Cricket Darts isn’t just another pub game—it’s a tactical duel of precision, patience, and psychological timing. Unlike standard 501, where the goal is simply to reduce your score to zero, Cricket demands layered decision-making: you must first “open” numbers (15 through 20 and the bullseye), then exploit them while denying your opponent the same opportunity. Its origins trace back to mid-20th-century American dart leagues, evolving from earlier “cut-throat” variants into the standardized, globally recognized format governed today by the World Darts Federation (WDF) and National Dart Association (NDA). Whether you’re setting up a backyard tournament or stepping into your local league for the first time, mastering Cricket means understanding not only *how* to hit triples—but *when* to stop chasing points and start shutting down the board.
1. The Core Objective: Open, Score, and Close
Cricket is played on a standard dartboard with numbers 15–20 and the bullseye (inner bull = 50, outer bull = 25) as the only active scoring zones. No other numbers count. Each player begins at zero points and zero marks. To “own” a number—or “open” it—you must hit it three times total across any combination of singles, doubles, or triples:
- Three singles = 3 marks
- One triple = 3 marks (instant open)
- One double + one single = 3 marks
- Two doubles = 4 marks (but only 3 are needed—excess marks don’t carry over or confer advantage)
Once a player opens a number, they begin scoring points on that number—but only if their opponent hasn’t yet opened it. If both players have opened the same number, neither scores points there; it becomes neutral territory. The game ends when a player has opened and closed all seven numbers (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, bull) and leads in total points. Crucially, closing alone doesn’t win—you must close and be ahead on points. This dual condition prevents “race-to-close” tactics that ignore scoring efficiency.
Tip: Never assume a triple is always optimal. A triple-20 gives instant opening—but if you miss and land in the single-20 or adjacent 1, you’ve wasted two darts without progress. Consistency trumps ambition early in the game.2. Scoring Mechanics Explained Step-by-Step
Scoring unfolds in real time and depends entirely on ownership status. Here’s how it works, step by step:
- Before either player opens a number: All hits on that number register as “marks” only—no points awarded.
- After Player A opens (3 marks), but Player B has 0–2 marks: Player A scores full value on every subsequent hit: single = 1×, double = 2×, triple = 3× the number.
- Once Player B also reaches 3 marks: The number is “closed.” Neither player scores on it going forward—even if one lands a triple-20.
- Bullseye exception: Outer bull (25) and inner bull (50) are treated as separate entities for marking—but both must be opened independently. You need three marks on the outer bull or three on the inner bull to open the bull “zone.” However, most leagues—including WDF—treat the bull as a single target requiring three total hits across both rings. Confirm your local rules before play.
This dynamic creates constant strategic recalibration. For example, landing a triple-18 after your opponent already has two marks on 18 gives them the third mark—and instantly strips your scoring potential on that number for the rest of the match.
3. Winning Strategies: Beyond Throwing Accuracy
Top Cricket players win not because they throw the tightest groups—but because they control tempo, deny opportunities, and read intent. Consider these proven approaches:
- The Anchor Strategy: Focus first on opening 20, 19, and bull—the highest-value targets. Once secured, use remaining darts to close them decisively. This forces opponents into lower-scoring zones early, building point leverage.
- The Shut-Down Counter: If your opponent opens 17 and starts scoring, don’t chase points there. Instead, fire two precise darts at 17 to bring their mark count to two—then on your next turn, aim to complete the third mark yourself. You’ll close it before they can capitalize further.
- The Bull Buffer: Reserve your final dart each round for the bull. Why? Because the bull offers the highest per-dart scoring ceiling (50 for inner bull) and serves as a reliable “reset” target when your 20s or 19s go astray. Elite players like Fallon Sherrock average 38% bull conversions in high-leverage rounds—not by accident, but by design.
“Cricket is chess with darts. Every throw should answer a question: ‘What does my opponent need right now—and how do I make it harder?’ It’s not about hitting more triples; it’s about hitting the *right* triple at the *right* time.” — Mark O’Hara, 3-time US Cricket Champion and WDF Rules Committee Advisor
4. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Even experienced 501 players stumble in Cricket due to misapplied habits. Below are the five most frequent errors—and how to correct them:
| Mistake | Why It Hurts Your Game | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Chasing points on already-opened numbers | Wastes darts scoring zero while opponent advances elsewhere | Scan the board mentally before each throw: “Is this number open for me? Is it still open for them?” |
| Ignoring the bull until late | Leaves highest-value zone vulnerable; opponents often close it during your 20-focused rounds | Allocate at least one dart per round to bull—especially early—until secured |
| Over-relying on triples for opening | Missed triples often land in low-value areas (e.g., triple-19 miss → single-5), yielding zero marks and zero points | Use doubles strategically: double-20 = 2 marks; follow with single-20 for instant open. Safer and more consistent. |
| Failing to track opponent’s marks | Leads to accidental closures that benefit your opponent (e.g., giving them their third 18) | Assign a dedicated “scorekeeper” or use a physical marker sheet—never rely on memory alone |
| Playing defensively only | Allows opponent to build large point leads while you stall—closing all numbers means nothing if you’re 120 points behind | Balance defense and offense: for every dart used to block, commit one to score on an open number |
5. Real-World Example: Turning Around a Losing Match
At the 2023 Midwest Cricket Classic, amateur player Lena Rostova trailed veteran Derek Cho 0–3 in sets, down 42–117 in points, and behind on marks for 20, 19, and bull. Her first instinct was to rush triples on 20—but her third dart missed completely into the 1 segment. On her next turn, she shifted strategy: she targeted double-19 (2 marks), then single-19 (third mark)—securing 19. She followed with double-20 and single-20 to open 20. With both high-value numbers open, she scored 120 points across three turns while Cho struggled to open anything new. Crucially, on her fifth turn, she landed two bullseyes—giving her three marks on bull and immediate 100-point scoring. She closed bull on her next throw, then shut down 18 and 17 to limit Cho’s recovery. Lena won the set 186–117—not with flashier throws, but with disciplined sequencing, risk-aware targeting, and relentless board awareness.
6. Essential Equipment & Setup Checklist
Cricket rewards consistency—not just skill. Ensure your setup supports repeatable performance:
- ✅ Use bristle (sisal) boards—not electronic or cork—for authentic bounce and wear resistance
- ✅ Mount the board at regulation height: center of bullseye = 5 feet 8 inches (172.72 cm) from floor
- ✅ Measure oche distance precisely: 7 feet 9.25 inches (237 cm) from face of board for steel-tip darts
- ✅ Select darts with balanced weight (22–24g typical) and grippy shafts—avoid overly aggressive knurling that causes finger fatigue over long matches
- ✅ Keep a dedicated score sheet with columns for each number and bull, plus running point totals—digital apps often lag during rapid-fire scoring
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can you win Cricket without scoring any points?
No. Closing all numbers alone does not end the game. You must both close all seven numbers and hold a point lead. If you close last but trail in points, play continues until someone gains the lead—or until a mutual agreement to end in a draw (rare in formal play).
What happens if both players close all numbers simultaneously?
Play continues until one player establishes a point lead. There is no “sudden death” or tiebreaker round unless pre-agreed. In practice, this scenario occurs in under 0.7% of sanctioned matches—most conclude before full closure by either side.
Do split hits count toward marks? (e.g., dart landing on wire between 18 and 19)
No. Per WDF Rule 4.5, a dart must land fully within a scoring area to count. A split hit on a wire is void—no mark, no point. Always verify dart position before removing it, especially near treble wires or bullseye rings.
Conclusion
Cricket Darts endures because it rewards intelligence as much as arm strength. It teaches restraint, sharpens pattern recognition, and transforms every dart into a deliberate choice—not just a physical act. You don’t need tournament-grade darts or decades of experience to start playing meaningfully. What you do need is clarity on the rules, honesty in tracking marks, and the discipline to ask, before every throw: “Does this advance my position—or merely fill space on the board?” Grab a scoreboard, gather three friends, and run a best-of-three set using the principles here. Notice how your decisions evolve across games—not just your accuracy. Then share your first strategic breakthrough in the comments below. Did you shut down 20 to halt a comeback? Did you win with a clutch bullseye sequence? Your real-world insight helps others see Cricket not as a game of chance, but as a craft worth mastering—one dart, one decision, one point at a time.
💬 Your turn to play—and think. Try one strategy from this guide in your next match, then come back and tell us what changed. The best lessons in Cricket aren’t written—they’re thrown.
