How To Play Cricket Darts Game

Below is my personal take on Cricket, one of the most popular dart games around. I’ll share how I learned it, some memorable moments, tips I’ve picked up along the way, and a few ways to handicap the game for different skill levels.

My Introduction to Cricket

The first time I played Cricket, I was at a friend’s barbeque where they had a dartboard set up. We’d grown tired of 301, so someone suggested Cricket—at the time, I only vaguely knew the rules. Once we got going, though, I was hooked by how strategic it felt. It wasn’t just about scoring high; it was about deciding which numbers to close, when to play defense, and when to rack up points. By the end of the night, I was itching to learn every trick in the Cricket book.

How The Darts Game Cricket Works

Objective
- In Cricket, each player (or team) attempts to “close” specific numbers on the board (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15) plus the bullseye.
- When you “close” a number, it means you’ve hit it three times (in singles, doubles, or trebles—doubles count as two hits, trebles as three).
Scoring
- If you’ve closed a number and your opponent hasn’t, each subsequent hit on that number scores points for you. For instance, if you closed 20 and your opponent hasn’t, every dart you throw that lands on 20 (single, double, or treble) gives you points.
- Once both you and your opponent have closed a number, it stops being a scoring opportunity and is effectively dead.
Finishing the Game
- The game ends when all the numbers (20–15 plus bull) are closed by at least one player.
- The winner is the person (or team) with the highest points total at that time. If there’s a tie in points, then whoever closed all the numbers first wins.
Common Variations
- No Points Cricket (Wild Card Cricket): You simply compete to close the numbers first without scoring points.
- Cut-Throat Cricket: When you hit a number you have closed that others do not, the other players get the points instead. (It’s a “send points to your opponents” twist.)

Personal Experiences

Learning the Strategy
At first, I tried to close everything as fast as possible—then got hammered by a friend who left 20 open so he could pile on points while I scrambled to catch up. That’s when I learned Cricket’s big secret: it’s not always wise to close a number too quickly if you can keep scoring on it!
Greatest Comeback
One summer night, a buddy built a massive lead in points by nailing 20s and 19s. I was behind on points, but I managed to close everything else before he could catch up—so eventually, no numbers were left for him to score on. Despite his huge lead, I won because I finished closing all the numbers first once the game reached a tie in points. The look on his face was priceless!
Biggest Meltdown
Conversely, I’ve also had nights where I got too greedy—piling on points instead of closing my opponent’s numbers. Then my opponent hit a clutch double or treble to steal a win at the last second. Cricket can swing dramatically, which is part of the fun.

Tips & Tricks

Balance Closing vs. Scoring
- If you’re already ahead in points, it might be smarter to close the opponent’s biggest scoring number rather than add to your own lead. The best Cricket players master this balancing act.
Prioritize High-Value Numbers
- Typically, 20 and 19 are your top targets for scoring because hitting a treble 20 can yield 60 points in one shot. Decide whether you want to close them fast or farm points—depending on the situation.
Watch the Bull
- The bullseye can be a game-changer, especially near the end. Closing it early might not always be beneficial if you haven’t stabilized a points lead. I like to save the bull for when other numbers are locked down, or if I’m behind in points and need a quick catch-up.
Team Communication
- If playing in teams, coordinate who’s going after points vs. who’s closing. A well-planned approach can dismantle an opponent’s scoring potential quickly.
Practice Doubles & Trebles
- Since each treble closes a number in one go, being comfortable aiming for the triple ring is huge in Cricket. And doubling can help you close two “hits” at once—especially helpful under pressure.

Handicap Options

Cricket can be tough when there’s a big skill gap. Here are ways I’ve used to level the playing field:

Fewer Numbers for Newbies
- Let beginners only need to close 20, 19, 18, and the bull. Meanwhile, seasoned players must close all 20–15 plus the bull. This reduces the total targets novices have to worry about.
Free Hits
- Give a novice a “free close” on one number of their choice at the start. For example, they pick 20 as “closed” from the get-go, so they don’t have to worry about the toughest number.
Team Pairing
- Pair newbies with more advanced players—each pair competes against another pair. The experienced player can guide the newcomer on strategy, and the game stays balanced.
Point Head Start
- If you’re scoring in Cricket, give beginners an initial points lead—maybe 50 or 100—so they don’t fall too far behind before getting the hang of it.
Double/Triple Restrictions
- Force highly skilled players to only score points via doubles or trebles, while beginners can score using singles as well. This places more challenge on the advanced throwers.

Why I Love Cricket

Cricket’s got it all: scoring, defense, a dash of risk-taking, and a healthy dose of strategy. Every turn can swing momentum, and the interplay between closing numbers and racking up points keeps everyone on their toes. Plus, it’s super social. My friends and I usually chat, joke, and strategize aloud during Cricket matches—it’s far more interactive than just quietly subtracting scores like in 501.

If you haven’t tried Cricket yet, I highly recommend it. You’ll sharpen your precision, develop a feel for tactical play, and probably end up with a few intense, brag-worthy moments to share. It’s a must-know for any darts enthusiast, and it’s definitely the game that gets played most often in my circle.