Foto van Dave Joacim

Dave Joacim

Mastercaller

"Writing simply makes you a better player. Period."

Who is Dave Joacim, and where might we know you from?

I have been a mastercaller in Belgium since 2006, with a wealth of stage experience both at PDC events and regular tournaments. A few years ago, I also appeared as the Mastercaller on the TV show BV Darts (a darts show with famous Belgians).

Can you tell us how you got involved in scoring and calling in darts?

It all started at the Belgian Championship in 2006. The caller for the event had to cancel last minute, and since I was known within the darts community as a good writer, I was asked if I could take on that role. That's basically how it began.

What is the main piece of advice you would give to beginners and those who are afraid of keeping score?

MMy advice is simple: write a lot. The more you write, the better you get at it. And don't let the fear of failure stand in your way. If you make a mistake, the players will usually correct you kindly. And by writing, I mean actually on paper, without using a mobile phone or tablet. A good practice is to keep track of matches broadcasted on TV for yourself.

Do you have any other tips and tricks for us?

Ultimately, it comes down to basic math, something you learn in third grade. Practice makes perfect. Over time, you won't consciously count the scores but will recognize the combinations automatically.

Many players (including myself) are exhausted after writing down a match. How do you experience that?

The fact that people are exhausted after writing down a match, which generally lasts a maximum of 5 legs, surprises me. Personally, I'm not even tired after an entire evening of non-stop calling matches on stage.

Foto van Dave Joacim als caller tijdens het TV-programma BV Darts

(c) VTM

How do you feel about the call for more technology like calculators, apps, or tablets, even at local tournaments?

I'm fundamentally against that. Learning to write is a must. Writing makes you a better player. Period.

Do you ever make mistakes while calling, and how do you deal with them?

Of course, everyone makes mistakes, and it's from those mistakes that you can learn. It happens to me too, although rarely. Fortunately, I've built up a reputation where people can laugh it off. Normally, the players will kindly point out any mistakes.

Are there players for whom you particularly enjoy writing? Or ones that drive you crazy because they take very unpredictable routes, for example?

No, I enjoy writing for everyone but have a preference for higher levels because those matches move along quickly.

Do you have a fun or interesting anecdote you can share with us?

I used to hang out a lot with Erik Clarys, both nationally and internationally, and learned a lot from him in this area.

Before DartConnect existed, I was an official at PDC floor tournaments. During my first weekend there, I got to note a 9-darter right away. On my first day, I wrote down 90 legs, all under 15 darts, which shows how high the level is.

Another time, I saw on the match sheet that if Kim Huybrechts won his upcoming match, he would come to my board. He won, and I had to write a match of Kim against Simon Whitlock, and Kim started with… a 9-darter 🙂

Do you also play darts actively, and if so, with which darts?

Yes, I also play actively. I am the captain of a team in Antwerp that has now become champion twice in a row in the highest division. This is mainly due to the fact that I am the captain of a very talented team, with some well-known names that darters will recognize: Kenny Neyens, Robbie Knops, Patricia De Peuter, and Kim, Ronny and his son Jason Huybrechts. We would also stand a good chance at the Belgian Cup, should it return.

I have been throwing with Harrows Magnum 97% 25 gram darts for more than 30 years.

What do you think of the e-book "Darts Scoring Made Easy"?

A very good initiative with a method to quickly learn to write well, with confidence, under the pressure of a match.

I was also involved in the preparation and was able to review the book and make additions.

I am convinced that this can help people learn to write and realize that it doesn't have to be difficult.

Want to do it yourself?

Darts Scoring Made Easy

Would you like to effortlessly master the art of darts scoring? Then this e-book is perfect for you.

Darts Checkouts - From Beginner to Advanced

This e-book is a practical guide that teaches you to think for yourself about check-out routes.

Darts - Turn that Tricky 19 into your best friend

FREE - We’ve all been there: that ‘tricky’ 19 segment on the dartboard. This e-book gives you seven simple tips to turn the 19 into your advantage.

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