Key Takeaways:
- Cricket darts is a game that focuses on hitting specific numbers (15-20) and the bullseye to accumulate points and close out those numbers before your opponent.
- Players take turns throwing 3 darts each, aiming to hit numbers three times to “own” or “close” them for scoring points.
- Scoring is based on hitting open numbers, with higher values for doubles and triples. The inner green bullseye is worth the most points at 50.
- Variations of the game, such as Cut-Throat Cricket and Blind Cricket, add exciting twists to the traditional rules.
Introduction
Want to dominate the game of cricket darts? You’re in the right place. This guide promises to break down the essential cricket darts rules, from the basic understanding of what cricket darts is to the intricacies of scoring and game-winning strategies. Every piece of information here is geared towards making you a formidable player, ready to challenge and conquer.

Dive into this comprehensive guide to explore everything about cricket darts. Understand the core rules, learn about scoring mechanisms, discover invaluable tips and strategies, explore variations of the game, and get answers to frequently asked questions like the significance of the green bullseye and overkill in cricket darts. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to play cricket darts confidently and successfully.
“Cricket darts is a fun game where players hit numbers 15-20 and the bullseye. Players aim to ‘close’ each number by hitting it 3 times. But be careful! Opponents can score points on numbers you haven’t closed yet. The one with the most points or closes all numbers first wins!”
What is Cricket Darts?
Cricket utilizes the numbers 15 through 20 on the dartboard. Each number is considered a ‘scoring’ section. To start, players take turns throwing 3 darts, aiming to hit the numbers 15 through 20. The goal is to hit each number 3 times before your opponent(s) can hit all theirs.
Once a player hits a number 3 times, that number is ‘closed’ for them. That means they can no longer score points on that number. However, opponents can continue scoring on numbers that are still open for them.
Points are scored for hitting the open numbers as well as hitting a number that is already ‘closed’ for an opponent. This can ‘peg’ an opponent back if they haven’t closed that number yet.
The round/leg is won by the first player to close all numbers (15–20). If playing multiple legs, the first to win a predetermined number of legs wins the game.
Cricket requires accuracy and focus, as you need to not only close the numbers for yourself but also strategize based on what numbers remain open for your opponent(s). The winning strategy involves closing numbers efficiently while also pegging opponents whenever possible.
How to Play Cricket Darts
Cricket is a common kind of darts that requires both tact and accuracy. The goal is to “close” or “own” certain numbers on the board and score the most points possible. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play:
1. Setup:
- You will need a standard dartboard and darts.
- Players: Two individuals or two teams compete against one another in cricket.
2. Target Numbers:
- The numbers in play are 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bullseye.
3. Objective:
- “Own” and “close” each of the target numbers before your opponent.
- Accumulate points on numbers you’ve “owned” if your opponent hasn’t closed them yet.
4. Starting the Game:
- Players take turns throwing one dart to determine who goes first. Closest to the bullseye starts.
5. Gameplay:
- Each player throws three darts in turn.
- To “own” a number, a player must hit it three times. Any combination of three singles, a single, and a double, or a triple will do the trick.
- Once a player owns a number, every subsequent hit on that number scores points for that player, as long as the opponent hasn’t closed it. (e.g., hitting a triple 20 when you own 20 would score 60 points).
- To “close” a number and prevent the opponent from scoring on it, a player must also hit it three times.
- The bullseye works the same way: the outside ring is worth one while the inner circle is worth two.
6. Strategy:
- While scoring points is a good thing, closing out numbers to prevent your opponent from scoring is equally important.
- Pay attention to which numbers your opponent has opened or closed, and strategize your targets accordingly.
7. Winning the Game:
- The game ends when all the numbers (20 through 15 and the bullseye) are closed by one or both players.
- The game’s winner is the one who has amassed the most points when time runs out. If there’s a tie in points, the player who closes all their numbers first wins.
Cricket Darts Rules
The game focuses on closing certain numbers and being ahead in points. Here are the basic rules for playing Cricket in darts:
- The numbers 15 through 20 and bullseye are the only scoring segments.
- Each player is assigned 1 or more numbers from 15-20 at the start.
- To “own” a number, you must hit it 3 times to close it. Doubles count as 2 hits, triples as 3 hits.
- Once you close a number, it can’t be scored on by other players.
- You can only score on the numbers you have been assigned and the bullseye.
- If you score on an opponent’s closed number, it reopens that number for them to close again.
- The bullseye can be closed by any player. If you close bullseye first, you must wait for all players to close it before winning.
- First player to close all their numbers and bullseye wins the game.
- Going over the points needed to close a number is a “bust” and reopens the number.
- Throws must make a full rotation to count. Darts landing on the board cannot be manually scored.
- Doubles and triples apply only to your owned numbers, not the bullseye.
- The first player to score a double bullseye will win in the event of a tie.
- The standard game is 301 points, but other totals like 501 or 1001 can be chosen.
The strategic elements are closing numbers efficiently, reopening opponent’s numbers, and scoring high hits like triples. Follow these rules for fair Cricket dart matches!
How does scoring work in Cricket darts?
Scoring in Cricket darts is an interesting blend of tallying hits and accumulating points. Here’s a breakdown of the scoring system:
- 1. Numbers in Play: Twenty through fifteen, as well as the Bull’s-eye, are the important numbers to remember while playing Cricket.
- 2. Tallying Hits: Before you can begin scoring points on a number, you need to “open” or “own” that number. This is achieved by hitting the number three times. This can be any combination of singles, doubles, or triples. For example:
- Three single 20s
- One double 20 and one single 20
- One triple 20
- When marking the board, after one hit, a single vertical line is drawn. After two hits, the line turns into an “X.” When a player gets three hits on a certain “X,” the circle is placed around it to show that the number is “owned” or “opened” for that player.
- 3. Scoring Points: Once you’ve hit a number three times and “own” it (but your opponent hasn’t closed it by hitting it three times themselves), any subsequent darts that land on that number count as points for you. Each point represents a certain value. For instance:
- If you’ve opened 20s and throw another dart in the single 20 section, you earn 20 points.
- If you throw a dart in the double 20, you earn 40 points.
- If you throw a dart in the triple 20, you earn 60 points.

The same concept applies to other numbers. For the Bullseye, each ring has a different point value; the outer ring is worth 25, while the inner circle (double bull) is worth 50.
4. Closing Numbers: Your opponent can stop you from scoring on a number by hitting it three times themselves, thereby “closing” it. After a number is closed, it can no longer be scored on by either player. However, if you’ve “owned” a number and your opponent hasn’t hit it at all, you can continue accumulating points on it until they manage to close it.
5. Winning with Points: While the main goal is to close out all the numbers, points can decide the game if both players have closed all the numbers but one player has a higher score.
Strategy often comes into play, especially in close matches. Players must decide when it’s best to focus on closing numbers versus when to capitalize on opportunities to score points.
Tips And Strategies for Cricket Darts
Cricket is a tactical game, and understanding the strategies can give you a significant advantage. Here are some tips and strategies to consider:

- Aim for triples: Hitting a triple count as closing a number instantly. Triples put pressure on opponents.
- Close bullseye early: The bullseye is critical, so try to close it within the first few rounds.
- Re-open opponents’ numbers: If they have a number closed, targeting it can set them back.
- Save a useful number: Leave one of your better numbers open to score on while closing others.
- Close 20 first: The triple 20 is the highest scoring option, so closing it quick is a good strategy.
- Use throw order: Later throwers can target what earlier players missed.
- Be aware of busts: Don’t go over 3 marks or you’ll reopen a closed number.
- Change stances: Alter your throw slightly if struggling with accuracy on a number.
- Use doubles: Hitting a double count as 2 hits, so they close numbers faster.
- Practice consistency: Work on hitting the same sections repeatedly to close numbers efficiently.
- Apply pressure: Closing numbers quickly can frustrate opponents and cause mistakes.
Variations On the Game of Cricket
Cricket darts is a very versatile game with many popular variations. Here are some of the most common ways to mix up a game of Cricket:
Game Variation | Description |
Cut-Throat Cricket | Every player is against each other. The first to close all numbers wins. |
Wild-Card Cricket | A random number not between 15-20 is added as a “wild card” that all players can hit. |
Scram Cricket | Players must close all numbers, open all opponents’ numbers, and then close numbers again to win. |
Blind Cricket | Players cannot see the scoreboard and must keep track mentally. |
No Score Cricket | Hits only count if players call out the number before throwing. |
Double Bull Blind | There’s no scoreboard, and a double bullseye must be called before throwing. |
Reversal Cricket | Numbers start closed. Whoever opens and closes all of the numbers first is the winner. |
Lincoln Cricket | Only numbers 20, 5, and 1 can be scored on. |
Triangle Cricket | Only numbers in a triangle pattern on the board (20, 17, 16, 15) are in play. |
Offense/Defense | In a teammate format, one player focuses on closing numbers, while the other works on opening them. |
No-Bull Cricket | The Bullseye is not in play. All other standard Cricket rules apply. |
Trying different variations keeps Cricket darts exciting! The core game remains intact while forcing new strategies.
What is the green bullseye in cricket?
The green bullseye in cricket darts refers to hitting the inner circle of the bullseye, which is colored green on a traditional bristle dartboard.
- The bullseye area on a dartboard consists of two concentric circles – an outer red circle and an inner green circle.
- Hitting the outer red bullseye counts as 25 points (sometimes called “outer bull”).
- Hitting the inner green bullseye counts as 50 points (sometimes called “inner bull” or “double bull”).
- In cricket darts, the bullseye acts as its own separate scoring area, alongside the numbered sections 15-20.
- To close the bullseye, a player must hit the green inner bullseye 3 times.
- Once the bullseye is closed, only the player who closed it can score on it. If the opponent hits the green bullseye, it does not count.
- Hitting the green double bull is valuable in cricket because it scores 50 points, the highest single-dart score possible.
The green inner bullseye is its own distinct scoring area in cricket darts worth 50 points, and hitting it 3 times closes the bullseye for that player. It is the most lucrative area to hit.
How many throws do you get in cricket darts?
Each player or team gets 3 darts to throw per turn. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
- Two players or teams take it in turns to score points in a game of cricket darts.
- Each participant or team must do the following to begin takes a turn throwing 3 darts. This is called the ‘opening round’.
- After the opening round, the main phase of gameplay begins where players alternate turns throwing 3 darts trying to score points and close numbers.
- On their turn, a player throws all 3 of their darts, one at a time, aiming to hit scoring areas on the dartboard.
- The key scoring areas are the numbers 15-20 and the bullseye. Each number and the bullseye are a separate target area.
- After a player finish throwing their 3 darts for the turn, it switches to the other player’s/team’s turn to throw their 3 darts.
- This alternates back and forth, with each player/team throwing 3 darts per turn, trying to close numbers by hitting them 3 times before the opponent.
- The first to close all numbers wins. If all numbers are closed but no one has won, the highest points total wins.
Every player/team always gets 3 darts to throw on their turn. The gameplay progresses by alternating turns where each turn consists of 3 dart throws per player/team.
How does the cricket darts game end?
The game of Cricket darts ends when one player meets both of the following conditions:
- 1. All Numbers Closed: The player has “closed” all the Cricket numbers, which include the numbers 20 through 15 and the Bull’s-eye. A player must hit a number three times in a row to “close” it. This can be any combination of singles, doubles, or triples. For instance, hitting the triple area of a number counts as three hits.
- 2. Even or Ahead in Points: The player must have a point total that is either greater than or equal to their opponent’s score. Remember, players can accumulate points by hitting a number they’ve “opened” (hit three times) more times before their opponent “closes” it.
If both players manage to close all their numbers but one player has more points than the other, the player with the higher point total wins. If both players have the same number of points and have closed all the numbers, the game is typically considered a draw, though local or house rules might vary.
FAQ: What is the tiebreaker in cricket darts?
If both players have closed out all the numbers (20 through 15 and the bullseye) and have the same score, the tiebreaker is determined by who closed out all the numbers first. The player who closed all the numbers before their opponent is deemed the winner of the game. It’s essential to not just focus on accumulating points but also on strategically closing numbers to gain an advantage in potential tiebreaker situations.
FAQ: What is overkill in cricket darts?
If a player has both a lead in points and has closed all the numbers while the opponent has one or more numbers still open, the leading player can win the game by hitting one of the opponent’s open numbers, even if they have not yet closed the bullseye.
For instance, let’s say Player A has closed all numbers and has a lead in points, while Player B still has the number 15 and the bullseye open. Overkill means that Player A automatically wins the game if they hit the 15 (an open number for Player B) on their next turn, regardless of the current condition of the bullseye.
As a result of this regulation, players will have to think more strategically about their positioning and how to avoid being overkilled by their opponent, which might hasten the end of the game.
Final Thoughts
Matching strategy with talent and entertainment, cricket darts is an intriguing sport. Every aspect of the game, from simple scoring to complex ideas like “overkill,” is shaped by the rules. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, you’ll benefit from our pledge to explain the essential features of cricket darts rules and consider why they matter. Anyone interested in learning more about cricket darts will find this summary to be an invaluable resource.
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