How to Play Cricket Darts

Cricket is one of the most popular and strategic dart games. Unlike '01 games, the objective is to "close" specific numbers on the board and, in most versions, to accumulate the highest score.

Objective of Cricket Darts

• Target Numbers: In Cricket, players aim for numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye.
• Objective: To "close" all numbers (15-20 and bullseye) and have the highest score.
• Closing Numbers: A number is "closed" when a player hits it three times. This can be achieved with three singles, a single and a double, or a triple.
• Scoring: Once a player closes a number, they can score points on that number if their opponent hasn't closed it yet. Each hit on an open number scores its face value.
• Winning: The game is won by the player who closes all numbers and has equal or more points than their opponents.

How to Score Cricket Darts

Scoring in Cricket involves "closing" numbers and then scoring points on them. Here's how the marking system works:

• Single Hit: Marked with a slash ( / )
• Double Hit: Marked with an X
• Triple Hit: Marked with an O (closed in one throw)
• Closed Number: Once a player hits a number three times, it's considered "closed" and is typically circled or highlighted.

Cricket Darts Game Variations

• Cut-Throat Cricket: In this variation, points scored on open numbers are added to all opponents' scores instead of your own. The goal is still to close all numbers, but you want the lowest score.
• No-Score Cricket: Players only focus on closing numbers, with no points awarded. The first player to close all numbers wins.
• Wild Card Cricket: Adds an additional random number (1-14) that must also be closed.
• Random Cricket: Instead of the standard 15-20 and bullseye, seven random numbers are selected at the start of the game.

Cricket Darts Strategy & Tips

• Target High Numbers First: Many players start with 20 and work down, as closing higher numbers first gives you more potential points.
• Defensive Play: If your opponent has closed a high-value number and is scoring on it, prioritize closing that number to stop them from scoring further.
• Point Building: Once you've closed a number that your opponents haven't, continue hitting it to build your score until they close it.
• Bullseye Strategy: The bullseye is worth 25 points (outer bull) or 50 points (inner bull), making it valuable for scoring. However, it's also harder to hit, so some players leave it until last.

Cricket Scoring Example