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Darts isn’t just about 501! If you’re looking to mix up your practice sessions or add a competitive twist when playing with friends, then learn how to play cricket in darts!
Cricket is one of the most exciting and strategic dart games you can play. Forget about test matches over five days, if you want cricket, the best entertainment you’ll get is from a dartboard!
Here at Throw For 180 we want to bring you everything there is to know about darts, including fun variations like this one.
Whether you’re brand new to the game or just need a refresher, this guide will walk you through how to play Cricket in darts, including the rules, scoring, strategy, and common variations.
What Is Cricket in Darts?
Cricket is a popular dart game that blends accuracy, consistency, and tactical thinking. Yes, it may not be played by the pro players on TV, but that doesn’t stop this from being a popular choice with amateurs.
Unlike 501, where you aim to count down to zero, Cricket is all about closing certain numbers on the board, and doing it more efficiently than your opponent.
It’s usually played by two players or two teams, and works well in both casual and competitive settings.
The Numbers Used in Cricket
In standard Cricket, you only use the following numbers on the dartboard:
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- Bullseye
These are the only scoring segments that count. All other numbers on the board are out of play, meaning you can play with your standard darts setup without needing to buy anything else.
Objective of the Game
As you learn how to play cricket in darts, it’s of course important to understand the objective of this game. To win a game of Cricket, a player must:
- Close all seven numbers (15 through 20 and the bullseye)
- Have more points than the opponent when both players have closed all numbers
If you close all your numbers but your opponent is still racking up points, you may need to keep scoring until you’re ahead and both of you are closed out.
How to Close a Number
To “close” a number, you must hit it three times:
- Single = 1 mark
- Double = 2 marks
- Treble = 3 marks
For example:
- Hit a treble 20 = ✅ 20 is closed instantly (3 hits in one throw)
- Hit a single 19 three times across multiple turns = ✅ 19 is closed
Once a number is closed by both players, it’s no longer in play, and no one can score points from it.
Scoring Points in Cricket
You only start scoring points after you’ve closed a number, and your opponent hasn’t.
Every time you hit that open number again, you score that value:
- If you’ve closed 18 and your opponent hasn’t, and you hit a single 18: you score 18 points
- Hit a treble 20 while 20 is still open for your opponent: you score 60 points
But beware, if they close it next round, you lose that scoring opportunity!
Cricket Strategy Tips
After you’ve learnt how to play cricket in darts, the next step is to get better! Here’s a look at some ways in which you can do that.
While the rules are fairly simple, Cricket has a surprising amount of tactical depth. Here are a few tips to help you win more games:
1. Focus on High Value Numbers First
Try to close 20s, 19s, and 18s early. These give the biggest scoring returns if your opponent leaves them open.
2. Watch Your Opponent’s Progress
If your opponent is close to closing a number, it may not be worth trying to score more off it, close it yourself and move on.
3. Build a Lead, Then Close
If you’re ahead on points and have numbers left to close, focus on shutting your opponent out. Don’t let them come back with free scoring turns.
4. Practice Bulls Separately
The bullseye is often the hardest part of the game to hit reliably, but it’s just as important. Practising bulls can make or break your game.
Variations of Cricket
There are a few fun variations of Cricket that you may come across when learning how to play cricket in darts:
- Cut-Throat Cricket: Instead of gaining points for yourself, you score points against your opponents. Great for groups!
- No Score Cricket: Played purely to close numbers, no points involved.
- Extended Cricket: Adds more numbers like 14 and 13 for a longer game.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Scoring from unopened numbers, you must close it before you can score
- Ignoring bulls until the end, bulls are often left too late, giving your opponent time to catch up
- Focusing too much on scoring, if your opponent closes your key numbers while you’re chasing points, you’re left with nothing
In Conclusion
Cricket is one of the most enjoyable and tactical dart games out there. It may look complex to begin, but knowing how to play cricket in darts is a skill that many people pick up quite quickly.
It rewards both accuracy and game awareness, and it’s perfect for levelling up your darts skills beyond traditional 501.
If you’re looking to get started or improve at the game, keep practicing those 20s and bulls, and use smart strategies to outplay your opponents.
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