How to Play Cricket Darts: Essential Rules and Tips for Winning

What is Cricket in Darts?

Cricket Darts is a strategic and engaging variation of the traditional darts game, widely enjoyed in both casual and competitive settings. Unlike the standard "01" games, which focus on reducing a player's score to zero, Cricket emphasizes tactical play and area control, making it accessible and appealing to players of all skill levels.

In Cricket Darts, players aim to "open" and "close" specific numbers on the dartboard—namely 15 through 20 and the bullseye. The objective is not solely to score points but to strategically manage these numbers, balancing offensive scoring with defensive blocking. This dynamic allows even novice players to outmaneuver more experienced opponents through smart play and strategic decisions.

The game's appeal lies in its blend of precision and strategy. While "01" games demand consistent high scoring to reduce points, Cricket requires players to make calculated choices about which numbers to target and when to shift between offensive and defensive tactics. This nuanced gameplay fosters a competitive yet inclusive environment, encouraging players to develop both their aiming skills and strategic thinking.

How to Play Cricket Darts: Basic Rules and Objective

To start a match, players typically throw one dart at the bullseye; the closest to the center goes first. Each turn (or inning) consists of throwing three darts.

Target Numbers (15–20 & Bullseye)

In a standard game of Cricket, only seven segments on the board are active:

• Numbers: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.

• Bullseye: The center of the board. The Outer Bull is worth 25 points, while the Inner Bull (Double Bull) is worth 50 points.

• Note: Any dart landing outside these specific segments is considered a "dead" dart and does not contribute to your score or progress.

  
  

Marking System (Single, Double, Triple)

To "close" a number, you must hit it three times. The board's rings act as multipliers:

• Single Segment: Counts as 1 mark (indicated by a /).

• Double Ring (Outer): Counts as 2 marks (indicated by an X).

• Triple Ring (Inner): Counts as 3 marks (indicated by a ⊗—a circle around the X).

• Bullseye: The Outer Bull counts as 1 mark; the Inner Bull counts as 2 marks.

  
  

Closing Numbers (Open vs. Closed)

Understanding ownership is key to Cricket strategy:

• Opening a Number: Once you hit a number three times, you have "opened" it. It is now your "owned" territory.

• Closing a Number: Once both players have hit the same number three times, that number is "closed." It is removed from play, and no one can score points on it for the rest of the game.

Scoring Rules

Scoring only begins after you have opened a number.

• Points: If you have opened a number (e.g., 20s) and your opponent hasn't, every dart you land in that segment adds points to your total based on the face value.

• The Window of Opportunity: You can only score on a number while it is "Open" for you but "Unclosed" by your opponent. Once they get their third mark on that number, your scoring window for that segment shuts permanently.

  
  

Winning the Game

To be declared the winner in Cricket Darts, you must satisfy two conditions simultaneously:

1. Close all targets: You must have 3 marks on 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the Bullseye.

Point Advantage: You must have a score equal to or higher than your opponent.

If you close all your numbers but are behind in points, the game continues. You must score on your opponent’s unclosed numbers until you take the lead.

Strategy Tips for Cricket Darts: How to Improve Your Game

Cricket Darts is not merely a game of precision; it is a strategic battle that requires thoughtful planning and adaptability. To elevate your gameplay, it's essential to understand key terms and implement effective strategies.

Key Terms

• Shanghai: Achieving a single, double, and triple hit on the same number within a single turn. This feat demonstrates exceptional accuracy and control.

• White Horse: Scoring three triples in one round on three different scoring numbers. This rare accomplishment showcases a player's versatility and skill.

• Overkill: Accumulating excessive points on an open number already well ahead of your opponent. While it may seem advantageous, it can be inefficient and may not contribute to a strategic win.

  
  

Strategies

• Prioritize High-Value Numbers: Begin by targeting higher numbers such as 20s and 19s to maximize scoring opportunities. Establishing a lead early can put pressure on your opponent.

• Balance Offense and Defense: Decide when to focus on scoring and when to close your opponent's open numbers. This balance is crucial to maintain control of the game.

• React Promptly: If your opponent opens a high number, aim to close it immediately to prevent them from accumulating points. Quick responses can thwart their scoring plans.

• Enhance Accuracy: Develop focused aiming techniques to improve precision. Consistent practice targeting specific numbers can lead to better performance during matches.

  
  

Pro Tips

• Utilize the Inner Bull: The inner bull, or double bull, counts as two marks. Strategically aiming for it can expedite the process of closing the bullseye.

• Concentrate Your Throws: Instead of spreading your three darts across different targets, focus all on one number to increase the likelihood of marking it effectively.

  
  

Step-by-Step Game Example and Cricket Darts Variations

Step-by-Step Game Example

To illustrate the dynamics of Cricket Darts, consider the following example:

• Player A's Turn:

  • Throws a triple 20 (counts as three hits), effectively closing the 20.

  • Throws a single 18 and a double 18 (totaling three hits), closing the 18.

  • Score: No points yet, as the numbers are just closed.

• Player B's Turn:

  • Throws a single 20, a triple 20, and a triple 19.

  • The single and triple 20s add up to four hits; since Player A already closed 20, Player B's hits on 20 don't score points.

  • The triple 19 counts as three hits, opening 19.

  • Score: Still 0, as 20 was already closed and 19 is just opened.

• Player A's Next Turn:

  • Throws a triple 19, scoring 57 points (since Player B hasn't closed 19).

  • Throws a single bullseye (25 points) and a double bullseye (50 points), totaling three hits, closing the bullseye.

  • Score: 57 points from 19.

This example demonstrates the strategic interplay between opening numbers, scoring points, and closing numbers to prevent the opponent from scoring.

Cricket Darts Variations

Cricket Darts offers several exciting variations to keep the game fresh and challenging:

• No Score Cricket: Ideal for beginners, this version eliminates the scoring aspect. Players focus solely on closing all the numbers (15 through 20 and the bullseye). The first to close all wins.

• Wild Mouse / Minnesota Cricket: In addition to the standard numbers, players must also hit three doubles, three triples, and achieve three "three-in-a-bed" (three darts in the same segment). Each dart can only count towards one requirement.

• Spanish Cricket: Expands the target numbers to include 11 through 14, along with the standard 15 through 20 and the bullseye. This variation increases the game's complexity and duration.

• Cut-Throat Cricket: A twist where scoring points benefits your opponents. When you score on a number not yet closed by others, they receive the points. The player with the lowest score at the end wins.

• Killer Cricket: After closing a number, any additional hits on that number subtract marks from your opponents' scores. The goal is to eliminate opponents by reducing their marks to zero.

• Scram Cricket: Players alternate roles between "scorer" and "blocker." The scorer aims to accumulate points on open numbers, while the blocker tries to close those numbers quickly. After a set number of turns, roles switch. The player with the highest score at the end wins.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Mastering Cricket Darts with Dartman

Cricket Darts is more than just a game—it's a strategic duel that combines precision, planning, and adaptability. Whether you're a novice aiming to understand the basics or an experienced player seeking to refine your tactics, the journey through the rules, strategies, and variations of Cricket Darts offers a comprehensive pathway to elevate your gameplay.

For those eager to learn more and enhance their skills, Dartman's Beginner's Guide serves as an invaluable resource. It provides detailed insights into the game's mechanics, strategic advice, and recommendations on quality gear to support your progression.

Embrace the challenge, practice diligently, and let Dartman be your companion in mastering the art of Cricket Darts.