Mulligan

Be the first player to close all six designated target numbers — in strict sequential order — and then finish by hitting the bullseye. The defining challenge of Mulligan is that only triple segments count as marks. Singles and doubles are worthless. This is a punishing, precision-based race that rewards consistent triple-hitting above all else.

Two or more players may compete. Each player selects three numbers (from the standard 1–20 segments), creating a combined set of six target numbers. Before play begins, all players must agree on the order in which these six numbers must be closed. The seventh and final target is always the bullseye.

On the scoreboard, list the six chosen numbers in the agreed sequential order, followed by the bullseye as the last target. Next to each number, provide space to track marks (0–3) for every player or team. Determine throwing order by each player throwing one dart at the bullseye; closest to the inner bull throws first.

Players alternate turns, throwing three darts per visit. On each turn, a player attempts to close the current target number by hitting its triple segment. The following core rules govern play:

• Triples only: Only darts landing in the triple ring of the current target number register as marks. Hits to the single segment, double segment, or any other area of the board do not count — they are ignored entirely.
• Sequential closing: Numbers must be closed in the pre-determined order. A player may not work on the second target number until the first has been fully closed. Darts thrown at a future target, even if they land in its triple, do not count.
• Three marks to close: Each target number requires three triple hits to close. For example, if your current target is 18, you must hit triple 18 three times before moving on to the next number in the sequence.
• Bullseye finish: Once all six numbers have been closed, the player must hit the bullseye — either the inner bull (50) or the outer bull (25) — to complete the game.

There is no point scoring in Mulligan. No runs are accumulated, and hitting triples on numbers that are already closed or not yet in sequence confers no advantage. This is purely a race to close all targets.

For example, suppose the agreed order is 17, 14, 20, 9, 11, 3, then bullseye. A player must hit triple 17 three times before they may begin working on triple 14. If during their turn on target 17 they hit triple 20, that dart is wasted — it does not count toward closing 20, because 20 is not the current target. A player who hits two triple 17s in one visit carries those two marks forward; they need only one more triple 17 on a subsequent visit to close that number and advance to 14.

Mulligan uses no point-based scoring system. The only metric tracked is marks — the number of qualifying triple hits recorded against each target number, from 0 to 3.

• A dart landing in the triple segment of the current target number = 1 mark.
• A dart landing in the single or double segment of any number = 0 marks.
• A dart landing in the triple segment of a number that is not the current target = 0 marks.
• 3 marks on a target number = that number is closed.

For example, if your current target is 14 and you throw triple 14, single 14, triple 14 in one visit, you record only 2 marks — the single 14 does not count. You would need one more triple 14 on your next visit to close that number.

The first player to close all six target numbers (by recording three triple hits on each, in order) and then hit the bullseye wins the game. There are no tiebreak provisions — only one player can complete the sequence first.

In match play, players may agree to compete over multiple games (e.g., best of 3 or best of 5), alternating who selects numbers first or rotating the throwing order between games.

Handicap Mulligan: To accommodate mixed skill levels, weaker players may be permitted to use double segments in addition to triples to register marks, or may be required to record only two marks per number instead of three. This narrows the difficulty gap without changing the fundamental structure of the game.

Preset Numbers: Rather than having players select their own target numbers, the six targets may be preset — for example, using 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 as in standard Cricket. This removes the strategic element of number selection and focuses the game entirely on execution.

Free-Order Mulligan: Some groups play without the sequential-closing requirement, allowing players to work on any of the six target numbers in whatever order they choose. This is less restrictive and can speed up the game, though it reduces the tactical dimension of the original format.

Mulligan is itself a variant of Cricket, sharing the mark-based closing mechanic but replacing standard segment hits with an exclusive triple requirement and imposing a strict sequential order on targets.

Pick triples you own, assign triples you fear: When selecting your three numbers, choose segments whose triples you can hit with confidence — if you're deadly on triple 19, make 19 one of your picks. Conversely, your opponent must also close your chosen numbers, so selecting triples that are notoriously difficult for them creates a built-in advantage.

Treat this as a practice drill: Mulligan is, at its core, a structured triple-hitting exercise. Approach each visit with deliberate focus on grouping your darts in the narrow triple band. The game will sharpen your precision for virtually every other darts format.

Stay patient with the sequence: Because you cannot skip ahead, a frustrating number early in the order can stall your entire game. Resist the temptation to rush. Settle your stance, commit to your line, and trust that consistent mechanics will break through — one triple at a time.

Plan your bullseye transition: The shift from aiming at triples around the board's perimeter to targeting the bullseye at the centre requires a mental and physical adjustment. On your final target number, use any remaining darts after closing it to begin finding your range on the bull, even though those darts won't count as marks.

Study the board geography: Numbers adjacent on the dartboard (not numerically, but physically) share similar throwing lines. When choosing your three numbers, consider picking targets that sit near each other on the board — this minimises the positional adjustment between sequential targets and can save crucial visits.