Playing Cricket in darts is a strategic and engaging game that combines precision targeting with tactical scoring, making it a favorite among darts enthusiasts. The primary goal is to be the first player to "open" or "close" all designated "cricket numbers" on the dartboard and achieve a higher or equal point total than your opponent.
Understanding the Basics of Darts Cricket
Cricket is a popular darts game that focuses on specific numbers on the dartboard. Unlike traditional high-score games, it's not just about hitting the highest numbers; it's about marking specific segments to gain control and score points.
The Cricket Numbers
The game exclusively uses the numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the Bull's-eye. All other numbers on the board are irrelevant for marking or scoring in Cricket.
Opening and Closing Numbers
To open or close a number, it must be hit three times in any fashion, on one or more turns. This means:
- Hitting a single segment counts as one mark.
- Hitting a double segment counts as two marks.
- Hitting a triple segment counts as three marks, instantly opening or closing the number.
Once a player has hit a specific cricket number three times, that number is considered "open" by them. If an opponent has not yet marked that number three times, the opening player can then start scoring points on it. If an opponent has also marked the number three times, the number is "closed" for both players, and no more points can be scored on it by either player.
Gameplay Mechanics
Cricket is typically played with two players or two teams, taking turns throwing three darts per turn.
Setting Up the Game
Before starting, players or teams determine who goes first (often with a single dart throw, closest to the bull's-eye wins). A scoreboard is essential, usually listing the cricket numbers vertically with three spaces next to each for marking.
Here's a visual representation of a typical Cricket scoreboard:
| Number | Player 1 Marks | Player 2 Marks | Points (P1) | Points (P2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | -- | -- | ||
| 19 | -- | -- | ||
| 18 | -- | -- | ||
| 17 | -- | -- | ||
| 16 | -- | -- | ||
| 15 | -- | -- | ||
| Bull | -- | -- | ||
| TOTAL | 0 | 0 |
Each dash represents one mark. Once three marks are made, it's typically indicated by a diagonal slash through all three dashes, or by circling the number.
Taking Turns
Players alternate turns, throwing three darts each. The objective during a turn is to either:
- Mark (open or close) a number: Aim for a cricket number (15-20 or Bull) that is not yet fully marked by you.
- Score points: Aim for a cricket number that you have opened, but your opponent has not yet closed.
Example Turn:
- A player throws a dart and hits the single 20. They now have one mark on 20.
- Their second dart hits the double 20. This counts as two marks, bringing their total for 20 to three marks. The player has now "opened" 20.
- Their third dart hits the single 19. They now have one mark on 19.
Scoring Points
Points are scored only on numbers that a player has opened, but the opponent has not yet closed.
- If you have opened the 20, and your opponent has not yet marked it three times, any subsequent hits on the 20 (single, double, or triple) will add points to your score.
- Hitting a single 20 would add 20 points.
- Hitting a double 20 would add 40 points.
- Hitting a triple 20 would add 60 points.
- Once your opponent also marks a number three times, that number is "closed" for both players. No further points can be scored on it by either player.
The Bull's-eye works similarly:
- A single bull (outer ring) counts as one mark.
- A double bull (inner ring, or "cork") counts as two marks.
- The Bull's-eye typically scores 25 points per hit once opened (single bull = 25 points, double bull = 50 points).
Winning the Game
The game ends when one player or team has:
- Closed all the cricket numbers (15-20 and Bull's-eye).
- Has a point total that is higher than or equal to their opponent's point total.
If a player closes all numbers but has fewer points than their opponent, they must continue to score points on their open numbers until their score surpasses or matches the opponent's. If the opponent closes all numbers first but has fewer points, the first player wins as long as they have a higher or equal score. If a player closes all numbers and has the highest score, they immediately win.
Strategy for Success
Effective Cricket play involves a blend of offense and defense.
- Prioritize High-Value Numbers: Often, players focus on the 20s, 19s, and 18s first to maximize scoring potential.
- Offensive Scoring: If you have a significant lead in marks on a high-value number (e.g., you've hit two 20s, and your opponent has none), aggressively try to open it and then score.
- Defensive Closing: If your opponent is heavily scoring on a number they've opened, prioritize closing that number yourself to "shut down" their points.
- Bull's-eye as a Game Changer: The Bull's-eye can be a great place to score quickly if you're behind on points, as it usually offers 25 or 50 points per hit.
- Vary Your Targets: Don't get stuck on one number. If you're missing a certain segment repeatedly, switch to another open number or one you need to mark.
- Know When to Switch: If you're struggling to hit a specific number to close it, consider opening another number where you might have more success.
Cricket offers a dynamic and engaging darts experience, rewarding both precision and strategic thinking.
