Throw Down

No less an authority than ESPN online columnist Dan Shanoff predicts that the game of darts is 2006's breakout sport. Much like poker was in 2005, the venerable pub game is poised to sweep the nation like some sort of bird flu, infecting everyone with its unique combination of camaraderie and cut-throat competition. It's a bold statement, but really we'd just be happy if we were permitted to hang a board in the office. Nothing beats an evening of darts, especially if pints are close at hand. And yes, the boss is aware that pints are often close at hand when in the office, so really, his quibbles with the dartboard seem silly, don't they? Especially with that Andy "The Viking" Fordham cut-out blocking the entrance to the cubicle.

Anywho, the best regional darts players converge on Blueberry Hill (6504 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-727-4444 or www.blueberryhill.com) this weekend for the 34th Annual Blueberry Hill Darts Tournament. With five men's and women's divisions (including singles, doubles and triples games) and $2,600 at stake, you know competition will be keen. We don't stand a chance. But we'll be there anyway — admission is free for spectators, and who can resist spending the weekend in a bar, watching darts? Competion begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, and runs all day Saturday starting at noon (April 28 and 29).
Fri., April 28; Sat., April 29