Standard Cricket

Close all of the target numbers (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and Bullseye) before your opponent, while accumulating more points. A number is "closed" when a player has hit it three times.

Two players (or two teams) are required. The scoreboard shows seven numbers down the center: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, Bull. Each player's marks are tracked on their side of the board using slash marks — one mark per hit, with three marks closing a number (typically shown as /, X, ⊘).

Decide who throws first by throwing one dart at the bullseye. Closest to the bull goes first.

Players take turns throwing three darts per visit. Each dart that lands in a target number (20–15 or bullseye) earns marks toward closing that number:

• Single: 1 mark
• Double: 2 marks
• Triple: 3 marks (closes the number in one dart)

Once you have three marks on a number, it is closed for you. If your opponent has not closed that number, any additional hits on it score points equal to the face value of the number. Once both players have closed a number, it is dead — no one can score on it.

The bullseye counts as a target: outer bull = 1 mark (worth 25 when scoring), inner bull = 2 marks (worth 50 when scoring).

Points are scored only on numbers you have closed that your opponent has not closed. The point value equals the face value of the number:

• Hit a triple 20 when you've closed 20 but your opponent hasn't = 60 points
• Hit a single 18 when you've closed 18 but your opponent hasn't = 18 points
• Hit the outer bullseye when you've closed bull but your opponent hasn't = 25 points

Points accumulate throughout the game. The scoreboard should always show each player's running point total.

The game ends when one player has closed all seven numbers AND has equal or more points than their opponent. If you close all numbers but trail in points, you must keep scoring on numbers your opponent hasn't closed until you pull even or ahead.

This means a defensive strategy of closing your opponent's scoring numbers can be just as important as aggressive scoring.

No-Score Cricket: Points are not tracked — first to close all seven numbers wins. Simpler and faster.

Cut-Throat Cricket: Points scored are added to your opponent's total instead. Lowest score wins. Creates a ruthless dynamic where you penalize others rather than reward yourself.

Random Cricket: Numbers are chosen randomly (e.g., throwing darts at the board with eyes closed) rather than using the standard 20–15.

Wild Cricket: After each round, one new number is added to the target list, randomly determined.

Tactics: A European variant that plays identically but is often played with different house rules about which numbers qualify.

Close 20 first: The 20 segment is worth the most points, so closing it first gives you the highest-value scoring opportunity.

Play defense when ahead: If you're leading in points, prioritize closing your opponent's open scoring numbers to cut off their point supply.

Go for triples: A triple closes a number in a single dart, leaving your remaining two darts for scoring or closing other numbers. This efficiency is key at higher levels.

Watch the scoreboard: Cricket is as much about reading the board state as it is about throwing. Know which numbers your opponent needs and plan accordingly.