You’ve watched someone hit triple 20 three times in a row, circle it on the scoresheet, and suddenly start racking up points while their opponent scrambles. Welcome to Cricket darts — the game where strategy matters just as much as accuracy, and where one brilliant turn can completely flip the match.
Cricket is the most popular darts game in North America and one of the most widely played formats worldwide. Unlike 501, where the goal is simply to count down from a fixed number, Cricket gives you genuine decisions to make on every single visit to the oche. This guide walks you through every part of the game — from the basic rules and mark system to advanced strategy and popular variations.
What Is Cricket Darts? (And Why Everyone Loves It)
Cricket is a darts format that uses only seven target areas on a standard dartboard. The numbers in play are 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the Bullseye. Every other segment on the board is dead — hit it, and nothing happens.
The objective is to close all seven of those numbers before your opponent does, while also making sure you have equal or more points when the game ends. That combination of closing targets and scoring points is exactly what makes Cricket so compelling. You are never just throwing at a fixed number — you are reading the board, watching your opponent, and constantly deciding where to send your darts.
Cricket suits two players, but it works equally well with teams of two or more. Most casual games last between 15 and 25 minutes, which makes it ideal for back-and-forth pub sessions.
Cricket Darts Target Numbers — What You’re Aiming At
Before anything else, you need to know which segments matter. In Cricket, only these seven count:
| Target | Points Value |
|---|---|
| 20 | 20 points per mark after closing |
| 19 | 19 points per mark after closing |
| 18 | 18 points per mark after closing |
| 17 | 17 points per mark after closing |
| 16 | 16 points per mark after closing |
| 15 | 15 points per mark after closing |
| Outer Bull | 25 points per mark after closing |
| Inner Bull (Bullseye) | 50 points per mark after closing |
Every other number on the board simply does not exist in Cricket. If your dart lands on 12, 7, or any segment outside the seven targets, your turn continues but that dart scores nothing.
How the Mark System Works in Cricket Darts
To close any number, you must hit it three times. Each hit is called a mark, and different segments count for different numbers of marks:
Single Segment — 1 Mark
Hitting the main body of the number scores one mark. For example, a single 20 gives you one mark toward closing 20.
Double Ring — 2 Marks
The outer thin ring doubles the number’s mark value. Therefore, hitting double 19 gives you two marks on 19 in a single dart. This is extremely useful for closing numbers quickly.
Triple Ring — 3 Marks
The inner thin ring gives three marks on the number. As a result, one dart in triple 20 closes the 20 completely in a single throw — arguably the most powerful move in Cricket.
Outer Bull — 1 Mark
The green outer ring scores one mark toward the Bullseye.
Inner Bull (Bullseye) — 2 Marks
The red centre counts as two marks. Consequently, you can close the Bullseye with one inner bull and one outer bull, or with two inner bulls — but not with three outer bulls alone (that gives you only three marks total, which does close it).
Cricket Darts Scorekeeping — The Mark System Explained
Cricket uses a simple visual system on the scoresheet. Both players have their own side, with the numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and Bull listed down the centre column.
| Marks Hit | Symbol |
|---|---|
| 1 mark | / (slash) |
| 2 marks | X |
| 3 marks — number closed | ⊗ (X with a circle) |
For example, if you hit a single 18 and then a double 18 on the same turn, you record / then upgrade it to ⊗ — closed in two darts. When both players have closed the same number, it is dead for the rest of the game. No one can score on it further.
How Scoring Works in Cricket Darts
This is the part of Cricket that new players sometimes find confusing, so let us break it down clearly.
Opening a Number
Once you hit a number three times, you have opened it for yourself. From that moment onward, every additional mark you land on that number scores points — as long as your opponent has not yet closed it.
Scoring Points
Points equal the face value of the number. Therefore, if you have opened 19 and your opponent has not yet closed it, every dart you land on 19 scores 19 points. A triple 19 scores 57 points in one dart.
Additionally, the Bullseye works slightly differently. The outer bull scores 25 points and the inner bull scores 50 points, even after the Bullseye has been opened.
Closing a Number (Both Players)
Once your opponent also hits the number three times, that number is closed. At that point, neither player can score on it any longer. However, any points you scored while you had it open remain on the board — they do not disappear.
Example Turn
Player A has already closed 20, while Player B has only one mark on it. During the next turn, Player A throws:
- Triple 20 → 60 points scored (20 × 3)
- Single 19 → 1 mark on 19
- Double 19 → 2 marks on 19 — 19 now closed for Player A
Result: Player A scores 60 points and closes 19 in a single visit. That is the kind of efficient, high-value turn that wins Cricket matches.
How to Win Cricket Darts
Winning requires two things to happen simultaneously. First, you must close all seven numbers — 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and Bull. Second, you must have equal or more points than your opponent when you close that final number.
This is why Cricket rewards smart play over pure throwing power. You might close every number before your opponent, but if they scored heavily while you were focused only on closing, you could still lose. Conversely, you might trail on closures but build such a large points lead that your opponent cannot catch up even after closing everything.
The American Darts Organisation (ADO) recognises Cricket as one of the two primary competitive formats alongside 01 games, which underlines just how seriously the game is taken at competitive level.
Cricket Darts Strategy — How to Play Smart
Start With 20 and Work Down
The most effective opening strategy is to target the high numbers first. Starting with 20, then 19, then 18 gives you the highest scoring potential once those numbers are open. A closed 20 that your opponent cannot shut down earns you 20 points per mark — significantly more than a closed 15.
Furthermore, closing the top numbers quickly puts immediate pressure on your opponent. They either have to chase closures on the same numbers (stopping your scoring) or fall dangerously behind on points.
Triple First, Score Second
Whenever possible, use your first dart of a visit to close a number with a triple. This approach leaves your remaining two darts free to score on already-closed numbers rather than grinding through marks one at a time.
For example, if you need three marks on 17 to close it, one dart in triple 17 closes it instantly. Your next two darts can then score on any number you have already opened.
Read the Scoreboard Constantly
Unlike 501, where you can largely ignore what your opponent is doing and focus on your own score, Cricket demands that you watch both sides of the board. Specifically, you need to know:
- Which numbers your opponent has open (scoring on you)
- Which numbers neither player has closed (available for racing)
- Whether you are ahead or behind on points
If your opponent has opened 19 and is scoring 57 points per turn on it, your priority should be closing 19 — even if that means delaying your own scoring turn.
Save the Bull for Last
Most experienced Cricket players close the Bullseye last. The reason is simple: the bull is the hardest target to hit consistently. Saving it for last means you have already closed everything else and simply need to land two inner bulls or a combination to finish the game. Going for the bull early wastes darts that could close more accessible numbers.
Close vs Score — The Core Decision
Every turn presents you with a genuine choice. Do you close a new number, score on an open one, or block your opponent? There is no single correct answer — it depends entirely on the scoreboard. However, a useful rule of thumb is this: if your opponent is scoring on a number, closing it takes priority over scoring. Stopping bleeding is more important than adding points.
Cricket Darts Variations Worth Knowing
Cutthroat Cricket
Cutthroat is the most popular Cricket variant and works brilliantly with three or more players. The key difference is the scoring system — instead of adding points to your own score, you add them to your opponents’ scores. The player with the lowest score at the end wins.
This inversion completely changes the strategy. Opening high numbers actually hurts your opponents rather than helping you, which creates a much more aggressive and chaotic game. Cutthroat Cricket is excellent for groups where players have mixed skill levels.
No-Score Cricket
In this variation, points do not exist at all. The first player to close all seven numbers wins outright. No-score Cricket is a fantastic practice format because it removes the scoring distraction and forces you to focus entirely on closing accuracy.
Low Pitch Cricket
Low Pitch uses numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and the Bull instead of the standard 15 through 20. It plays identically to standard Cricket but targets the lower segments of the board. This variation is useful for beginners building confidence on less-used segments.
Cricket vs 501 — Key Differences
| Feature | Cricket | 501 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | No starting score | 501 points |
| Target numbers | 15–20 and Bull only | Entire board |
| Win condition | Close all numbers + lead in points | Reach exactly zero |
| Finish required | No double out | Double or bullseye |
| Strategy level | High — decisions every turn | Moderate — score focus |
| Best for | 2–4 players, strategy lovers | All levels, competition |
| Professional use | ADO competitions | PDC/WDF all majors |
| Game length | 15–25 minutes | 5–15 minutes |
Pro Tips for Cricket Darts
Practice each target number separately. Set a session where you throw 10 visits of 3 darts at each Cricket number and record how many marks you score out of 30. Most intermediate players score 12–15 on 20 and 19 but drop to 8–10 on 16 and 15. Those low-scoring numbers are costing you games — practice them specifically.
Never throw random darts. Every dart in Cricket should have a clear purpose. If you are unsure whether to close or score, close — defensive play almost always pays off.
Use triples to close, singles to score. When a number is already open for you, there is no need to aim for the triple. A single scores the same face value per mark, so reduce the risk and aim for the larger single segment instead.
Force your opponent into decisions. If you close 19 quickly while they only have one mark on it, they face a choice: chase 19 or move to another number. Either way, you are controlling the tempo of the game.
Play no-score Cricket for 10 minutes before every session. This warms up your closing accuracy without the distraction of points tracking, which makes you sharper when the real game begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cricket Darts
Do you need a double to finish Cricket?
No. Cricket has no double-out or double-in requirement. You simply need to close all seven numbers and have equal or more points than your opponent. The final dart can land anywhere on a target number.
What happens if you close all numbers but have fewer points?
The game continues. You must score additional points on already-closed numbers until you match or exceed your opponent’s total. Only then does the game end.
Can you score on a number before you have closed it?
No. You can only score points on a number after you have closed it yourself. Marks one and two do not score — only darts landing on a number you have already closed (three marks) will add to your score.
What counts as a mark on the Bullseye?
The outer bull counts as one mark and the inner bull counts as two marks. Therefore, you can close the Bullseye with: three outer bulls, two outer bulls and one inner bull, one outer bull and one inner bull, or two inner bulls.
Can Cricket be played in teams?
Absolutely. Teams alternate throws, and all teammates’ scores combine toward one shared total. For larger groups, team Cricket with three or more players per side works very well, especially in the Cutthroat format.
What is the difference between opening and closing a number?
Opening means you have closed a number for yourself — you have three marks and can now score on it. Closing means both you and your opponent have each hit the number three times — it is now dead for everyone and no one can score on it.
Is Cricket darts easier than 501?
Cricket and 501 require different skills. Cricket demands strategic thinking and board awareness, while 501 demands consistent high scoring and checkout accuracy. Many players find Cricket more enjoyable as a casual game, while 501 feels more like the competitive standard.
Wrapping Up
Cricket darts rewards players who can think one turn ahead and adjust their strategy based on what they see on the scoreboard. The rules are simple enough to pick up in five minutes, but the strategic depth keeps experienced players engaged for years. Start by targeting 20, work down through the numbers in order, watch your opponent constantly, and always know whether you are closing or scoring on any given visit. Once those habits click, Cricket becomes one of the most satisfying games you can play at any dartboard.
