Player Profile: Douglas Mason

Doug, how and when did you get started playing darts? I got started playing darts back in July 2008 at the Pickled Onion. Eddie Catalon encouraged me to play after work one day. He paired me up with some guy and we won the tournament that first night!

Where did you spend your childhood? I grew up in Houston, TX, moved to the Seattle area in 1985 to be with my dad. Moved back for a couple years in early 2000’s, but came back in 2005. I like the weather in Seattle, hot or cold, rain or not.

Do you have any children or family in the area? I have a 20-year old daughter named Leah that lives here, plus my sister Lisa lives in Bellevue, and another sister in Redmond. My brother Robert lives with me also.

What activity (outside of darts) is your greatest love? I like to play cards for fun, Hearts, Spades, etc. We used to play cards every Wednesday with a group of people when I lived in Texas. We would share the dinner responsibilities and the next week, we’d go to someone else’s house for more cards.

What occupied your time before you found darts? Well, I was a gambler. I got too deep into it, found some trouble and had to get out.

From which locations have you played leagues so far? Katie J’s, R Bar, Ringers, and Cactus Moon.

Which was your favorite location and why? Probably Cactus Moon because it’s a really nice dart house, and everybody is so friendly. Darin Bohland talked me into playing with Gary White and Elaine Zanassi. We made a really good team and had some great times.

What are the most important attributes in a favorable dart house? I think a good Dart Coordinator makes a good dart house. They make you feel welcome. Friendly people too.

Between leagues and tournaments, how many nights per week do you play? Five nights, sometimes six. Just one night of league, and four or five tournaments per week. Cactus Moon, Dawsons, or wherever.

How far have you traveled to play in a tournament? So far I’ve traveled as far as Tacoma or Lakewood, or Everett. Next month, I’m going to Portland to play with a friend in a tournament. Some of my friends in Bellingham want me to come up for a tournament too.

What was your rating when you began and what is it today? When I first started, I was a Medalist 3, and now I’m an 8.

How do you feel about competing with higher-rated players? I like playing higher-rated players. I stay sharp by playing higher-rated players. John Husman taught me some things about darts that I still use today. But I prefer to be the higher-rated player on my team.

Do you like the handicap? I don’t mind the handicapping system. Whatever your rating is, you should be able to throw your rating. Giving away points doesn’t bother me. I think it’s a fair system.

Who has been some of your greatest influences in the game? John Husman and Eddie Catalon have been my greatest influence. They’ve both taught me a lot.

Where do you look for uplifting or encouragement while shooting? Sometimes I get down on myself, and Gary will tell me “Just be happy”, and I’ll turn it around. Once we start having fun, we do a lot better.

Are you superstitious before a big event? Yes, because when I go to a tournament, I can’t buy a beer or any food until after the tournament, otherwise I never make it into the money.

So you don’t need a belly full of beer to shoot better? I’ll have maybe one beer, two at the most, but I don’t need to drink to shoot well.

Who have been your favorite teammates and why? Gary White. We have good chemistry, and we have fun. He’s a cool person, and I like the way he plays. I like shooting with Moody too.

What is the most important aspect of your dart game? Patience. When I go to the line, I’m very slow to throw my darts. I will concentrate until I get it right. And I hear about it from just about everybody I play against.

As a relative newcomer, what are your perceptions of the sport as a whole? I see it as a good way to meet people, to get to know people, and have a good time. There are a lot of sports that are more dangerous, but darts is relaxing and fun.

What makes a successful tournament in your opinion? I think just meeting new people, and seeing what goes on at that particular dart house. It’s not so much about the money, as much as I like to get to know the other dart players.

Do you prefer a Parity Draw or a Bring tournament? That’s a tough one. I like both. I’ll play with anyone, whoever calls me first. I actually like being paired up with lower-rated players too.

How can the average dart player make a difference in growing the sport? Have fun at it, reach out and meet new people. Be nice and friendly. If you’ve got your nose stuck in the air, nobody wants to play with somebody like that. I try to be encouraging to new players so they’ll want to come back and play again. We can’t accuse people of being sandbaggers. Bottom line is you’re just not hitting your marks.

What will you be doing ten years from now? I hope not to be in the United States in ten years. Who knows where I’ll be, but right now Washington just seems like the safest place to be.

Do you have any words of wisdom for our readers? Throw your darts and have fun. Study the good players. Pick up on the little things. You won’t be able to emulate them exactly, but you have to be open to good advice, especially if they’ve been there and done it.