Dart Cricket is the most widely played non-501 darts game worldwide—not because it’s simpler, but because it rewards consistency, tactical awareness, and psychological composure over raw scoring power. Unlike games where every dart must land in a high-value segment to stay competitive, Cricket demands precise targeting, resource management, and intelligent opponent reading. Whether you’re stepping into your first pub league or refining your approach for tournament play, mastering Cricket means understanding not just *what* to hit—but *when*, *why*, and *how much to hold back*. This guide distills decades of competitive experience into actionable structure, grounded in official World Darts Federation (WDF) and National Darts Federation (NDF) standards.
1. The Core Objective: Open, Close, and Score
Cricket is played on the standard dartboard with numbers 15 through 20, plus the bullseye (inner and outer). These seven targets—15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and bull—are the only legal scoring zones. Players aim to “open” each number by hitting it three times (in any combination of singles, doubles, or triples), then “close” it by preventing opponents from scoring on it—and finally, score points *only* on numbers that are open *and* not yet closed by either player.
A single counts as one mark, a double as two marks, and a triple as three marks. For example: one triple-20 opens the 20 immediately; a single-20 followed by a double-20 also opens it (1 + 2 = 3); three singles achieve the same result. Once a player reaches three marks on a number, that number is “open” for them. If their opponent has fewer than three marks on that same number, it remains vulnerable—and any subsequent hits by the first player will count as points.
The bullseye is treated as two separate targets: the outer bull (25 points) and inner bull (50 points). Each requires three marks independently. Hitting the inner bull does *not* count toward opening the outer bull, and vice versa.
Tip: Never assume a number is “yours” after opening it. Your opponent can close it on their next turn—even with just one triple—if they haven’t yet marked it. Track both players’ status per number.2. Turn Structure and Scoring Mechanics
Each player throws three darts per turn. There is no “bust” rule—every dart counts toward opening, closing, or scoring. Scoring occurs *only after* a number is open for you *and* still open for your opponent. If both players have three marks on a number, it is “closed” for both—and no points can be scored there by either side for the remainder of the match.
Points are awarded at face value: a single-18 scores 18 points, a double-18 scores 36, a triple-18 scores 54. The outer bull scores 25; the inner bull scores 50. Crucially, points are *only* counted on numbers where you are open *and* your opponent is not yet closed. If you hit a number where your opponent already has three marks, those darts yield zero points—even if you’ve also opened it.
This creates a dynamic tension: early in the game, aggressive opening is essential. Mid-game, you must balance between reinforcing openings (to prevent closure by your opponent) and capitalizing on already-open numbers. Late-game, precision becomes paramount—you’re not just scoring; you’re denying your opponent opportunities to catch up.
3. Step-by-Step Game Flow
- Decide order: Typically via “bull-off”—each player throws one dart at bullseye; closest to center goes first. Ties are broken with additional darts.
- First turn: Player A throws three darts. Marks are recorded per number (e.g., triple-20 = 3 marks on 20; single-18 + double-18 = 3 marks on 18).
- Scoring begins: After Player A opens at least one number, any further hits on numbers where Player B has <3 marks generate points—for Player A only.
- Player B’s turn: Same process. May open new numbers, reinforce existing ones, or begin closing numbers Player A has opened.
- Closing phase: Once a player reaches three marks on a number *and* their opponent has fewer than three, that number is closed *for the opponent only*. Player A may still score on it until Player B also reaches three marks—or chooses not to pursue it.
- Win condition: First player to close all seven numbers *and* have a higher point total wins. If both close all numbers simultaneously, the higher scorer wins. If tied on both closings and points, play continues until one player leads in points on a newly closed number.
Note: Closing all numbers does *not* end the game unless you also lead in points. It’s possible—and common—to close the board while trailing significantly. In such cases, you must continue scoring on open numbers until your point total surpasses your opponent’s.
4. Strategic Prioritization: What to Target & When
Not all numbers are created equal. While 20 is the highest-scoring target, it’s also the most contested—and the hardest to close consistently under pressure. Top players use a tiered targeting strategy based on probability, scoring density, and psychological leverage.
| Target | Why Prioritize It? | Risk Level | Strategic Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Highest point yield (54 per triple); dominant in late-game scoring | High—tight grouping required; adjacent misses often land in low-value 1/5 sectors | Best opened early *if* consistent; otherwise, defer until confidence builds |
| 19 | Strong point return (57 per triple); slightly larger bed than 20; safer misses land in 3/7 | Medium | Ideal second target—builds momentum without overextending |
| Bullseye | Inner bull (50) is highest single-dart value; outer bull (25) offers reliable mid-range scoring | High—small target, high variance | Open early only if bull accuracy is >65% in practice; otherwise, use as a “closer” once other numbers are secured |
| 18 | Large bed; safe misses often land in 1/4; triple-18 = 54 (same as triple-20) | Low–Medium | Excellent first target for beginners; high success rate builds rhythm |
| 16 | Often overlooked—but triple-16 = 48, with large double ring; safe zone between 8/7 | Low | Strong “anchor” number; use to stabilize when 20/19 attempts falter |
World-class players rarely chase all numbers equally. Phil Taylor famously opened 20, 19, and bull first—then used 18 and 16 as “scoring buffers” while pressuring opponents to overcommit on 20. His average Cricket finish time was 12.3 turns—not because he threw faster, but because his targeting minimized wasted darts and maximized scoring windows.
“Cricket isn’t won by who opens fastest—it’s won by who controls the board longest. Every dart should either deny your opponent opportunity or create yours.” — Martin Adams, 13-time World Cricket Champion
5. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
New players often lose matches not from poor aim, but from strategic missteps rooted in misunderstanding Cricket’s unique win conditions. Here’s what separates disciplined players from hopeful throwers:
- Mistake: Opening everything before scoring. Chasing all seven numbers leaves you vulnerable. You may open 20 and 19—but if your opponent opens 18, 16, and bull first, they’ll rack up points while you’re still marking 15. Prioritize 3–4 high-value numbers, then shift to scoring.
- Mistake: Ignoring the bull until late. The bull is worth more than any single number (75 points combined). Leaving it unopened invites your opponent to dominate the final third of the match. Allocate at least one dart per turn to bull once you’ve secured two primary numbers.
- Mistake: Forcing triples on weak numbers. If your triple-17 accuracy is below 35%, don’t waste darts there. Hit singles or doubles to secure marks efficiently—then return with focused practice later.
- Mistake: Not tracking opponent status. Cricket is as much about defense as offense. If your opponent has two marks on 20, avoid throwing at it unless you’re confident in a triple. Instead, reinforce your own open numbers or pressure weaker targets.
- Mistake: Stopping play after closing all numbers. Closing doesn’t win the match—it only makes you eligible to win. If you’re behind on points, you must keep scoring on numbers your opponent hasn’t closed. Many matches end with a player closing the board on turn 18—then winning on turn 21 after extending the lead.
6. Mini Case Study: From Pub Novice to League Starter
James, a 32-year-old teacher in Bristol, joined his local pub league with no formal darts training. His first five Cricket matches ended in losses—averaging 14.2 turns per game, with frequent 0-point turns due to overambitious 20 attempts. He recorded every dart for two weeks: 68% of his “missed” 20s landed in 1, 5, or the wire. His triple-19 accuracy was 41%; triple-18 was 53%.
He adjusted his strategy: opened 18 first (using singles/doubles to secure it in ≤2 turns), then 19, then bull. He reserved 20 for scoring only after 18 and 19 were open and his opponent had ≤1 mark. Within four weeks, his average turns dropped to 11.7, and he won 7 of 8 matches. His breakthrough came not from improved technique—but from disciplined target selection and opponent-aware scoring.
7. Practice Drills That Build Real-Match Skills
Repetition alone doesn’t build Cricket competence. These drills simulate live-match pressure and decision-making:
Drill 1: The 3-2-1 Closer
Set a timer for 90 seconds. Start with 0 marks on 20. Goal: reach exactly 3 marks using *any combination*—but you must use at least one single, one double, and one triple across the sequence. Forces adaptability and reinforces mark math.
Drill 2: Bull Gatekeeper
Both players start with 0 bull marks. Alternate turns. Each turn: throw three darts at bull only. First to reach 3 inner-bull marks *or* 3 outer-bull marks (tracked separately) wins the round. Builds bull focus and pressure resilience.
Drill 3: Vulnerability Scan
After each practice session, review your last 10 turns. For each dart, note: (a) Was this number open for me? (b) Was it closed for opponent? (c) Did I score? If “no” to (c), why? This reveals habitual inefficiencies faster than score alone.
8. FAQ
Can you win Cricket without hitting a single triple?
Yes—but it’s exceptionally difficult at competitive levels. You’d need near-perfect single/double accuracy across all numbers and rely heavily on opponent errors. At amateur level, it’s possible with strong bull and 18/19 double consistency—but triples dramatically compress game length and increase scoring ceiling.
What happens if both players close all numbers and tie on points?
Play continues. The next number either player opens *and scores on* ends the match—with that player declared winner. No reset; no new board. This is why maintaining at least one “live” number (e.g., keeping 15 open but unmarked) is a legitimate late-game tactic.
Is there a time limit per turn in official Cricket?
No—WDF rules specify no turn timer. However, most leagues enforce a 30-second shot clock to maintain pace. Exceeding it results in forfeiture of the remaining darts in that turn. Always confirm house rules before play.
Conclusion
Cricket endures because it mirrors real-world competition: success favors the prepared, the adaptable, and the strategically patient—not just the flashiest performer. You don’t need a 120+ average to dominate. You need clarity on what each dart is meant to accomplish—whether it’s securing a foothold, denying an opening, or converting opportunity into points. Every match is a dialogue between you and your opponent, written in steel-tipped language across the board. Master the grammar—the rules—and then learn to compose sentences that outmaneuver, outlast, and ultimately outscore.
Grab your darts tonight. Not to “get better,” but to execute one deliberate choice: open 18 cleanly. Then 19. Then track—not just your marks, but your opponent’s vulnerability. That’s how habits form. That’s how confidence compounds. That’s how pub players become champions.
💬 Put this into practice this week—and share your first strategic win in the comments. What number did you prioritize? How did your opponent respond? Let’s build a smarter Cricket community—one thoughtful dart at a time.
