Double-Only Cricket

Double-Only Cricket is an advanced variant of standard Cricket in which only darts landing in the double ring count as marks. The objective is to be the first player to close all seven Cricket numbers — 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and Bullseye — by hitting three doubles on each, while accumulating equal or more points than your opponent. Singles and triples are completely ignored for both marking and scoring purposes, making this one of the most demanding accuracy tests in darts.

Double-Only Cricket requires a standard bristle dartboard, a set of three darts per player, and a scoreboard configured for Cricket. The scoreboard should list the seven target numbers — 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and Bull — with columns for each player's marks and a running point total.

Two or more players (or teams) may compete. To determine throwing order, each player throws one dart at the bullseye; the player closest to the inner bull throws first. Because this variant is significantly more difficult than standard Cricket, players should agree before the match begins that only double-ring hits register as marks and clarify whether the inner bullseye counts as the "double bull" (it does under standard rules).

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. On each turn, a player attempts to hit the double ring (the outer narrow band) of the seven Cricket numbers (15–20 and Bull). The following critical rules apply:

• Only doubles count as marks. A dart landing in the double ring of a Cricket number registers as 1 mark. Darts landing in the single segment, the triple ring, or outside the target numbers do not count for any purpose.
• Each number requires 3 marks (i.e., three separate double hits) to close.
• The inner bullseye (worth 50) counts as the double bull and registers as 1 mark toward closing Bull. The outer bullseye (worth 25) does not count, as it is treated as a single bull.

Scoring points: Once a player has closed a number (accumulated 3 double-ring marks on it), any additional double hits on that same number score points — but only if the opponent has not yet closed that number. Points are tallied at the double's face value (see Scoring below). Once both players have closed a number, it is dead and no further points can be scored on it.

Example turn: A player targeting 20 throws three darts. The first lands in double 20 — that's 1 mark. The second lands in single 20 — it does not count. The third lands in double 20 again — that's a second mark. The player now has 2 of the 3 marks needed to close 20.

No bust or penalty rules apply beyond the fundamental restriction: darts outside the double ring of a valid Cricket number simply do not register. There is no penalty for missing; the darts are simply wasted.

Standard dartboard segment values apply, but only double-ring hits matter in this game — both for marking and for scoring points:

• Double 15: 30 points per hit
• Double 16: 32 points per hit
• Double 17: 34 points per hit
• Double 18: 36 points per hit
• Double 19: 38 points per hit
• Double 20: 40 points per hit
• Inner bullseye (double bull): 50 points per hit

Points are only scored on a number that the throwing player has already closed (3 marks) but the opponent has not yet closed. For example, if Player A has closed 20 (3 double-20 hits) and Player B still has only 1 mark on 20, each additional double 20 hit by Player A scores 40 points. Once Player B also closes 20, no further points can be scored on that number by either player.

Singles and triples on Cricket numbers — even high-value ones like triple 20 (60) — score zero in this variant. Only the double ring produces marks or points.

The game ends when one player has closed all seven numbers (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and Bull) and has a point total equal to or greater than every other player's total. If a player closes all numbers but trails in points, they must continue scoring on any number their opponent has not yet closed until they have at least tied the point deficit — or until the opponent also closes all numbers.

If both players close all seven numbers simultaneously (on the same round in a turn-based fairness rule) and are tied in points, the game is a draw or an additional tiebreak leg may be played, as agreed upon before the match. In multi-leg match play, legs are typically played as best of 3, best of 5, or another odd-numbered format.

Double-Mark Doubles Cricket: Some groups play a less punishing version in which each double-ring hit counts as 2 marks instead of 1. Under this rule, a player needs only two double hits to close a number (2 + 1 would overcomplete it; the third mark carries over as a point-scoring opportunity if the opponent hasn't closed). This significantly shortens game length while still rewarding doubles accuracy.

Cut-Throat Double-Only Cricket: When three or more players are involved, points scored on open numbers are added to the opponents' totals rather than to the thrower's own total. The goal becomes to close all numbers while having the lowest point total. This defensive variant adds a strategic layer, as players must decide whether to close numbers quickly or attack opponents' open numbers with point-scoring doubles.

Double-Only Cricket is itself a variant of standard Cricket, which allows singles (1 mark), doubles (2 marks), and triples (3 marks) to count toward closing numbers.

Prioritize the doubles you hit best: Unlike standard Cricket, where triples can close a number in a single dart, every number here requires at least three separate double hits. Start with the double you are most confident hitting — whether that's double 20, double 16, or another favorite — to build momentum and begin scoring points early.

Expect a long game and stay patient: Double-Only Cricket takes significantly longer than standard Cricket. Closing all seven numbers requires a minimum of 21 successful double hits (3 per number). Frustration leads to poor mechanics, so adopt a patient mindset and treat each visit as its own challenge.

Pressure your opponent's open numbers: Once you close a number, shift immediately to scoring points on it if your opponent hasn't closed it yet. Double 20 yields 40 points per hit and double bull yields 50 — building a point lead on these high-value numbers forces your opponent to play catch-up.

Dedicate practice to the outer ring: This variant is an extreme doubles accuracy test. Incorporate focused doubles practice into every session — aim for 50 or more throws exclusively at doubles per practice round. Track your hit rate by segment to identify which doubles deserve your attention in match play.

Close the bull strategically: The inner bullseye is the only segment that counts for Bull, making it the hardest number to close. Consider whether to attack it early (while you're fresh) or leave it for last (after building a points cushion). If you're ahead in points, closing Bull last is safer; if you're behind, attacking it early frees you to score on higher-value open numbers later.