Cricket

Cricket is one of the most popular darts games in pubs and bars, particularly in the UK and North America. Unlike 501, which focuses on scoring and checkouts, Cricket is a strategic battle where players race to "close" specific numbers while accumulating points.

The game uses only seven numbers on the dartboard: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the Bull. This makes it an excellent training tool for developing accuracy across different areas of the board, rather than just hammering away at treble 20.

How to Play Cricket

The objective is to "close" all seven numbers before your opponent while having equal or more points. To close a number, you must hit it three times:

• Single: Counts as 1 mark (hit)
• Double: Counts as 2 marks
• Treble: Counts as 3 marks (closes the number instantly)

Scoring Points

Once you've closed a number (3 marks), any additional hits on that number score points—but only if your opponent hasn't closed it yet. For example, if you've closed 20 but your opponent hasn't, hitting another single 20 adds 20 points to your score.

This creates interesting tactical decisions: do you focus on closing numbers quickly, or do you try to score points on numbers your opponent has left open?

The Bull

The Bull works slightly differently. The outer bull (green ring) counts as 1 mark and scores 25 points. The inner bull (red centre) counts as 2 marks and scores 50 points. You still need 3 marks to close the Bull, just like any other number.

Winning the Game

To win, you must:

1. Close all seven numbers (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, Bull)
2. Have equal or more points than your opponent

If you close all numbers but have fewer points, you'll need to keep scoring on your opponent's open numbers until you catch up or they close everything.

Strategy Tips

Cricket rewards both accuracy and strategic thinking. Here are some tips:

• Start with 20: It's the highest-scoring number, so closing it first gives you the best scoring potential.
• Watch your opponent: If they're struggling with a particular number, consider leaving it open to deny them points.
• Don't neglect Bull: Many players save Bull for last, but it's worth practising—it can be a game-changer.
• Trebles are king: A single treble closes a number instantly, saving you two darts for other targets.

Why Practice Cricket?

Cricket is brilliant practice because it forces you to be accurate across multiple segments of the board. Many 501 players become too reliant on treble 20 and struggle when they need to hit other numbers for checkouts or setups. Regular Cricket practice builds confidence and muscle memory for the entire board.