Spanish Cricket

Spanish Cricket is an expanded variant of standard Cricket in which players must close eleven target numbers — the numbers 11 through 20 plus the bullseye — while accumulating the highest point total. The goal is to be the first player (or team) to close all eleven targets while holding a score equal to or greater than every opponent's score.

Spanish Cricket requires a standard bristle dartboard, a set of darts for each player, and a scoreboard large enough to track eleven target numbers per player. The scoreboard should list the following targets in a column: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, and Bull. Each player's name appears at the top of a column on either side of the target list, with space to record marks (using the slash-X-circle convention: one slash for one mark, an X for two marks, and a circle for three marks indicating the number is closed) as well as a running point total at the bottom.

Two or more players (or teams) may compete. To determine throwing order, each player throws a single dart at the bullseye; the player whose dart lands closest to the inner bull throws first. Play proceeds clockwise or in the agreed order thereafter.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. Only darts that land in one of the eleven target segments (11–20 and bullseye) count toward the game; all other segments are ignored for scoring and marking purposes.

Each target number must be marked three times before it is considered closed for that player. Marks are accumulated as follows:

• Single segment = 1 mark
• Double ring (outer narrow ring) = 2 marks
• Triple ring (inner narrow ring) = 3 marks (closes the number in a single dart)
• Outer bullseye = 1 mark toward Bull
• Inner bullseye = 2 marks toward Bull

Once a player has recorded three marks on a target number, that number is closed for that player. Any additional hits on a closed number score points at face value — but only if at least one opponent has not yet closed that same number. Once every player in the game has closed a number, it is dead and no further points can be scored on it.

For example, suppose Player A has closed the 14 segment (three marks recorded) and Player B has only one mark on 14. If Player A now hits a triple 14, Player A scores 42 points (14 × 3). However, if both players have closed 14, that dart scores nothing.

The bullseye follows the same closing and scoring logic. Once a player has three marks on Bull, additional outer-bull hits score 25 points and additional inner-bull hits score 50 points, provided at least one opponent has not yet closed Bull.

There are no bust or penalty rules in Spanish Cricket. Every valid dart that lands in a target segment counts; darts that land outside the eleven target areas simply have no effect.

Points are scored only after a player has closed a given number (accumulated three marks on it), and only while at least one opponent still has that number open. Points are added at the face value of the segment hit:

• Singles 11–20: 11–20 points respectively
• Doubles 11–20: 22–40 points (2× face value)
• Triples 11–20: 33–60 points (3× face value)
• Outer bullseye: 25 points
• Inner bullseye: 50 points

For example, if you have closed 18 but your opponent has not, hitting a triple 18 adds 54 points to your running total. If you then hit a single 12 but have only two marks on 12, that dart adds a third mark (closing 12 for you) but scores no points on that throw — points begin accruing on the next hit only after the number is closed.

It is important to note that the expanded target range (11–14 in addition to the standard Cricket numbers 15–20) introduces a significant amount of additional scoring territory. Points scored on the lower numbers accumulate more slowly per dart — a triple 11 yields only 33 points compared to 60 points from a triple 20 — which makes strategic decisions about closing order especially consequential.

A player wins by meeting both of the following conditions simultaneously: (1) all eleven target numbers (11–20 and Bull) are closed, and (2) the player's point total is equal to or greater than every opponent's point total. If a player closes all targets but trails in points, that player must continue scoring on any number that remains open for an opponent until the point deficit is erased.

Conversely, a player who leads in points but has not closed all numbers must continue closing. The game ends the instant a player satisfies both conditions. In match play, competitors typically play a series of legs (e.g., best of 5 or best of 7), with throwing order alternating each leg.

Extended Cricket (10–20 plus Bull): Some groups expand the target range even further to include the 10 segment, bringing the total to twelve numbers. This makes the game still longer and places a premium on familiarity with the lower-left quadrant of the board.

Cut-Throat Spanish Cricket: Instead of adding points to your own total, points scored on an open number are added to each opponent who has not yet closed that number. In this variant, the lowest score wins. This defensive inversion rewards closing speed over offensive scoring and is popular in larger group games.

No-Score (Closing Only) Spanish Cricket: Points are eliminated entirely; the first player to close all eleven targets wins outright. This streamlined format removes the strategic tension between closing and scoring but shortens game time considerably — a useful option when the expanded number set would otherwise make the game prohibitively long.

Prioritize the high numbers first: Close 20, 19, and 18 before moving to the lower targets. These segments yield the most points per dart, so controlling them early denies your opponent the most lucrative scoring opportunities while giving you maximum offensive potential.

Exploit the mid-range numbers: The segments 11–14 are often under-practiced compared to the traditional Cricket numbers. Dedicate targeted practice time to these areas of the board; comfort with triple 11, triple 12, triple 13, and triple 14 can provide a meaningful edge, as many opponents will struggle with accuracy on these less-familiar targets.

Manage game length and stamina: With eleven numbers to close instead of seven, Spanish Cricket games run significantly longer than standard Cricket. Maintain consistent mechanics and avoid rushing your throws during extended legs. Fatigue-induced inaccuracy in the later stages of the game frequently decides the outcome.

Balance closing and scoring: If you fall behind in points, resist the temptation to close all your remaining numbers quickly — doing so will end your ability to score. Instead, exploit any number you have closed that your opponent has not, building your point total before sealing the final targets. Conversely, if you lead in points, close aggressively to shut down your opponent's scoring avenues.

Use the bullseye strategically: The inner bullseye is worth 50 points per hit once closed, making it the single most valuable scoring target per dart. If your opponent has not closed Bull, an early closure of Bull for yourself can generate large point swings. However, the bull is also one of the hardest targets on the board, so weigh the risk against easier points on open number segments.