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

Cricket Darts is a strategic game that combines precision and tactical play, making it a favorite among both casual players and competitive darters. Understanding the fundamental rules and objectives is essential for anyone looking to excel in this engaging game.

Target Numbers

In Cricket Darts, only specific numbers are in play: 15 through 20 and the bullseye. These are the "cricket numbers" that players aim to "open" and "close" during the game. Hitting any other number does not contribute to the game's progress.

Marking System

To track progress, a simple marking system is used:

• 1 mark: / (indicates a single hit)

• 2 marks: X (indicates two hits)

• 3 marks: ⊗ (a circle around the X, indicating the number is closed)

This system helps players and scorekeepers easily monitor which numbers have been hit and how many times.

Open vs. Closed Numbers

• Open Number: A number becomes "open" for a player once they have hit it three times.

• Closed Number: When both players have hit a number three times, it becomes "closed," and no further scoring can occur on that number.

It's important to note that a player can continue to score points on an open number until the opponent also closes it.

Scoring System

Points are scored only on numbers that a player has opened and the opponent has not yet closed. For example, if a player has opened the number 20 and the opponent hasn't, hitting the 20 again will score 20 points. The scoring continues until the opponent closes that number.

The bullseye has two parts:

• Outer Bullseye: Counts as 25 points and one mark.

• Inner Bullseye: Counts as 50 points and two marks.

These distinctions are crucial for strategic play, especially when aiming to close the bullseye efficiently.

Winning the Game

To win at Cricket Darts, a player must:

1. Close all target numbers: 15 through 20 and the bullseye.

2. Have equal or more points than the opponent.

If a player closes all numbers but is behind in points, they must continue to score on the opponent's open numbers until they surpass the opponent's score. 

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.