Cricket

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Cricket is the second most popular darts game worldwide after 501, and it's a completely different beast. While 501 is about pure scoring efficiency and checkout ability, cricket is a tactical war where board control and strategy matter as much as accuracy. The rules: players take turns trying to "close" the numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye. You close a number by hitting it three times (a treble counts as three, a double as two). Once you've closed a number but your opponent hasn't, you can score points on it with each additional hit. The game ends when one player has closed all numbers AND has equal or more points. This creates fascinating tactical decisions. Do you aggressively close 20 first for maximum scoring potential? Or do you defensively close whatever your opponent is scoring on? Do you try to build a points lead or focus on closing everything quickly? The best cricket players read their opponent's strategy and adjust. Cricket rewards versatility. Unlike 501 where you can survive by pounding the 20 segment, cricket forces you to hit 15s, 16s, and other numbers you might rarely practice. This is why many coaches recommend cricket as a training tool — it develops whole-board accuracy. In casual settings, cricket is often preferred because it keeps both players engaged throughout. Even if you're behind on points, you can stage a comeback by closing numbers strategically. It's also more social — the back-and-forth nature creates natural conversation and reaction moments.