Single-Only Cricket

Single-Only Cricket is a simplified variant of standard Cricket in which every dart landing on a target number counts as exactly one mark, regardless of whether it lands in the single, double, or triple segment. The objective is to be the first player to close all seven target numbers — 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and Bullseye — while accumulating a point total equal to or greater than your opponent's.

Single-Only Cricket requires a standard bristle dartboard, a set of darts for each player, and a scoreboard. The game accommodates 2 or more players (or teams). Draw the scoreboard with the seven target numbers listed vertically — 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and Bull — with columns for each player or team on either side.

Determine throwing order by having each player throw one dart at the bullseye; the player whose dart lands closest throws first. In subsequent legs, the throwing order may alternate.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. Only darts that land on the seven Cricket numbers (15–20 and Bull) are relevant; darts landing in any other segment do not count.

Marking (closing numbers): Each number requires 3 marks to close. In Single-Only Cricket, every dart on a target number scores exactly one mark, whether it lands in the single, double, or triple segment. This means a player always needs three separate darts on a number to close it — there is no shortcut via doubles or triples.

• A dart in the single 20 = 1 mark on 20
• A dart in the double 20 = 1 mark on 20 (not 2)
• A dart in the triple 20 = 1 mark on 20 (not 3)
• A dart in the outer bullseye = 1 mark on Bull
• A dart in the inner bullseye = 1 mark on Bull

Marks are recorded on the scoreboard using the standard notation: one slash (/) for the first mark, an X (×) for the second, and a circle (⊘) for the third, indicating the number is closed.

Scoring points: Once a player has closed a number (recorded all 3 marks), any additional darts on that number score points — but only at the single face value of the segment. For example, if you have already closed 20 and hit the triple 20, you score only 20 points, not 60. For the Bull, the outer bull scores 25 points and the inner bull scores 50 points after closing. A player may only score points on a number that their opponent has not yet closed. Once all players have closed a number, it is dead and no further points can be scored on it.

Points are accumulated only after a player has closed a number (3 marks). Subsequent darts on that number add points at face value:

• 15: 15 points per hit
• 16: 16 points per hit
• 17: 17 points per hit
• 18: 18 points per hit
• 19: 19 points per hit
• 20: 20 points per hit
• Outer Bull: 25 points per hit
• Inner Bull: 50 points per hit

For example, suppose Player A has closed 19 (3 marks recorded) and Player B has not yet closed 19. If Player A hits the triple 19 segment, Player A scores 19 points (not 57). If Player A then hits the single 19 twice more in the same visit, that adds another 38 points (19 + 19), for a total of 57 points scored across three darts on that number during the visit.

To win, a player must close all seven numbers (15–20 and Bull) and have a point total equal to or greater than every other player's total. If a player closes all numbers but trails in points, play continues — that player must keep scoring on any number still open for an opponent until the point deficit is erased. The game ends the moment one player satisfies both conditions: all numbers closed and the lead (or tie) in points.

Handicap Cricket: Single-Only Cricket is frequently used as a handicap format to level the playing field between experienced and novice players. In a mixed-skill game, the stronger player may play under standard Cricket marking rules (doubles count as 2 marks, triples as 3) while the weaker player uses Single-Only rules, giving both sides a competitive chance.

Single-Only Cut-Throat Cricket: Single-Only marking can be combined with Cut-Throat (or Reverse) Cricket rules. In this variant, points scored on a closed number are added to your opponents' totals rather than your own, and the player with the lowest score when all numbers are closed wins. The single-mark restriction keeps the scoring pressure manageable and is well suited for groups of three or more players.

Aim for the largest target area: Because triples and doubles offer no marking advantage, there is no reason to aim at the narrow triple or double rings. Target the fat single segment of each number — the largest area on the board — to maximise your hit rate and close numbers efficiently.

Prioritise high numbers for scoring: Close 20 and 19 first whenever possible. Once closed, every subsequent hit scores 20 or 19 points respectively, building your lead faster than scoring on lower numbers. The Bull (25 or 50 points) is valuable but a smaller target, so weigh risk against reward.

Play defensively when behind: If your opponent has closed a number and is scoring freely on it, prioritise closing that same number to cut off their point supply, even if it means delaying your own scoring strategy.

Use this format to build consistency: Single-Only Cricket rewards repeatable accuracy over flashy triple hits. Practise grouping three darts in the same number's single bed — this consistency will serve you well if you later transition to standard Cricket.