The Game Room Expert Kelly: It’s in the Case

Darters often wonder why you might want a bigger dart case. Often they come in with just a point protector and a baggie full of flights and shafts, or the original case the darts came in, such as a slimline pocket case. These are usually the people who complain they go through flights like crazy. When I question them, they admit that they remove their flights when they finish playing. I then tell them that they should buy a case that will allow them to leave their flights on, which will prolong the life of their flights (not to mention you won’t have to thread them on again!).

So you want to get a case with some sort of an insert in it, such as the Carry All. In fact an additional insert can be added to this case so you can carry two sets of darts with you. This is perfect for darters with two sets of darts or a husband and wife who always play together. Plus you can put tons of flights and shafts in this type of case. The zipper closure means you can keep other things like cash or your schedule as well.

Unicorn has also come out with a few great cases such as the Contender Hard Case and Contender XL Hard Case. Both of these cases will allow you to keep your flights on and both come with a handy removable “pocket dart caddy”, so that when you are playing in a tournament you can keep your darts close (in a front pocket perhaps) while the rest of your supplies stay at the table, with your fans, or in your purse!

Both the NDFC Dart Case and NDFC Large Dart Case also offer a way to carry your darts without removing the flights. They both have cushioned slots and plenty of room for supplies. There’s always the Target Girl Play Dart Wallet which includes the all important lipstick mirror! This dart case will hold a fully assembled set of darts and has room for dart supplies (as well as lipstick!).

All of these cases are worth the expense. They hold at least one set of darts plus all the extra supplies you could possibly need. Most are just your basic black, but some have colour or have a logo such as the NDFC (National Darts Federation of Canada). You can style it up too with the addition of pins and key chains.

So tell me what you think – minimalist or a case with room for supplies? Tell me what you have and how it works for you!

The Game Room Expert Kelly: No Batteries Required

With the age of video games, a great game of backgammon sure is refreshing! I remember playing Crazy 8’s with my parents when I was about 5 years old and I couldn’t even hold the cards properly! My mom taught me to play Cribbage when I was about 7 years old, and we still play every once in a while! Scott & I are both teaching our son to play checkers as well as Go Fish and the big plus is that he will talk to us about his day. He may be little, but many things happen during his day that are just as important as the things that happen to me. So he talks (and talks and talks – Scott says he gets it from his mother!) and he learns to think about cause and effect of the moves he makes or the cards he plays.

At Hot Shots, we are committed to family time. We are committed to providing games that everyone can play, from the young to the old. A deck of cards offers thousands of different games – Euchre, Crazy 8’s, Go Fish, Bridge plus so many others! Cribbage, Checkers, Backgammon, Crokinole, Shut The Box, Poker Chips – these are all games that you need to interact to play. And that gets people talking! Playing pool or darts is another great way to relax and unwind with friends and family.

So it’s time to shut off the computer games and get out the cards! Tell me what your favourite game is and how often you play! I want to hear from you!