Darts: think in doubles
In 501 and 301 every game ends on a double or the bull. That is why players try to leave an even number: an even score can be finished with one dart, and a miss into the single often leaves another double.
| Left | Plan | If you hit the single |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | double 20 | 20 left: double 10 |
| 32 | double 16 | 16 left: double 8 |
| 36 | double 18 | 18 left: double 9 |
| 24 | double 12 | 12 left: double 6 |
| 16 | double 8 | 8 left: double 4 |
| 50 | bull | 25 left: single 9, double 8 |
With an odd score under 40, throw a single first to reach a good double: from 37, single 5 leaves 32. Above 100, keep scoring on the trebles and plan the finish with your last darts. The daily challenge gives you five finishes, from a small one to a three-figure score, with one visit of three darts each.
Bowling: cross the lane
Spares are about angles. Roll from the side opposite the pins that are left: for pins on the right, stand left and aim across; for pins on the left, the other way round. The ball then meets the pins on a line that sends them into each other.
- One pin left. Aim straight through it from the opposite side and roll with little hook.
- Two pins side by side. Aim between them so the ball takes one and the first pin takes the other.
- A pin behind another. Hit the front pin full in the face; it drives the back one away.
- Wide splits. Aim to hit the outer edge of one pin so it slides across into the other.
The daily bowling challenge gives ten common leaves, one ball each. Clearing five is a good night; eight or more is excellent.