We'd like to introduce everyone to Bonnie Wei, the American Darter's Association April Monthly Professional. As part of GLD Product's partnership with the ADA, we got in touch with Bonnie to talk about her history and love for the game of darts.

How did you first get into darts?

A couple of my friends and I would always go to Mighty Mikes (local bar) and play free poker multiple times a week. We would see people playing darts but never thought to try until one night. One of my friends in our poker group decided to play and told us how much fun it was. We tried it out and became obsessed with the game. We created a team in WADA (Washington Area Dart Association) C League and that’s where it all started. I haven’t looked back since. 

What is it about darts that you enjoy the most?

The people you meet traveling to other tournaments and competing of course. You develop some of the greatest friendships with people off one common hobby. The adrenaline rush you get when you perform well and win an event is a great feeling and keeps you wanting to play more.

What is a story you have of a game or moment throughout your darting career that really sticks out to you?

Competing at the BDO World Masters 2019. It was my first time playing over in England and although it wasn’t my best performance, the learning experience was memorable. I want to go back and represent the US again. I feel like I have more confidence and experience in my game to do better.

Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in darts but doesn't know where to start?

Play for fun! You should enjoy the game before experiencing the competition aspect of it. Not that competing isn’t fun but there are a lot more factors than just enjoying the game. I feel naturally in the game of darts, most players are always open to giving pointers and advice to newer players.

What is your advice for players when they have a bad game, but need to keep playing?

As cliché as it sounds, don’t dwell on the past. All you can do is keep going forward and to do better next time. Everyone has bad games, it’s how you overcome the bad games that separates average from professionals.
All you can do is work on your mistakes and do better the next time. Worrying about what you could have done does not change anything. Use that energy to do better next time or during practice.

Where is your favorite place to play darts?

As much as I love traveling to different tournaments, playing at local bars is always the most fun for me. It really brings back memories to when I first started playing. There’s not pressure and its all about having fun with the people around you.

If you could play against any player, who would you pick?

Stacy Bromberg RIP. I would have loved the opportunity to play against her. She was a bad ass woman and competed with the men! Unfortunately, I never got to know her as I was not traveling or competing back then but all I’ve heard and seen online are great things about her and how talented she was.

What is something you struggled with when you first began playing darts, and how did you overcome it?

Nerves and lack of confidence. I still struggle with both, but I have come a long way since I began competing. Every tournament I attend, I feel I over come both just a little more. 

11. Are there any fun facts or tricks you’ve learned playing darts?

The trick is to remember it’s a marathon not a sprint. Pace yourself because it could be a long day. To all darters, you know what I mean. 

We'd like to once again take this time to thank Bonnie for taking the time to talk with us a little bit about darts. If you have any questions you'd like to ask the pros feel free to leave a comment, and if you think you have what it takes to be a pro darter and want to learn more, click HERE.