Welcome to the definitive guide to the dart game of Cricket!

Cricket darts is a staple of pub games and tournament play for a reason: it’s incredibly fun, strategically deep, and requires a blend of accuracy and tactical thinking. Unlike many dart games that simply reward hitting high numbers, Cricket challenges you to strategically close off specific targets on the board while preventing your opponent from doing the same. If you've ever wondered how to play cricket darts, or how to get better at it, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know, from the basic rules and cricket darts scoring to advanced strategies that will help you emerge victorious.

The Basics of Cricket Darts: Objective and Setup

The objective of cricket darts is straightforward: to close out all of the designated scoring numbers on the dartboard before your opponent, and then to score more points than them using the remaining open numbers. It's a race against time and your opponent, where every dart thrown counts.

What You Need to Play:

• A standard dartboard: The game is played on a standard 20-segment dartboard.
• Three darts per player: Standard steel-tip or soft-tip darts are fine.
• A scoring method: This can be a notepad and pen, a dedicated scoring app, or a digital scoreboard. Understanding cricket darts scoring is key.

The Target Numbers:

In standard cricket, the numbers you need to hit are the "treble" versions of 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the "bullseye" (which counts as two numbers: the single bull and the double bull).

• The Treble Segments: These are the thin, brightly colored segments on the board (usually red or green) that multiply the number's value by three. For example, hitting the treble 20 (T20) scores 60 points.
• The Single Bull: This is the inner green ring and is worth 25 points.
• The Double Bull: This is the small red center circle and is worth 50 points. In cricket, hitting the double bull also counts as closing the single bull.

The Goal: Closing Numbers

To "close" a number, you must hit it three times. The way you hit it doesn't matter – a single, a double, or a treble all count as one "hit" towards closing that number.

• Hit a single 20: 1 hit on the 20.
• Hit the double 20 (D20): 1 hit on the 20.
• Hit the treble 20 (T20): 1 hit on the 20.

Once a number is "closed" by a player, their opponent must also hit that number three times to close it for themselves. If a player hits a closed number their opponent has already closed, they score points based on the value of the segment hit (e.g., hitting a T20 when your opponent has already closed the 20s scores 60 points for you).

Winning the Game

The game is won by the first player to close all seven target numbers (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bullseye) AND have a score of 0 or more points. If a player closes all the numbers but has a negative score, they must continue playing until their score becomes zero or positive, while still maintaining closed numbers. The opponent continues to try and score points on open numbers.

Cricket Darts Scoring: How It Works

Understanding cricket darts scoring is crucial for playing effectively. It's different from many other dart games where every point matters from the start.

Closing Numbers: As mentioned, you need three hits on a number (single, double, or treble all count as one hit) to close it. Once closed, your opponent also needs three hits to close it. You can't score points on a number until both players have closed it. This is a critical distinction.

Scoring Points:

• Once a number is closed by both players, any subsequent hits on that number by the player who closed it first will earn points.
• Single: Scores face value (e.g., a single 20 scores 20 points).
• Double: Scores double face value (e.g., a double 19 scores 38 points).
• Treble: Scores triple face value (e.g., a treble 18 scores 54 points).
• Bullseye: The single bull is worth 25 points, and the double bull is worth 50 points.

Example Cricket Darts Scoring Scenario:

Player A needs to close the 20. They hit:

1. T20 (1 hit on 20)
2. Single 20 (2 hits on 20)
3. D20 (3 hits on 20) - Player A closes the 20.

Now it's Player B's turn. Player B needs to close the 20. They hit:

1. Single 20 (1 hit on 20)
2. Single 20 (2 hits on 20)
3. Single 20 (3 hits on 20) - Player B closes the 20.

Now, the 20 is closed by both players.

It's Player A's turn again. Player A hits a T20. Since the 20 is closed by both players, Player A scores 60 points.

It's Player B's turn. Player B hits a Single 20. Since the 20 is closed by both players, Player B scores 20 points.

Negative Scores: It's possible to have a negative score, especially if you're missing your target numbers and your opponent is scoring points on numbers you haven't closed yet. You must reach zero or a positive score to win, even after closing all the numbers.

Busting: Unlike some other games, there isn't really a "bust" in cricket in the traditional sense. You simply keep throwing your darts. However, if you have a negative score and are trying to close numbers, you might inadvertently score points for your opponent on numbers they haven't closed yet, which is a tactical "bust."

Strategies for Winning at Cricket Darts

Simply knowing the rules and scoring isn't enough to consistently win at cricket darts. Effective strategy is what separates casual players from seasoned pros.

1. Prioritize Key Numbers:

• The 20: This is almost always the first number to target. It offers the highest scoring potential and is the most frequently hit number, making it easier to close.
• The Bullseye: The bullseye is a high-value target, especially the double bull (50 points). It's also crucial for closing, as it's one of the seven required numbers. Many players struggle with the bull, making it a potential advantage if you're proficient.
• The 19 and 18: These are generally the next most strategic numbers after the 20. They offer good scoring potential and are relatively accessible.

2. Play Offensively vs. Defensively:

• Offensive Play: Focus on closing your numbers as quickly as possible and scoring as many points as you can. This is best when you're a strong thrower and your opponent is weaker.
• Defensive Play: If your opponent is a strong scorer, you might need to focus on preventing them from scoring. This means closing their key numbers quickly, even if it means sacrificing your own scoring opportunities initially. You might also intentionally leave yourself with a lower score to avoid giving them opportunities to score off your misses.

3. Target Your Opponent's Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Know Your Opponent: Does your opponent struggle with the treble 17? Can they not hit a double bull to save their life? Use this information to your advantage. If they are weak on a number you're strong on, you might want to close it quickly and then score heavily on it, forcing them to expend valuable darts trying to catch up.
• Deny Their Score: If your opponent has closed the 20s, and you haven't, and you hit a T20, don't just score the 60. If you have a clear path to closing the 20s yourself, consider focusing on that to prevent them from running away with the score. This is a more advanced tactic.

4. Clocking vs. Scoring:

• Clocking: This is the term for closing numbers. Prioritize closing numbers when you have the opportunity, especially if your opponent is already scoring.
• Scoring: Once numbers are closed, focus on accumulating points. However, remember that closing all numbers is the first condition for winning.

5. Smart Dart Allocation:

• The Three-Dart Rule: You only have three darts per turn. Think about how to best use them. If you've hit two T20s, your third dart should almost certainly be a T20 to close it. If you've closed a number and your opponent hasn't, and you hit a T20, consider if scoring that 60 is more beneficial than hitting the treble 19 (for example) to get closer to closing that number yourself.
• The "Around the Clock" Strategy: Some players try to close numbers in sequence (e.g., 20 down to 15, then bull). While this provides structure, it's often less effective than focusing on the most advantageous numbers first (20, bull, 19, 18).

6. Practice the Bullseye:

The bullseye is often the trickiest number to close. Players who can consistently hit it, especially the double bull, gain a significant advantage. Dedicate practice time specifically to the bullseye.

7. Know When to Switch Gears:

If you're significantly behind in score but have closed numbers, focus on closing the remaining numbers quickly. If you're ahead and have closed numbers, start accumulating points strategically. If your opponent is closing in on the final numbers, you might need to abandon your own scoring and focus purely on denying them.

Variants of Cricket Darts

While the standard game is the most common, there are variations of cricket darts that can add new challenges or adjust the gameplay.

• Cut Throat Cricket: In this version, the player with the lowest score is the one who scores points. If you close a number, your opponent scores points on it. This flips the strategy entirely, making it a game of survival and clever denial. Players try to close numbers to force their opponents to score points against themselves.
• Team Cricket: Played with teams, where players share turns and coordinate their efforts to close numbers and score points. Communication and strategy are vital.
• Blind Cricket: This is a more casual variant where players can hit any segment on the board, and it counts towards closing the corresponding number. The treble and double segments still count as one hit towards closing. Scoring still only happens once the number is closed by both players. This is often used for practice or when players are less experienced, as it allows for more hitting opportunities.
• Timed Cricket: A variation where players have a set amount of time to close as many numbers as possible and score points. This adds an element of urgency.

Understanding these variants can be useful if you play in different leagues or with different groups of friends.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cricket Darts

Q: What are the target numbers in cricket darts? A: The target numbers are the treble segments of 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bullseye (which counts as both the single and double bull).

Q: How many times do you need to hit a number to close it in cricket darts? A: You need to hit a number three times. A single, double, or treble all count as one hit towards closing.

Q: When do you start scoring points in cricket darts? A: You only start scoring points on a number after both players have closed that number. The player who closed it first then scores points on subsequent hits.

Q: Can I score points if my opponent hasn't closed a number I've closed? A: No. You can only score points on a number once both players have closed it. If you hit a number your opponent hasn't closed, it simply counts as a hit towards you closing it.

Q: What happens if I have a negative score after closing all the numbers? A: You must continue playing until your score becomes zero or positive. Your opponent will continue to try and score points, so you need to maintain your closed numbers while trying to improve your score.

Q: Is the bullseye worth more in cricket darts? A: The bullseye is one of the seven target numbers. The single bull is worth 25 points, and the double bull is worth 50 points. Both count as a hit towards closing the bullseye number.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Cricket Darts Game

Cricket darts is a fantastic game that rewards precision, strategy, and a bit of nerve. By understanding the core rules, mastering the scoring system, and implementing smart strategies, you can significantly improve your performance. Remember to prioritize the key numbers, adapt your play based on your opponent, and practice the trickier targets like the bullseye. Whether you're playing casually at the pub or competing in a tournament, this guide to cricket darts provides the foundation you need to excel. Now, go grab your darts and hit the board!