The Little Wins – Why Every Darts Tournament Doesn't Have to Be About Winning

 

Sometimes the best thing you take home from a darts tournament isn't a trophy, a good average or even a victory. Sometimes it's just one visit to the board.

I was playing in an Under-55 average darts tournament today, and something happened that got me thinking.

One of the players hit his first-ever 180 in a tournament.

Now, to some players, a 180 is almost routine. Some hit several in a single match. But at our level, particularly for somebody who has never managed one in competitive darts before, it's a big moment.

And you could see how much it meant to him.

He was absolutely delighted, and rightly so.

The interesting thing was that he actually lost the match.

But I suspect when he looks back on today's tournament, he won't be thinking too much about the defeat. He'll remember that first 180.

And why shouldn't he?

It got me thinking about something that perhaps we don't do enough of in darts.

Celebrate the little wins.

We Can't All Win the Tournament

The reality of competitive darts is that, unless you're fortunate enough to win the whole thing, you're eventually going to lose.

That's true whether you're playing in a local Under-55 competition or on the biggest stages in the world.

But does that mean the tournament has been a failure?

I don't think it does.

We spend an awful lot of time measuring ourselves against results. Did we win? Did we qualify from the group? What was our average? Did we play better than last week?

And those things matter, of course they do.

But perhaps there's another way of looking at it.

What if, before every tournament, we gave ourselves one or two smaller goals?

Not necessarily winning the tournament. Not even necessarily winning a match.

Just something achievable that would represent a little bit of progress.

Maybe it's hitting your first 180. Maybe it's getting through a match without becoming frustrated with yourself. Perhaps it's finally managing that checkout you've been struggling with.

There are plenty of possibilities.

And if you manage one of them, then surely you've taken something positive away from the day?

What If You Don't Achieve Your Goals?

This is where I think it gets a little more interesting.

Let's say you've gone to a tournament with a couple of goals in mind.

You don't achieve either of them.

You lose your matches, your average is disappointing, and you come away feeling that you've played terribly.

We've all been there.

So is there still a little win somewhere?

Perhaps you checked out with your first dart at a double in one leg.

Perhaps you played somebody considerably better than you and managed to take them all the way down to a deciding double.

Perhaps you produced one really good leg, even though the rest of the match was pretty awful.

Or maybe you recovered from a bad start and showed a bit of determination.

None of these things is going to get you a trophy.

But they might just be something worth remembering.

And if you can find one little thing you've done well, perhaps the journey home doesn't feel quite so disappointing.

Sometimes There Really Isn't a Positive

Now, I don't want this to turn into one of those motivational articles where we're told that every defeat is secretly a victory.

Because it isn't.

Sometimes you have an absolute mare.

You can't score, you can't finish, nothing feels right, and the more you try, the worse it gets.

You look back over the tournament, try to find something positive, and genuinely can't think of anything.

And you know what?

That's fine too.

There's no point inventing a positive just for the sake of it.

Accept that you played badly. Own it. Don't make excuses, and don't spend the next three days beating yourself up about it either.

Every darts player has those days.

Every single one.

Even the players you look up to, who seem to throw effortlessly and rarely miss a double, have tournaments where absolutely nothing goes right.

You might not notice it because you're too busy comparing your worst performances with their best ones.

But it happens.

And the wonderful thing about grassroots darts is that, more often than not, there's another tournament just around the corner.

Another chance to start again.

Give Yourself Something to Aim For

I think there's a lot to be said for setting small personal targets before a tournament.

Not huge ambitions that depend on who turns up or who you happen to draw.

Just little things you can work towards.

Something that makes you feel you're improving, even if the results haven't quite caught up yet.

And perhaps those targets should change as you improve.

For somebody relatively new to competitive darts, hitting a first 180 might be a massive milestone.

For somebody else, it might be recording their first 60 average, winning a group match or finally managing to beat a player they've lost to several times.

For a more experienced player, the target might be maintaining concentration, improving finishing or producing a more consistent performance throughout the day.

The important thing is that they're your goals.

Not somebody else's.

Because we're all at different stages of our darts journey, and progress doesn't look the same for everybody.

Something I'd Like to Bring to Q4QS

This is actually something I'm hoping to develop as part of QuestForQSchool in the new year.

I've got plans for a training and player-development section, and one of the things I'd like to introduce is the ability for players to set themselves personal tournament goals.

Nothing overcomplicated.

Just a way of deciding what you'd like to achieve, recording how you got on and hopefully seeing those little improvements add up over time.

Because while Q4QS already looks at rankings, results, averages and performances, I think there's another side to darts development that's just as important.

Recognising progress, however small it might be.

And sometimes the numbers alone don't tell the whole story.

One Visit Can Make Your Day

So I'll finish by going back to that player from today's tournament.

He didn't win his match.

He didn't win the tournament.

But he hit his first competitive 180, and he was absolutely delighted.

And I thought that was brilliant.

Because in years to come, he might not remember who knocked him out today, what his average was or even how many matches he played.

But I reckon he'll remember that 180.

And that, to me, is what a little win is all about.

Next time you play a tournament, give yourself something to aim for. And when you get home, ask yourself what you can take away from the day.

Hopefully there'll be something positive.

And if there isn't?

Put the darts away, forget about it and have another go next time.

There's always another tournament.

---

QuestForQSchool – Following the numbers, celebrating the players and recognising the little wins along the way.

How Tough Are the Toughest Under-55 Darts Tournaments?

 

At first glance, it sounds like a bit of an oxymoron.

How can an Under-55 average darts tournament be particularly tough?

Surely the whole point is that everybody entering averages below 55?

I've been looking through the Q4QS Tournament Strength database, and these competitions are actually a really interesting part of grassroots darts.

Because Under-55 doesn't necessarily mean somebody can't average 60, 65 or even 70.

It means they don't do it consistently.

And I know that because I'm one of them.

I'm Probably A Good Example

I regularly play in Under-55 competitions myself.

I've hit a 70 average.

I've also hit a 40 average.

That's my problem.

On a good day, I can produce darts well above the level you might expect from somebody playing in an Under-55 competition. On another day, it can disappear completely.

If I could average around 70 every time I played, I quite obviously wouldn't be playing Under-55 darts.

But I can't.

And I'm far from unusual.

There are plenty of players at this level capable of producing a really good match, a really good run or even an excellent tournament. What they haven't necessarily developed is the consistency to reproduce it week after week.

That's one reason these tournaments can be considerably tougher than the name suggests.

What Counts As An Under-55 Tournament?

I've been deliberately cautious with the data for this article.

There are lots of different formats listed in the Q4QS database.

Some open competitions, for example, offer a prize for the furthest-performing Under-55 player. I've excluded those because the tournament itself isn't restricted to Under-55 players.

I've also left out junior competitions, plate competitions and anything where I couldn't establish with reasonable confidence that the main event itself was an average-restricted competition.

That means this isn't necessarily every Under-55 tournament in the database.

It's a selection of the ones I can identify most reliably.

There is another complication: not every organiser determines eligibility in exactly the same way.

Some use a player's recent recorded average. Others use a specified number of previous competitions or performances.

So seeing somebody average 60+ in an Under-55 tournament doesn't automatically mean anything is wrong.

In fact, that's partly the point of this article.

Some Of These Tournaments Are Strong

Once I removed the more ambiguous records, there were still some fascinating Tournament Strength scores.

Remember, Tournament Strength is not a three-dart average. It's the Q4QS measure I use to assess the overall strength of a tournament field using the players and performance information in the database.

Here are some examples from clearly identifiable average-restricted events:

Event	Venue	Q4QS Tournament Strength
ADC Midlands Level Up Core Regional Final	Bagley Sports & Social Club	57.24
ADC South East & London Level Up Core Regional Final	Hotshots Sports Bar	54.69
Under-55 Average Series	The Bullseye Bar, Lichfield	53.62
ADC South East & London Level Up Core Regional Final	The Phoenix Club	53.53
Wobbly's Under-55	49 Club	53.52
ADC South East & London Level Up Core Regional Final	Fareham Social Club	53.41
ADC South Wales Level Up Core Final	Brynmawr Social Club	53.33
ADC South Wales Level Up Core Final	Briton Ferry Workingmen's Club	53.14
Oliver's & Castell Howell U55 Series	Oliver's Sports Bar	52.60

I've deliberately not produced a definitive 'Top 10' here.

Average-restricted events aren't always labelled consistently in the source data, so I'd rather show a collection of examples I'm comfortable with than manufacture a ranking by including events I'm less certain about.

57.24 Is A Serious Field

The one that really caught my attention was the ADC Midlands Level Up Core Regional Final at Bagley Sports & Social Club.

It recorded a Q4QS Tournament Strength of 57.24.

The ADC Level Up format is specifically designed for players at this level. For this event, eligibility was based around a running average of 55 or below, with qualification requirements attached to performances in the Vault system.

Yet the eventual tournament winner averaged 64.61 across the competition.

That, for me, sums this entire subject up.

An eligible Under-55 player produced a tournament performance nearly ten points higher than 55.

There's no contradiction there.

It's simply a player producing a very good day of darts.

The Same Thing Happens At Regular U55 Events

It isn't only the bigger regional finals either.

The Bullseye Bar in Lichfield has run its Under-55 Average Series, with one event in my database reaching a Tournament Strength of 53.62.

Wobbly's Under-55 at the 49 Club reaches 53.52.

The Oliver's & Castell Howell U55 Series also breaks 52.

Those aren't enormous numbers when compared with professional darts, and nobody is pretending they are.

But that's not the comparison I'm interested in.

These are competitions specifically designed for players below a particular established standard, yet they can still assemble surprisingly competitive fields.

A 52-Average Player Isn't Necessarily A 52-Average Player

This is where averages can sometimes be misleading.

Imagine somebody's recent performances look something like this:

48 – 51 – 63 – 46 – 59 – 50

There's some decent darts in there.

There's also enough inconsistency to keep the overall figure down.

Put a room full of players with that sort of profile together and you've got an interesting tournament.

Several of them might produce their best darts on the same evening.

Suddenly the standard of the competition bears little resemblance to what somebody might imagine when they see the words Under 55.

That's certainly how I see my own game.

The fact I've averaged 70 tells you something about what I'm capable of.

The fact I've also averaged 40 tells you rather more about why I'm still eligible for these competitions.

It's About Consistency, Not Ceiling

I think that's probably the biggest thing I've taken from looking at the data.

There is a difference between a player's ceiling and their normal level.

A developing amateur player might have a considerably higher ceiling than their overall average suggests.

The better players simply reach that ceiling more often.

Move further up the darting ladder and the really noticeable difference isn't always one spectacular performance. It's seeing somebody produce the same standard again and again.

A 65 average isn't particularly remarkable if somebody normally averages 65.

It's extremely good if somebody normally averages 50.

And That's Why Under-55 Darts Works

I actually think this is one of the attractions of average-restricted competition.

Turn up at a completely unrestricted open and you could be drawn against somebody operating at an entirely different level.

There's nothing wrong with that — that's open darts.

But restricted competitions give developing players the opportunity to play meaningful matches against people who are broadly around their level.

That doesn't make them easy.

Far from it.

You're potentially facing somebody who normally averages 52 but is perfectly capable of throwing 65 against you.

And if you're unlucky, that's the version that turns up.

Don't Mistake Under-55 For Easy Darts

That's really the conclusion.

Under-55 isn't a ceiling on how well somebody can play.

It's a way of grouping players according to a longer-term measure of their standard.

Within those tournaments there are players capable of producing some very good darts indeed.

The Q4QS Tournament Strength figures illustrate that. An ADC Level Up field has reached 57.24, while a number of other U55 competitions are above 53.

More importantly, we've seen players eligible for these competitions produce tournament performances well beyond the 55 mark.

I know from my own darts how that happens.

Give me the right night and I've shown I can average 70.

Give me another night and I can average 40.

Unfortunately, I haven't yet worked out how to make sure the first player turns up rather than the second.

And I suspect quite a few Under-55 players reading this will know exactly what I mean.

Under-Average Darts Competitions – Good for the Game?

 

Few topics in grassroots darts create as much debate as under-average competitions.

Speak to ten players and you'll probably get ten different opinions.

Over the last few years, the rise of the ADC has transformed opportunities for players across the UK. More people than ever are playing competitive darts, and crucially, many of those players are not county stars, former professionals or players averaging 80-plus. They are simply people who enjoy the game and want regular competition against opponents of a similar standard.

For many years, local tournaments often saw the same handful of top players dominating week after week. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, it could sometimes discourage newer or developing players from entering regularly. Nobody particularly enjoys paying an entry fee every week only to be knocked out immediately by a county player averaging 85.

The answer, it seems, has been the growth of under-average competitions.

The Route for Ambitious Players

For players with aspirations of reaching the highest levels of the game, the ADC Vault system has created a genuine pathway.

Players compete over a series of events within their region, earning points throughout the season. The strongest performers qualify for a Finals Day, where the winner can earn an invitation to compete on television in the Modus Super Series, subject to meeting the required average criteria (typically around 77+).

A strong run on the Modus stage can be life-changing. Television exposure brings opportunities for sponsorship, endorsements, prize money and increased recognition, all without necessarily having to navigate the challenges of PDC Q School or qualify for major WDF events.

For ambitious players, the Vault system offers a clear and realistic route to bigger opportunities.

Darts for Everyone

Not every player wants to become a professional.

Many players simply want competitive, enjoyable darts against opponents of a similar standard.

This is where under-average tournaments have become incredibly important.

Across the UK you'll find Under 70, Under 65 and Under 55 competitions, each designed to cater for different ability levels. In some areas there are even Under 45 events aimed at complete beginners and newer players.

The average limit itself is usually determined by the organiser, allowing flexibility depending on the local player base.

An Under 70 event might suit players who are progressing from pub darts or lower-level leagues and want stronger competition. Under 65 tournaments often sit comfortably between recreational and county-level standards. Under 55 events are ideal for newer players who are still developing consistency and confidence.

The beauty of the system is that players can choose the level that suits them best.

A player averaging 45 can still enter an Under 70 competition if they wish. They'll simply face tougher opposition and perhaps gain valuable experience. Equally, a player averaging 68 may choose to test themselves at open events or Vault competitions.

Another positive development is that the ADC pathway doesn't stop at the Vault Finals. Alongside the main Vault structure, competitions such as Core, Emerging and Rise Up provide additional opportunities for players to progress and earn recognition. Importantly, these events are not restricted by carrying average in the same way as many under-average tournaments, meaning players can continue to challenge themselves as they improve. It creates a ladder of progression where virtually every player entering a local ADC event has something to aim for, regardless of their current standard.

My Personal View

Personally, I've always believed that the goal should be to become too good for your current level.

If you're winning regularly at Under 55 level, perhaps it's time to move into Under 65 events. If you're consistently performing well there, maybe Under 70 or open competitions become the next challenge.

Progression is one of the most satisfying parts of darts.

The under-average system doesn't stop players improving. In fact, it often encourages development by giving players achievable stepping stones rather than expecting them to jump straight into events filled with county stars and former professionals.

The Argument Against

Of course, there are criticisms.

The most common argument is that stronger players now have fewer tournaments available to them. Historically, many local events were open to everyone, allowing the best players to compete wherever they wished.

There is certainly some truth in that.

Top players naturally want regular high-quality competition, and some feel that the increasing number of restricted events reduces their opportunities.

However, it's worth asking an important question.

If the same small group of elite players dominated every local tournament, would we see the participation numbers that exist today?

Many players who now compete weekly may never have entered the sport at all without under-average competitions. The confidence gained from competitive matches against players of similar ability often leads to greater participation, league involvement and long-term commitment to the game.

Finding the Balance

The reality is that grassroots darts needs both.

It needs Vault competitions and open events for ambitious players chasing higher honours.

It also needs Under 70, Under 65, Under 55 and beginner-level events to encourage participation and provide enjoyable competition for the vast majority of players.

The ADC is still relatively young, and not every town or city currently offers the same breadth of opportunities. Some areas have a thriving calendar of events at every level, while others are still developing.

But the direction of travel is clear.

Vaults continue to expand. Under-average events continue to attract strong entries. More players are entering competitive darts than ever before.

As long as organisers continue to provide opportunities for players of all abilities, darts remains a game for everyone.

And that's surely a good thing for the future of the sport.

South & South West Darts Round-Up – 10 June 2026

 

Another busy evening across the South and South West saw titles decided across open, under-average and youth competitions.

The headline performance came from Bristol's Sartan Club, where Chris Hartrey lifted the ADC Sanctioned Round Robin title after defeating Zach Quinn 4-2 in the final. Hartrey produced a superb 100.20 average and recorded nine wins during an excellent evening.

At DartAsylum HQ, Jack Kempster claimed the Wednesday Night Under 55 Average Competition title. Kempster defeated Tommy Llewellin in the final and topped the wins chart with eight victories.

Devizes Town hosted another competitive Under 70 event, with Darren Braine emerging victorious after defeating Lewis Sparey Wells 4-1 in the final. Braine recorded eight wins on the night and continued his strong recent form.

The next generation was represented by Oscar Rumsey, who secured victory in the JDC VOLTS event at Denbigh Hall Sports & Social Club in Bletchley, defeating Maxwell Allen in the final.

Elsewhere, Michael Powell produced a superb 98.02 average on his way to winning the Bostin Darts Round Robin title.

Standout Performances

🔥 Chris Hartrey – ADC Sartan Champion (100.20)

🏆 Michael Powell – Bostin Champion (98.02)

🎯 Jack Kempster – DartAsylum U55 Champion

🎯 Darren Braine – Devizes U70 Champion

🌟 Oscar Rumsey – JDC VOLTS Champion

Top Averages

1. Chris Hartrey – 100.20
2. Michael Powell – 98.02
3. George Cressey – 91.81
4. Ian Mackenzie – 88.41
5. Jack Kempster – 68.32 (U55 Winner)

Another strong night for grassroots darts, with quality performances appearing across both open and under-average competitions.