Cricket Darts Rules: How to Play and Win

After the 501, Cricket is the most popular darts format, particularly loved in pubs for its strategic and social nature. Here are the complete rules and the best strategies to win.

How Cricket Works

Cricket is played on 7 numbers: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and the Bull (centre of the board). The objective is twofold:

1. Close all numbers by hitting each one 3 times
2. Score points on numbers you've opened that your opponent hasn't yet closed

The player who has closed all numbers and has the highest (or equal) score wins.

How to Score

Each throw can hit the following zones:

• Single: counts for 1 mark
• Double (outer narrow band): counts for 2 marks
• Triple (inner narrow band): counts for 3 marks

You need 3 marks to "close" a number. Once closed, each additional hit scores points (the number's value) as long as your opponent hasn't closed it too.

Example

You throw a dart into the triple 20: that counts as 3 marks, instantly closing the 20. If your opponent hasn't closed the 20 yet, your next hit on 20 adds 20 points to your score.

The Bull in Cricket

The bull (centre) has special treatment:

• Outer Bull (green/red ring around centre): 1 mark, worth 25 points
• Inner Bull (exact centre): 2 marks, worth 50 points

You need 3 marks total to close the Bull (for example: 1 inner bull + 1 outer bull = 3 marks).

Basic Strategies

1. Close the Big Numbers First

Start with 20, then 19, 18, etc. Higher numbers earn more points if you keep them open for scoring.

2. Pointing

If you've closed a number your opponent hasn't, keep hitting it to rack up points. It's aggressive but effective.

3. The Defensive Approach

Quickly close numbers your opponent has opened to prevent them scoring. More cautious but can leave you behind.

4. The Decisive Triple

Aim for triples to close a number in a single throw. A triple 20 closes it instantly, giving you 2 remaining darts to score or move on.

Popular Variations

Cut-Throat Cricket

In this variation, when you score points on an open number, the points go to your opponent's score (not yours). The player with the lowest score wins. This completely changes the strategy!

No-Score Cricket

Simplified version: no points. The first player to close all numbers wins. Perfect for beginners.

Team Cricket

Cricket also works in doubles (2v2). Teammates alternate turns, adding team strategy and communication.

Scoreboard Notation

On a classic pub scoreboard, Cricket is noted as:

• / : 1 mark
• X : 2 marks
• ⊗ (circled X) : 3 marks (closed)

Scores are written on each side for both players/teams.

Cricket vs 501: Which Format?

Cricket is often preferred for pub nights as it's more interactive and forgiving for beginners. 501 remains the king in competition.

Ready to Play?

Cricket is an excellent format for discovering darts in pubs. Find a tournament near you with FindMyDarts and test your strategies in real conditions!