Notes that I've picked up on the net on how to play.

• Jonas Lof's excellent Guide to Throws and Grips

Understable vs. Overstable

Somebody named Paul says on the PDGA message board:

If you feel the weight of a disc that is purportedly "overstable" vs. one that is "understable", you'll notice that the overstable disc is weighted more towards the edge, while the understable disc carries more of its weight towards the center. This is the physical difference between the two types of discs, but everything else depends upon the speed and spin in your throw. The force of your throw and speed at which the disc spins determine the shape of its flight path... a very fast throw can make most discs behave as if they were understable. Most discs, thrown at slow speed, behave as if they were overstable. Example: an understable disc (when thrown flat at high speed) will tend to turn in the direction of its spin (i.e., a disc which spins clockwise will turn from left to right). However, as the disc slows down, its flight path will straighten out (since, at slow speeds, it behaves as if it were overstable) and it may even make a reverse S curve (fading back to the left). If you throw any disc (understable or not), the only way you will achieve a strictly straight flight path is if the disc hits the ground before it gets a chance to turn back to the left (for a right-handed, backhand throw). Ken is absolutely right... the "fade" (left turn) is your friend. If you want to achieve the maximum distance for your throws, you must learn how to use it to your advantage. For example, the disc's tendency to fade can allow you to hook around obstacles that would otherwise obscure the basket. I said this in an earlier post, but (being the tightwad that I am) don't spend money on plastic when what you need is practice. Ask someone on your local course how to throw a disc flat, then with a hyzer, then with an anhyzer. Find a practice field, and understand the characteristics of each throw (with each disc that you own). Then, once you know how your discs fly, you can make an informed decision when it comes to buying new plastic. And most of all, learn to accept the disc's fade as your friend. Good luck!