The 64-year-old Dunedin man is competing in the 13th instalment of the Games in Dunedin, having also taken part in the previous 12.
He was one of 20 players taking part in the mixed fours competition at the Otago Darts Association in Dunedin yesterday, the second of four days of competition.
"I love darts; it's my life,'' Abernethy said.
He first started playing 42 years ago and has played plenty of "serious'' competitions, but said the Masters Games competition was enjoyable for different reasons.
"It's the people you play with and your opposition. It's just brilliant. Masters is a little on the lighter side of serious. Just having a laugh from dart one to the last dart. We don't take it that serious,'' he said.
But while it is not taken too seriously, that does not mean to say there are not some quality players around.
Abernethy said there were plenty of younger players entering the Games who were capable of beating him and other experienced players.
He has won a couple of gold medals in the previous 12 Games, but equally enjoyed dishing up some banter over a few beers and wines.
Numbers are down from previous years, but Abernethy said there would no doubt be more competing in the singles and novice singles today.
While he still enjoys competing as much as he ever has, one thing has changed for Abernethy at this year's event.
"Five days and five hours a day. I'm 64 now. I used to drink all day, go down to the local after I've finished, go home and do the whole lot and still be energetic on the fourth day. One day [wears me out] now.''
Another Masters Games veteran, Frank Mathers (77), of Brisbane, was also competing yesterday.
He has competed in every Masters Games since 1996, using the annual Games in Dunedin and Wanganui as a holiday.
He usually went to Queenstown for a week after the Dunedin Games, but this year is heading to Auckland to cheer on the Gold Coast Titans and North Queensland Cowboys at the Auckland Nines.
