair costs, but it taught me a valuable lesson about proper setup.
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