Cricket darts is a very popular dart game all across America as well as the world, played in bars and homes between friends. The game’s rules are simple – it’s played between two people, and the numbers played for include 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye.
The basic rule of Cricket Darts is that you close a number by hitting it three times. The best part about playing this game is that anyone can play it, be it a beginner or an expert level player.
Rules of Cricket Darts
The rules of cricket darts are pretty simple in the sense of their objective. Your goal should be closing out on all numbers before your opponent does. It’s even better if, at the end, you are ahead of your opponent in total points.
Generally, the number of players that play this game is two individuals or two teams, usually made of two players each. The most commonly used numbers on the dartboard are 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, and 15.
You can close these numbers in any order you want. If you close one before your opponent, you can then score a point on any closed number, including the bullseye.
Closing A Number
Closing a number is a relatively simple task, even though it sounds like an obscure rule. A number is closed when it’s hit three times.
To do this, all you have to do is either hit three singles, a single and double (the outer ring), or one treble shot (the inner ring). For example, if you hit treble 19 on your first shot, the 19 is now closed and you can score points on it.
For the expert level players, playing in ascending or descending number order is a great way to hone your skills even further. Start by only aiming for the 15, for example, and then once you have closed it, move on to the 16 and then 17, etc.
How Do You Score Points?
Scoring points in cricket darts isn’t too hard since it is simple to play. If you have understood how it’s played, you can quickly close a number at the beginning of the game and start to score points on it.
When you close a number before your opponent, you score a point on that number. If you hit the double or treble areas, that will count as 2 and 3 times the value of each number you hit. So, after the 20 is closed, if you hit a treble 20 you get 60 points.
If you keep hitting the number every throw, it will keep adding to your previous balance. You can keep scoring points on any number (that you have closed already) until your opponent has also closed that particular number.
Winning
Whenever trying to win, you should always keep in mind the one common strategy is to first aim for the triple. When you aim for the triple ring of a particular number, you can close out a number in a single shot. And, if you miss, you still likely hit the single area around it.
If our opponent has not closed a particular number, and we have, aiming for the triples will add up the points. Most likely you can’t always hit the triple ring, but at least you should aim for it most throws.
Aiming can at least keep you focused and increase the odds of you making a single. Always try to get closer to the bullseye at the beginning of the game to win.
Tip and Tricks
When deciding who goes first, you should know that it’s an advantage for the player who throws first. When you throw first, you can close numbers and gain points before the other player.
When you throw first, you can potentially close out a number and naturally start adding points even before our opponent has started. Whenever they are taking their first turn, they would be mostly trying to catch up. It will be great for you since there will always be a points margin between you and them. For this reason, we suggest playing multiple games and taking turns who goes first.
Try to identify your comfort zone while playing if you find some of the numbers easier to hit first. The bullseye is another essential element to keep in mind. For all the players, hitting the bullseye is mostly the challenging part; but sooner or later it must be taken care of.
It does not matter if you are ahead in points and numbers; leaving out the bullseye might give your opponent a chance to catch up, and you don’t want that.
Variations
There are different variations that might make the game a little more interesting and quicker for expert-level players.
Cutthroat Cricket
Cutthroat Cricket is one of these variations, and it is also called 3-way Cricket. The main difference is the number of people; there are three players in this variation instead of 2.
As the name of the variation implies,’cutthroat’ cricket is a more intense competition. It’s great to watch the three players in action, as scoring will be tactical, and two players could team up and close numbers to eliminate the third player. This could lead to more fun, competitive matches, and allows more people to partake in the game at one time.
Solo Play
Unlike many of its other variations, this one has a unique purpose and meaning. Playing solo Cricket will make for an interesting pastime and help you make yourself better at Cricket darts, and even darts in general. It’s a great way to start practicing on your own. You simply play without keeping score of the points, and try to close out all the numbers as fast as possible.
The best part about this variation is that you don’t need another player to understand the rules because the game is simple. And if you practice on your own, you will understand the rules better than anybody explaining them to you or making you understand.
Conclusion
Cricket darts is a simple game with relatively simple rules. It isn’t hard to win in this sport if you have understood the tips, tricks, and variations designed for it. You only need to be a little present-minded while playing and keep a sharp eye on all numbers you are aiming for.
There’s a reason Cricket is one of the most popular dart game variations in the world. It is a fun, relatively intense version of darts and helps you improve your game every time you play. Go out and challenge your friends or family members to a match!
