Low-Pitch Cricket

Low-Pitch Cricket is a territorial darts game in which each player races to close the numbers 1 through 6 and the Bullseye by hitting each target three times, while accumulating points on closed numbers that opponents have not yet closed. The goal is to be the first player to close every target number and hold a score equal to or greater than all opponents.

Low-Pitch Cricket requires a standard bristle dartboard, a set of darts for each player (or team), and a scoreboard. Two or more players (or teams) may compete. The target numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and Bull. List these down the centre of the scoreboard with a column on each side for every player or team.

Determine throwing order by having each player throw one dart at the bullseye; the dart closest to the inner bull earns the right to throw first. If a dispute arises, re-throw until the tie is broken. Each player's point total begins at 0.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. On each turn a player may aim at any of the seven target numbers (1–6 and Bull) in any order. Darts that land outside the target numbers (e.g., in segments 7–20) do not count for any purpose and are simply ignored.

To close a number, a player must record three marks against it. Marks are earned as follows:

• Single segment – 1 mark
• Double ring (outer narrow ring) – 2 marks
• Triple ring (inner narrow ring) – 3 marks
• Outer bullseye (25 ring) – 1 mark toward Bull
• Inner bullseye – 2 marks toward Bull

Once a player has recorded three marks on a number, that number is closed for that player. Any further hits on a closed number score points at the segment's face value — but only if at least one opponent has not yet closed that same number. Points are added to the throwing player's running total.

When all players (or teams) have closed a particular number, it is dead and no further points may be scored on it by anyone.

Example: Player A has closed the 5 (three marks). Player B has only one mark on the 5. Player A throws a triple 5 — because the triple ring yields 3 × 5 = 15 points, those 15 points are added to Player A's score. If Player B had already closed the 5 as well, that dart would score nothing.

Excess marks: If a player needs only one more mark to close a number and hits a double (2 marks) or triple (3 marks), the extra marks beyond the third do not convert to points for the throwing player; they are simply used to close the number. Points may be scored only on subsequent darts once the number is already closed.

Points are scored at the face value of the lower-numbered segments, making point totals significantly smaller than in standard Cricket (which uses 15–20). Key scoring values for each target:

• Single 1 = 1 point; Double 1 = 2 points; Triple 1 = 3 points
• Single 2 = 2 points; Double 2 = 4 points; Triple 2 = 6 points
• Single 3 = 3 points; Double 3 = 6 points; Triple 3 = 9 points
• Single 4 = 4 points; Double 4 = 8 points; Triple 4 = 12 points
• Single 5 = 5 points; Double 5 = 10 points; Triple 5 = 15 points
• Single 6 = 6 points; Double 6 = 12 points; Triple 6 = 18 points
• Outer Bull = 25 points; Inner Bull = 50 points

The maximum single-dart score on a numbered target is triple 6 = 18 points, compared to 60 points (triple 20) in standard Cricket. The Bull, however, retains its full value — an inner bullseye still scores 50 points, making it by far the most lucrative target on the board.

A player wins by being the first to close all seven targets (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and Bull) while holding a point total equal to or greater than every opponent's total. If a player closes all targets but trails in points, that player must continue scoring on any number still open for an opponent until the deficit is erased or eliminated.

In match play, games are typically contested as a best-of series (e.g., best of 3 or best of 5 legs). Players should alternate who throws first in each new leg to offset the advantage of the opening visit.

Extended Low-Pitch Cricket (1–9 plus Bull): Expands the target set to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and Bull. This version lengthens the game and raises the potential point ceiling (triple 9 = 27 points), while still keeping totals well below standard Cricket levels.

Mid-Pitch Cricket: Shifts the playing zone to segments 8–14 plus Bull, occupying the middle range of the board. This variant tests familiarity with segments that receive less practice time than either the traditional 15–20 or the lower numbers.

Cut-Throat Low-Pitch Cricket: Combines Cut-Throat (or Reverse) scoring with the low-number format. When a player scores on a closed number, the points are added to every opponent's total rather than the thrower's own. The objective reverses: the player who closes all numbers while holding the lowest score wins. This variant is especially popular in groups of three or more players.

All variations above are themselves variants of standard Cricket, the parent game, which uses segments 15–20 plus Bull.

Prioritize the Bullseye: Because the numbered targets in Low-Pitch Cricket max out at 18 points per dart (triple 6), the Bull is disproportionately powerful — an inner bull is worth nearly three times as much as the next-best single-dart score. Closing and scoring on the Bull early can create a points cushion that is extremely difficult for opponents to overcome with low-value numbers alone.

Close aggressively, score selectively: With face values of only 1–6, racking up large point leads on these segments is slow. In most situations it is more efficient to focus on closing all seven targets quickly rather than lingering to score a handful of points on a low number. Reserve scoring runs for the Bull and, to a lesser extent, the 5 and 6.

Use triples to accelerate closing: A single dart in the triple ring closes a number outright (three marks in one throw). The triple rings on the lower board — particularly 1, 2, and 3 — are clustered close together, allowing skilled throwers to close multiple cheap numbers in a single visit and move on to higher-value targets.

Defend the 6 and 5 early: If your opponent closes the 6 before you do, every subsequent triple 6 adds 18 points — the fastest non-Bull scoring route in the game. Avoid leaving the 5 and 6 open while your opponent has already closed them; matching their closures neutralises their best scoring opportunities.

Watch the points gap before closing out: Before you throw your final closing darts, verify that your score is equal to or ahead of your opponent's. Closing everything while trailing even a single point means you have not won — and you will have no open numbers left to score on. If you are behind, score enough points first, then close the final target.