Grand Slam of Darts Day 1 Picks 2026 (Saturday 14th November)

The Grand Slam of Darts was an enjoyable format in the days when the BDO was still in existence, but it has changed in 2026 and the format has changed with an extension to 48 players.

Instead of Groups of four players, we have sixteen Groups of three players and only top spot will secure a place in the Knock Out Rounds.

With the opening matches played in a best of nine format, the top players will have to be more than ready if they are going to avoid early exits and that should mean more excitement for the fans.

At the same time it means it won't be easy making Picks through the Group Stage, but more opportunities may come up later in the week as the tournament moves into best of nineteen Legs and longer.

Luke Woodhouse - 1.5 legs v Tom Sykes: These two players have met three times in 2026 and all have been won by Luke Woodhouse, albeit in the best of eleven Leg format.

All of those wins have been in routine fashion for Woodhouse and this is a player who has grown a lot in the last twelve months.

A best of nine Leg format means even a slightly slow start will make things tough, but Woodhouse should be confident in the match up with Tom Sykes knowing he has gotten the better of him in recent head to head contests.

Tom Sykes had a couple of solid floor performances in recent weeks and did come through the final Qualifiers to earn his spot at the Grand Slam, which means he should be respected. However, he may need to find a bit more to push Luke Woodhouse and the higher Ranked player will be able to come through before a deciding Leg is needed.

Beau Greaves + 2.5 legs v Luke Littler: There is always every chance Luke Littler will blow past any opponent faced, but Beau Greaves is more than capable of holding her own when at her best.

All of the pressure and expectation is on the shoulders of Littler and he has shown he can deal with the situation really well.

But Beau Greaves has plenty of power scoring of her own and she can push the World Number 1 as long as she can handle the occasion.

Solid runs on the floor should have given Beau Greaves confidence to take into this opening Group match and the ever improving underdog can win at least three Legs on Saturday.

MY PICKS: Luke Woodhouse - 1.5 Legs @ 2.00 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Beau Greaves + 2.5 Legs @ 1.83 Bet Victor (1 Unit)

Darts 2026: 162-195, - 19.34 Units (356 Units Staked, - 5.43% Yield)