“Just finished reading George’s book “Darts, Beginning to End” and found it to be very useful. The idea that a book could be helpful in a physical activity such as darts was foreign to me. The book is the culmination of year’s of experience from playing, builds upon his previous works and doesn’t dwell on the physical. Rather, the drills and advice within focus more on the mental side of the game and removing the doubts one may have about the physical side of one’s game. Along with George’s advice on practice you get insights from shooters of all levels concerning their progress as well stories from some of the top pro shooters of today. I highly recommend adding “Darts, Beginning to End” to your library!”

I talked to my captain early before our match on Thurs.  His response was ”ok, you get the max tonight and we’ll see what you can do” I shot 3rd in the Oh-1 lineups and ended up doubling in 3 of the 4 Oh-1 games I shot in.  I also took out 3 of the 4.  My cricket game was amazing as well.  I was completely in the zone.  They shot first, hit 2 20’s.  I shot next, hit 6 20’s!!!!!  They shot, I forgot what they hit.  My partner shot gets 1 19.  When it was my turn again, I hit a double 19, trip 18 and trip 17!!!!!!  This is NOT my norm.  I was way HOT.  That being said I contribute a lot of it to being mentally prepared to rise to a challenge as well as the practice I have been putting in.  I owe a lot to you and your books in my young career.   I have competed on a national level in volleyball.  I am also a certified bowling coach and carry an avg. generally around the 195 mark. 

The only reason I mention these things is because I always try to broaden my knowledge from books in sports that I have really achieved in, but have never read ANY book in any sport I have played that converts so well to practical application.  GREAT WORK!!!!!!!   Thanks again!!!!
John

Hi George,
I got the new book in the mail last week and have already read most of it twice-over.  It’s everything How to Master… was and then some.  Great stuff.  I wish I had the cash to buy it in bulk and hand it out to all the people who I know who play darts with any interest.  Heck, if I was a rich man I would buy enough for every member of the Massachusetts Minuteman Dart League.  Anyway, that’s all for now.  Take care.

Best, C. Keen

Sharpeners, extractors, cases, backboards…the list goes on & on & on, but I have never seen a book about Darts that I would classify as a “Tool of the Trade” until now.

After reading George Silberzahn’s new Darts Beginning to End I find that it needs to reside in my Darts tool kit rather than on the book shelf. If I have a viable question on any aspect of Darts, this book has the answer. Sounds like one heck of a tool to me!

Congratulations George, you have seriously hit a Grand Slam Homerun with this one.

Wayne Crook

I have found “DARTS Beginning to End” to be the best book I have found for instructional purposes, and with the most and most useful content in regard to practice and improvement of one’s game. This book has supplanted my former one as my “go-to” reference for when I want some technical clarification, or to reacquaint myself with fundamentals of execution.

With this book, it is very true that one can go back to it and gain a new and better understanding of what it is intending to impart to the reader.

As far as the practice content, there’s enough in there to keep me challenged for years to come.

Mainly at my present skill level, I find the initial assignment Flight School (outs) keeps me busy enough.  I have not practiced every single day without fail, so I do practice grouping still from time to time before working on the other routines.

I have seen improvement; it is a great feeling (sometimes feels almost surprising) when I’m in the groove and can place my darts with barrels touching or nearly so– mind you it’s more of a rarity than commonplace, but it happens whereas it never used to. Shots at the bull or triple 20 are becoming more reliable; it’s feeling more and more that the dart can end up where I’m intending to place it. I’m hoping to tighten-up yet more, and to get much more consistent in execution and outcome. 

Robert Saltiel

This is the third book George Silberzahn has published and I would say it’s the best so far.

In some way the three books develop into one out of the preceding– so by now we’ve got the most extensive, best developed and most up-to date version.

The focal point of all three books is to help dart players of all skill levels to get better and to enjoy themselves more playing darts. The method George uses for that is called “Flight School” and it’s all his own idea. One could describe “Flight School” as a course of practice drills and mental practice for dart players of all levels with a totally new philosophy.

Grouped around this you can find chapters about soft-tip specifics, the always relevant topic “slump”, games, the ideal American Dart league, an updated version of “Legends speak” which now includes the actual North American Top Players, Potential Legends and Tournament Directors.

I am well acquainted with Flight School – so it’s not really new for me but what I did find fascinating are the discussions between George and Flight School participants about certain points. You can almost watch how George integrates the results of the discussions into his “Flight School” to get rid of what might be misunderstandings and flaws and somehow one can well imagine that though the “Flight School” by now really is a “mature” and proven training course there still could be changes and improvements should it turn out someone has good enough arguments for this.

The book is neither dry nor boring at all, which can happen with a book of this kind. George’s writing style is rather vivid anyway and the discussions and the statements in the second part of the book do one more thing to make it readable and easy to understand.

I can highly recommend this book – it really is a book that will help you on, and for all who already take part in “Flight School,” it’s nevertheless interesting to read because of the discussions and the additional chapters and in the end because it’s necessary from time to time to remember all the details which one tends to forget as time drew on.

Charis Mutschler

This post was submitted by Charis Mutschler.

I’ve just finished the book, Beginning to End. This is the very first book on darts, of any kind, that I have purchased, or read, in my 18 years in the game. When I have more time, and am relaxed at home, I will give my full review.
I will say this. If George writes another book, I will be first in line to get a copy. His indepth look into the game, is second to none, and the way he combines his knowledge, with others questions, and stories, is supurb. George, you get 10 thumbs up on your book. It was a pleasure reading it. Stay tuned for my full review. Frank Smith

I’ve just recently received and read through Darts beginning to End. I never realized how much I was competing with myself while I practiced until after reading the book. I’ve only been playing darts consistently for just over a year. Where I live there is a soft tip cricket league divisions A-F in the fall and and A-D in the summer. I’m down toward the bottom.

During the fall my team won the E league division and I shot a 2.01. I’ve been playing a lot since then and am currently shooting a 2.35 in the summer league. Lately I’ve been getting frustrated because when I play someone for drinks in singles I shoot between 2.8-3.1 avg. and beat some decent “throwers” but during leagues when there are breaks between my shooting I don’t fair so well. I strive to be a great “shooter” and beat the best in my area which there are a few players who shoot slightly higher than a 4.0. George really hits on the positive reinforcement in his book which is key to becoming more consistent. The grouping and accuracy drills I feel have already helped me, even though I’ve only had the book for such a short time. One of my problems also was changing my mechanics over and over when I started to miss, this was a mistake and thanks to George I will be able to start fixing these kinds of things….hopefully.

George your book is a great buy. I can’t wait to be shooting with the best!

Thanks, Hitman/Chris