If you have ever stood in front of a dartboard and wondered how do you play cricket in dart you are not alone. Cricket is one of the most popular darts games in pubs homes and professional competitions. It looks simple at first. How ever once you understand the rules and strategy you realize it’s a tactical battle.
Unlike 501 which is played in events like the PDC World Darts Champion ship Cricket focuses on closing specific numbers and managing points smartly. Because of that it rewards both accuracy and decision making. So let’s break everything down clearly and simply.
What Is Cricket in Darts and How Do You Play Cricket in Darts?
When people ask how do you play cricket in darts they usually want to know two things:
- What numbers do you hit?
- How do you win?
In Cricket players target these numbers:
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and the bullseye.
The goal is to close each number by hitting it three times. After closing a number you can score points on it but only if your opponent hasn’t closed it yet. This mix of offense and defense makes Cricket exciting.
Understanding the Dartboard Setup
To properly understand how do you play cricket in darts you must first understand the dartboard.
A standard board has:
- Single segments (normal score)
- Double ring (outer thin ring worth 2x points)
- Triple ring (inner thin ring worth 3x points)
- Outer bull (25 points)
- Inner bull (50 points)
Official measurements regulated by the Professional Darts Corporation require:
- Board height 5 feet 8 inches to bullseye center
- Throw distance (oche) 7 feet 9.25 inches
How ever many pubs use house rules so always confirm before starting.
How Do You Play Cricket in Darts? Step by Step Rules
Now let’s answer the main question clearly how do you play cricket in darts step by step.
Decide Who Goes First
Each player throws one dart at the bull. The closest throw starts the game.
Throw Three Darts Per Turn
Each player throws three darts per turn. Players alternate until someone wins.
Close a Number
To close a number you need three marks.
Here’s how marks work:
- Single hit = 1 mark
- Double hit = 2 marks
- Triple hit = 3 marks
For example:
If you hit triple 18 you close 18 instantly because you earned three marks.
Score Points
After you close a number you can score on it if your opponent has not closed it.
Example:
- You close 20.
- Your opponent hasn’t.
- You hit triple 20.
- You score 60 points.
How ever if both players close 20 no more points can be scored on it.
Win the Game
To win:
- Close all numbers (15 to 20 and bull)
- Have equal or higher points than your opponent
If you close everything but are behind in points you must keep scoring on open numbers until you lead. That’s the complete foundation of how do you play cricket in darts.
Standard Cricket vs Cutthroat Cricket
When learning how do you play cricket in darts you will encounter two main formats.
Standard Cricket
You score points for yourself.
Highest score wins after closing all numbers.
Cutthroat Cricket
You add points to your opponent’s score.
Lowest score wins.
Cutthroat feels more aggressive. It’s common in casual pub matches.
Detailed Scoring Example
Let’s make scoring crystal clear.
Suppose you hit:
- Single 19
- Double 19
That equals three marks. You close 19. Next turn you hit triple 19. If your opponent has not closed 19 you score 57 points.
Bull scoring works like this:
- Outer bull = 1 mark (25 points)
- Inner bull = 2 marks (50 points)
Understanding scoring is essential when mastering how do you play cricket in darts effectively.
Beginner Strategy: Where Should You Aim First?
Most beginners aim at 20 first. That’s smart because it gives the highest scoring potential.
How ever strategy changes depending on the situation.
If your opponent closes 20 quickly you must respond immediately. Other wise they will build a huge lead.
If both of you struggle with bull consider closing it early to reduce pressure later. Cricket is not just about throwing darts. It’s about reading the board.
Advanced Strategy to Win More Often
Once you understand the basics of how do you play cricket in darts you should think about tactics. Strong players do these things:
- Close high numbers early.
- Watch opponent’s open numbers closely.
- Block scoring threats fast.
- Protect your lead instead of chasing risky shots.
- Leave bull for the right moment.
Professional players in Professional Darts Corporation events manage tempo carefully. They don’t rush. They control.
Offensive vs Defensive Play
Cricket is unique because it blends attack and defense.
Offensive Play
Focus on scoring big points once a number is open.
Defensive Play:
Close numbers your opponent is scoring on.
Smart players switch between both depending on the score difference.
- If you are ahead protect your lead.
- If you are behind create scoring pressure.
That balance defines mastery.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
When learning how do you play cricket in darts many beginners repeat the same errors:
- Ignoring opponent’s scoring
- Forgetting bull until the end
- Chasing points without closing numbers
- Losing focus under pressure
- Not tracking marks carefully
Cricket rewards patience and awareness.
Cricket Scoreboard and Tally System
Traditionally players use tally marks.
- One vertical slash = 1 mark
- Two slashes = 2 marks
- Third slash crossing = number closed
Many electronic dart boards track marks automatically especially soft tip boards. Steel tip players often use manual scoreboards.
Popular Variations of Cricket
Beyond standard and cutthroat you may see:
- No Bull Cricket
- Random Order Cricket
- Team Cricket (Pairs)
- Around the Clock variation
How ever tournaments follow official rules for consistency.
Example Match Scenario
Player A closes 20 and 19 quickly.
Player B focuses on 18 and 17.
Player A keeps scoring 20 because Player B has not closed it.
Soon Player A leads by 120 points.
Now Player B must stop scoring attempts and defend.
That shift in strategy shows the depth behind how do you play cricket in darts at a competitive level.
Why Cricket Is So Popular
Cricket remains popular because:
- It mixes strategy with accuracy.
- Beginners can learn it quickly.
- It works well for two or more players.
- It feels competitive without being complicated.
Unlike countdown games Cricket gives constant interaction between players.
Final Thought
Cricket in darts may look simple at first glance yet it quietly blends precision timing and smart decision making into one competitive game. Once you truly understand how do you play cricket in darts you stop just throwing at numbers and start controlling the board.
That shift from random aiming to intentional strategy is where casual play turns into confident mastery. It’s the moment you stop reacting to the board and start controlling it with purpose and confidence.
FAQs
How do you play cricket in darts for beginners?
You hit numbers 15 to 20 and the bullseye three times to close them then score on open numbers to win.
What numbers are used in Cricket darts?
Players target 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and the bullseye.
Do you have to finish on a double in Cricket?
No unlike 501 Cricket does not require a double out to win.
Can you score points before closing a number?
No you must close a number with three marks before scoring on it.
What happens if both players close all numbers?
The player with the higher total score wins the game.
Is bull worth 25 or 50 in Cricket?
Outer bull counts as 25 (one mark) and inner bull counts as 50 (two marks).
What is Cutthroat Cricket in darts?
It’s a variation where you add points to your opponents instead of yourself and the lowest score wins.
Is Cricket harder than 501 darts?
Cricket requires more strategy and board control while 501 focuses more on precise finishing.
