Cricket Darts is a thrilling, tactical game where players aim to “close” specific numbers (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye) by hitting each three times. Once a number is closed, you can score points on it – but only if your opponent hasn’t closed it yet. The ultimate goal is to close all target numbers and finish with a higher point total than your opponent. This strategic twist makes Cricket a fantastic alternative to 501, rewarding not just accuracy, but also cunning and foresight.
Are you ready to move beyond the classic 501 and dive into a darts game that demands more than just hitting the treble 20? Cricket Darts offers a refreshing challenge, blending precision with shrewd tactical decisions. It’s easy enough for newcomers to grasp quickly, yet deep enough to keep seasoned players hooked, constantly strategizing their next move.
What is Cricket Darts?
Cricket Darts is a target-based darts game, typically played by two players or two teams. Instead of racing down from a starting score, you focus on specific targets: the numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye. The game transforms the dartboard into a battlefield where every throw can influence your opponent’s progress and your own.
While often popular on electronic dartboards that automate scoring, Cricket works perfectly on a standard bristle board. All you need is a chalkboard or a scoring app to keep track of marks and points.
The Core Mechanics: Closing Numbers and Scoring Points
The heart of Cricket Darts lies in “closing” numbers and then scoring on them. Here’s how it works:
Closing Numbers (Making Your “Marks”)
- To “close” a number (15-20 or the bullseye), you must hit it three times.
- Each hit is called a “mark”:
- A single segment awards one mark.
- A double segment awards two marks.
- A treble segment awards three marks, immediately closing that number with a single dart!
- On a chalkboard, you’d typically mark hits as: / for one mark, X for two marks, and O for three marks (signifying the number is closed).
Scoring Points
Once you have closed a number, you can then start scoring points on it. This is where the game gets tactical:
- You only score points on a closed number if your opponent has NOT yet closed that same number.
- For example, if you’ve closed 20s (hit it three times) and your opponent has only one mark on 20s, your next single 20 scores 20 points. A treble 20 would score 60 points!
- However, if both players have closed the same number, neither player can score any more points on it. It’s effectively “dead” for scoring.
Winning the Game of Cricket Darts
To claim victory in Cricket Darts, you must:
- Successfully close every Cricket number (15-20 and the bullseye).
- Finish the game level on points or ahead of your opponent.
If you close all targets but are trailing in points, you still need to score enough points to either equal or surpass your opponent’s score before all open targets disappear. This dynamic creates intense strategic moments where a single dart can decide the game.
Remember: Sometimes, the best dart isn’t the one that scores the most points, but the one that strategically shuts down your opponent’s scoring opportunities.
Mastering Cricket Darts: Winning Strategies
Cricket is a game of calculated risks and careful board management. Here are some key strategies to consider:
Start Strong with the 20s
The 20 is usually the best place to start. It offers the highest point value, so closing it early and scoring on it can put immediate pressure on your opponent. Establishing a lead here can be a significant advantage.
Don’t Neglect the 19s
After the 20s, the 19s are incredibly important. Many games shift when one player dominates the 20s but ignores the 19s. A smart opponent will quickly switch to the 19s, close them, and start racking up 57-point trebles, rapidly closing the point gap or even taking the lead.
When to Close vs. When to Score
This is the heart of Cricket strategy:
- If you are ahead on points: It often makes sense to prioritize closing numbers. This reduces your opponent’s scoring opportunities and effectively “shrinks” the board, limiting their options.
- If you are behind on points: You may need to prioritize scoring points on your open numbers before attempting to close. While this can feel risky, it might be the only way to catch up.
For example, if you’ve closed 20s and your opponent hasn’t, you could keep firing at 20s to build a lead. But if they’re close to shutting 20s and already ahead on 19s, you might need to shift focus to closing their 19s to prevent further damage.
This constant decision-making—managing the board rather than just throwing at your favorite target—is what makes Cricket so engaging.
Common Pitfalls for New Players
New players often lose Cricket legs not just from bad throws, but from small strategic missteps. Watch out for these common habits:
- Sticking to one number: Focusing exclusively on the 20s, even when other numbers are vulnerable or more strategic.
- Ignoring your opponent’s progress: Not paying attention to which numbers your opponent has marked or closed.
- Failing to adapt: Not switching tactics when you’re far behind or significantly ahead.
These aren’t game-ending disasters, but they are habits to recognize. Once you start asking yourself, “Should I score here, or should I shut this number down to block my opponent?” your Cricket game will undoubtedly improve rapidly.
Exciting Variations of Cricket Darts
Cricket Darts offers a few popular twists, allowing you to change the game’s feel and add new layers of strategy:
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Cut-Throat Cricket
This variation flips the scoring dynamic. Instead of adding points to your own score, you give points to your opponents when you hit a closed number that they haven’t closed yet. The player with the lowest score wins! This is a lively option, especially for three or more players, as it encourages aggressive play and creates shifting alliances.
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No Score Cricket
As the name suggests, this version removes points completely. The first player to successfully close every number (15-20 and the bullseye) is declared the winner. This is an excellent option for beginners, as it keeps the focus purely on accuracy and closing targets without the added complexity of point management.
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Team Cricket
Perfect for social gatherings or pub games, Team Cricket involves players taking turns for each side. This adds a fun layer of partnership pressure and makes target choices a collaborative effort, enhancing the social aspect of the game.
Beyond the Pub: How Cricket Improves Your 501 Game
While often seen as a casual pub game, Cricket Darts can surprisingly sharpen crucial aspects of your standard 501 game very quickly.
The most significant improvement usually comes from learning to switch targets effectively under pressure. In 501, many players instinctively stick to the treble 20. However, often your aiming bed might be blocked by other darts, or your line of sight to the 20 disappears.
Cricket forces you to get comfortable moving around the board. One visit might start on 20s, switch to 19s to close it, and then finish on the bullseye for points. This kind of adaptable adjustment is invaluable in 501, especially when the treble 20 becomes crowded. Many league players find their overall scoring improves once they stop relying solely on the treble 20. Cricket naturally helps with this by encouraging you to explore and master the entire board, rather than just repeating the same target every throw.
Conclusion: Embrace the Tactical Challenge!
Cricket Darts is genuinely easy to learn and incredibly fun to play, yet it offers tremendous depth for strategic development. Once you grasp the concepts of marking, closing, and tactical scoring, the game transforms into a true test of judgment and skill. So, grab your darts, step up to the oche, and give it a go! Start with those 20s, respect the power of the 19s, practice your bullseye shots, and constantly ask yourself that one crucial question: “Should this dart score points, or should it stop my opponent from scoring?”
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
