How to Play Cricket Darts

Objective

Cricket is a strategic darts game where players try to "close" numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye while scoring the most points. A number is closed by hitting it three times.

Setup

Two players or teams compete. The target numbers are 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and Bull (25/50). A scoreboard tracks marks and points for each player.

How to Play

Players take turns throwing three darts. Each dart that hits a target number adds marks toward closing it.

• •A single hit = 1 mark
• •A double hit = 2 marks
• •A treble hit = 3 marks (closes the number in one dart!)
• •You need 3 marks total to close a number
• •The outer bull (25) counts as 1 mark on Bull
• •The inner bull (50) counts as 2 marks on Bull

Scoring

Once you've closed a number (3 marks), any additional hits on that number score points — BUT only if your opponent hasn't closed it yet. Once both players close a number, it's dead and no longer scores.

• •Points equal the face value of the number (e.g., hitting 20 when you've closed it scores 20 points)
• •Bullseye scores 25 (outer) or 50 (inner) as points
• •You can only score on numbers YOU have closed but your OPPONENT hasn't
• •Strategic players close high numbers first (20, 19, 18) to maximize scoring potential

Winning

The game ends when one player has closed all seven numbers (15-20 and Bull) AND has equal or more points than their opponent. If you close everything but have fewer points, you must keep scoring until you take the lead.

Tips

Cricket rewards both accuracy and strategy.

• •Close 20 first — it's the highest-value number and the biggest scoring threat
• •If your opponent closes a number you haven't, prioritize closing it to stop them from scoring
• •Treble hits are huge — a T20 closes the number and scores 60 points if already closed
• •Don't ignore Bull — it's worth 25/50 points and must be closed to win
• •Balance closing numbers and scoring — being ahead in points gives you more flexibility

Common Mistakes

Avoid these common Cricket errors:

• •Ignoring the scoreboard — always know which numbers your opponent has closed
• •Focusing only on closing without scoring — points matter for winning
• •Leaving Bull for last — it's harder to hit and you don't want to be stuck on it
• •Not being defensive — if your opponent is scoring big on a number, close it to cut them off