| Rank | Player | Weird Belief | Details |
| 1 | Phil Taylor | Avoids shaking hands pre-match | Believes it disrupts his focus |
| 2 | Michael van Gerwen | Always throws his first dart at treble 20 | Starts every match the same way for confidence |
| 3 | Peter Wright | Never practices on matchday mornings | Considers it bad luck |
| 4 | Gary Anderson | Avoids wearing new shirts | Believes new gear causes him to lose |
| 5 | Raymond van Barneveld | Must sit in the same seat before matches | Sees it as his “lucky” spot |
| 6 | Gerwyn Price | Avoids eye contact with opponents | Claims it prevents distractions |
| 7 | James Wade | Never steps on stage lines | Considers crossing lines bad luck |
| 8 | Joe Cullen | Always wears his left shoe first | A superstition since his early playing days |
| 9 | Rob Cross | Uses only three darts per match | Never carries spares, believes it brings luck |
| 10 | Simon Whitlock | Talks to his darts before matches | Claims it “warms them up” for the game |
| 11 | Daryl Gurney | Counts to 10 before walking on stage | A ritual to calm nerves |
| 12 | Glen Durrant | Refuses to play without his wristband | Claims it feels like part of his rhythm |
| 13 | Nathan Aspinall | Always drinks water at set intervals | Believes it balances his focus |
| 14 | Vincent van der Voort | Never looks at the scoreboard mid-leg | Believes it adds pressure |
| 15 | Steve Beaton | Knocks his darts twice before throwing | Considers it a good luck charm |
| 16 | Fallon Sherrock | Wears her lucky charm bracelet every match | Credits her wins to its presence |
| 17 | Mervyn King | Avoids playing practice doubles | Believes missing doubles pre-match jinxes his game |
| 18 | Mensur Suljovic | Has to throw the first dart “perfectly” | A bad first dart shakes his confidence |
| 19 | Adrian Lewis | Always uses a specific oche position | Claims it feels like a good balance |
| 20 | Chris Dobey | Must tap his darts three times before play | Believes it aligns his throws perfectly |
1. Phil Taylor – Avoids Shaking Hands Pre-Match
Phil Taylor, widely regarded as one of the greatest darts players of all time, was meticulous about his mental preparation. He avoided shaking hands with opponents before matches, not out of disrespect, but because he believed it disrupted his focus. For Taylor, the pre-match routine was sacred; any deviation, including the customary handshake, could break his “zone.” He would instead opt for a nod or a brief wave, ensuring he maintained his psychological edge. Taylor once mentioned in interviews that his rituals helped him treat every game with the seriousness it deserved, which contributed to his dominance.
2. Michael van Gerwen – Always Throws His First Dart at Treble 20
Michael van Gerwen’s decision to always aim his first dart at treble 20 is more than a ritual; it’s a cornerstone of his psychological strategy. For Van Gerwen, this consistent first throw acts as a mental reset button, immediately putting him in his groove. The treble 20 is the highest-scoring target on the board, and starting there reflects his aggressive, confident playing style. Van Gerwen believes that a successful first dart sets the tone for the entire leg. Even if he misses, it gives him instant feedback to adjust, ensuring his focus remains razor-sharp.
3. Peter Wright – Never Practices on Matchday Mornings
Peter “Snakebite” Wright, known for his colourful personality and flamboyant hairstyles, refuses to practice darts on the morning of a match. Wright believes that practicing too early can drain his energy and disrupt his focus later in the day. Instead, he spends his mornings visualizing key moments in the game, strategizing on how to handle pressure situations, and going through his elaborate pre-match preparation, which includes styling his hair into bold colours and patterns. For Wright, mental preparation and conserving energy are as important as physical practice.
4. Gary Anderson – Avoids Wearing New Shirts
Gary Anderson, a two-time PDC World Champion, is known for his superstition about clothing. He avoids wearing new shirts during tournaments, believing they bring bad luck. Anderson prefers familiar, comfortable shirts that have “been through battles” with him. This belief likely stems from the comfort of routine and familiarity—elements that play a significant role in high-pressure environments. By wearing a trusted shirt, Anderson feels more at ease, eliminating unnecessary distractions during matches.
5. Raymond van Barneveld – Must Sit in the Same Seat Before Matches
Raymond van Barneveld is a player who thrives on routine and consistency. He always ensures he sits in the same seat in the players’ lounge or warm-up area before matches, calling it his “lucky seat.” For Van Barneveld, this spot is not just about luck but about creating a sense of stability and comfort. It’s a place where he can mentally prepare, listen to calming music, and focus on his strategy. He believes that this ritual helps him channel his nerves into performance and keeps his mind free of distractions.
6. Gerwyn Price – Avoids Eye Contact with Opponents
Gerwyn Price, known for his fiery and competitive nature, deliberately avoids making eye contact with opponents during matches. For Price, maintaining a tunnel vision approach allows him to focus solely on his game, shutting out the psychological games that often occur on stage. He believes that eye contact with an opponent can lead to distractions or even intimidation, so he keeps his gaze fixed on the board or his darts. This belief reflects Price’s intense commitment to controlling every aspect of his mental game.
7. James Wade – Never Steps on Stage Lines
James Wade’s superstition about not stepping on stage lines is one of his more peculiar habits. Wade believes that crossing these lines before a match brings bad luck, a belief rooted in his methodical and meticulous nature. Wade often talks about how the small rituals help him stay focused and reduce anxiety. By adhering to this superstition, Wade creates a sense of control over his environment, which allows him to enter the match with confidence.
8. Joe Cullen – Always Wears His Left Shoe First
Joe Cullen’s ritual of always putting on his left shoe first might seem trivial, but it has deep psychological significance for the player. Cullen started this routine during his early playing days, and over time, it became an essential part of his pre-match preparation. The ritual helps him feel grounded and creates a sense of continuity between matches. For Cullen, sticking to this small, personal routine ensures that his mental state remains consistent, regardless of the stakes.
9. Rob Cross – Uses Only Three Darts Per Match
Rob Cross, nicknamed “Voltage,” has an unusual superstition: he never carries spare darts during a match. Cross believes that sticking to one set of three darts brings him luck and focus. The lack of spares forces him to take extra care with his equipment, adding a layer of mindfulness to his preparation. This belief aligns with Cross’s disciplined approach to the sport, where he trusts his preparation and refuses to let “what ifs” creep into his mind.
10. Simon Whitlock – Talks to His Darts Before Matches
Simon Whitlock’s habit of talking to his darts before matches might raise eyebrows, but for “The Wizard,” it’s a vital part of his preparation. Whitlock claims that this quirky ritual “warms up” his darts and establishes a connection with them. The practice is both humorous and deeply personal, reflecting Whitlock’s superstitious side. By talking to his darts, he calms his nerves and sets a positive tone for the match, adding a touch of personality to his game.
11. Daryl Gurney – Counts to 10 Before Walking on Stage
Daryl Gurney has a unique ritual of counting to ten before stepping onto the stage for a match. This countdown isn’t just about marking time; it’s a deliberate technique to calm his nerves and centre his focus. By slowly counting, Gurney slows his breathing and heart rate, ensuring that he enters the arena in a composed state of mind. For Gurney, this small, personal routine helps him stay grounded, especially during high-pressure games.
12. Glen Durrant – Refuses to Play Without His Wristband
Glen Durrant considers his wristband more than just an accessory—it’s an essential part of his game. He refuses to play without it, claiming that the wristband is an integral part of his rhythm and balance when throwing darts. The band is a sentimental item, tied to his family, and wearing it gives him a sense of support and stability. Durrant has often remarked that the wristband helps him feel connected to home, even under the bright lights of the big stage.
13. Nathan Aspinall – Always Drinks Water at Set Intervals
Nathan Aspinall’s belief in hydration goes beyond the basics. He drinks water at specific intervals during a match, carefully timing his sips to ensure he remains sharp and focused. For Aspinall, the act of drinking water isn’t just about hydration—it’s a mental checkpoint that helps him reset between legs. By sticking to this rigid routine, he maintains a sense of control over his performance, no matter how intense the competition gets.
14. Vincent van der Voort – Never Looks at the Scoreboard Mid-Leg
Vincent van der Voort avoids glancing at the scoreboard during a leg, believing that it adds unnecessary pressure. Instead, he focuses entirely on his next throw, trusting that the scores will take care of themselves. For Van der Voort, this belief stems from his desire to stay in the moment and not let the numbers affect his confidence. The strategy has become a key part of his mental approach to the game, helping him stay cool under pressure.
15. Steve Beaton – Knocks His Darts Twice Before Throwing
Steve Beaton’s ritual of knocking his darts twice on the table before every throw is one of the most distinctive in darts. For Beaton, the double knock serves as a reset, allowing him to clear his mind and focus entirely on his aim. This small action is almost meditative, helping him maintain a steady rhythm throughout the match. The routine has been a consistent part of his game for decades and is as much a part of his identity as his iconic smooth throwing style.
16. Fallon Sherrock – Wears Her Lucky Charm Bracelet Every Match
Fallon Sherrock never steps onto the stage without her lucky charm bracelet, a gift from her mother. The bracelet holds sentimental value, representing both her family’s support and her rise as a trailblazer in darts. Sherrock believes the bracelet brings her good fortune, and it has become a comforting presence during matches. She has often credited the charm with helping her stay focused during pivotal moments, including her historic wins.
17. Mervyn King – Avoids Playing Practice Doubles
Mervyn King is known for his peculiar superstition of never practicing doubles before a match. He believes that missing doubles during warm-up can jinx his performance on stage. Instead, King focuses on honing his scoring during practice, saving his finishing skills for the match itself. This unconventional approach reflects King’s deep trust in his preparation and his confidence in handling high-pressure situations when they arise.
18. Mensur Suljovic – Has to Throw the First Dart “Perfectly”
For Mensur Suljovic, the first dart of a match is critical. He insists on throwing it perfectly, believing that a bad opening throw can shake his confidence for the entire game. Suljovic spends extra time during warm-ups ensuring his first dart feels natural and precise. This belief underscores his methodical playing style, where every detail matters, and maintaining a strong start is crucial to his overall performance.
19. Adrian Lewis – Always Uses a Specific Oche Position
Adrian Lewis insists on positioning himself at a particular spot on the oche before every throw. This specific stance helps him feel balanced and consistent, allowing him to deliver his signature high-scoring power. Lewis has mentioned that this position, honed over years of practice, feels like “home” and gives him the confidence to execute his throws with precision. The ritual ensures that even in unfamiliar venues, his game remains steady.
20. Chris Dobey – Must Tap His Darts Three Times Before Play
Chris Dobey has a unique habit of tapping his darts three times on the oche before starting play. He believes this small gesture aligns his focus and ensures precision in his throws. For Dobey, the act of tapping serves as a physical and mental reset, clearing any lingering nerves and preparing him for the challenge ahead. It’s a quirky yet effective routine that has become an essential part of his pre-match preparation.
