Those who love to play darts should know how to play the cricket darts game. Many people usually play traditional games such as 301 or 501 over and over again and may feel bored due to these games. But cricket darts is a very great and fun-filled game. So you should know the cricket darts rules as a darts enthusiast. Now, let’s go over the rules for darts cricket and how to play, which will help you understand them better.
What is needed?
- An excellent and highly durable dartboard
- A minimum of three darts (If you think some others will play together, you can keep a few more sets.)
- Some paper and a pen for score writing (you may keep a chalkboard or whiteboard and also scoring apps on your phone).
Objective of the Game
The goal of cricket darts is to hit each of the marked numbers (from 15 to 20 and the bullseye) three times each. You want to do this before your opponent does. You also aim to get more points than them by hitting their open numbers before they close them. To win, you must have all your numbers closed and score more points than your competitor by the end of the game.
The Cricket Darts Rules
In the game of Cricket, players throw three darts each turn at a dartboard, aiming to hit the numbers 15 through 20 and the center is called the bullseye. If you hit any other number, it doesn’t count. To win, each player must “close out” these numbers, which means they need to hit each number (15 through 20) and the bullseye three times.
If you hit the outer part of a number, it counts as two hits, and if you hit the inner part, it counts as three hits. The hitting of the outer ring counts as one hit, and the inner circle counts as two hits for the bullseye.
If you score in the inner ring of 15, for instance, that means your team has finished with that number. If a player finishes a number before the other team does, they can start scoring points every time they hit that number until the other team finishes it too.
Once both teams have finished with a number, it’s no longer used, and neither team can score points on it. The team that finishes the board with more or the same amount of points wins.
Cricket Darts Scoreboard
A Cricket Darts scoreboard is one that is used in the case of a game of Cricket Darts, a favorite form of dart game. The board features numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, as well as a bullseye, all of which can be closed with three hits. Each player aims to score or “close” these numbers by hitting them three times.
If that area has been closed, the player will only gain points for any further hits on that number by the opponent. The scoreboard is well used so that the progress of each player is easily identifiable and the figures of hits and scores are marked.
How to Score Darts Cricket
Arrange the scoreboard so it has three parts: two for the teams and one in the center for numbers 15 to 20 and the bullseye.
When a team gets a point, draw a “/” with the following symbol on the scoreboard.
When a team hits the same number three times, they mark it as completed (indicated by an “X” inside a circle). If the other team hasn’t marked that number yet, the first team can begin earning points by hitting it again. The points you earn match the number you hit.
For example, hitting a 17 gives you 17 points, hitting a 20 gives you 20 points, and so forth. Regarding the bullseye, hitting the outer ring earns 25 points, while hitting the inner ring earns 50 points. Here’s an example: a team has marked 15 as completed and hit it a fourth time before the other team could mark it
The game finishes when the team that has all their numbers crossed out has a higher score than the other team. An example of a finished game could be like this:
Variations of Cricket Darts
Now you know well the basic version of cricket darts. Now you should know the various regional and house rule variations in this game. These variations add unique twists to the game, making it even more engaging.
No-Score Cricket
The objective remains the same—to cover all the numbers—but in this version, there are no points to score. The game focuses purely on strategy and closing numbers. Players try to cover the numbers as fast as they can. The game is won by the first player to cover all the numbers and the bullseye.
This version is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a simpler and more strategic game without the need to worry about scoring points.
Cut Throat Cricket
Cutthroat Cricket is similar to traditional Cricket Darts; the aim is to mark off all the numbers. However, here’s the catch: the points you earn go to your opponents rather than to you. You still need to mark off numbers, but any points you score on a number go to your opponent who hasn’t marked it off yet.
The player who marks off all numbers and has the lowest score wins. This version of Cricket adds more strategy and competition because players have to decide wisely when to mark off a number and when to keep it open.
Backwards Cricket
Players have to hit the numbers in the opposite order, beginning with 15 and ending with 20, and then the bullseye. The rules are the same as in Classic Cricket, but the order of the numbers is flipped.
Players must change their tactics because they begin with the smaller numbers, which are usually more difficult to score on. This version tests players’ ability to adapt and makes them reconsider their usual tactics.
Scram Cricket
Scram Cricket consists of two rounds. In the first round, one player attempts to cover the numbers while the other player tries to earn as many points as they can. In the second round, they switch what they do. In the first round, Player 1 covers numbers and Player 2 earns points.
After all the numbers are covered, or after a certain number of turns, the players change what they do. The player with the highest total points after both parts is the winner.
Scram Cricket is great for two players because it gives both a fair chance to earn points and cover numbers, making it a balanced game.
Wild Card Cricket
In Wild Card Cricket, every player gets to pick one extra number that isn’t part of the usual group (15-20) to use in the game. Players pick this special number before the game starts. This extra number is treated like the others and must be hit to score.
The wild card brings an unexpected twist and lets each player use their own strategy. This change lets players make the game their own and adds a special flavor to each match, making it different every
Double Only Cricket
In this game, the goal is to mark numbers and accumulate points, but only shots landing in the double sections are valid. Participants can only mark numbers and score by hitting doubles. The bullseye is scored as normal (single or double).
This version is usually chosen by skilled players who want a more challenging game. Double Only Cricket focuses on accuracy and consistency, pushing players to enhance their skills.
Spanish Cricket
Spanish Cricket Darts is a variation of the traditional Cricket game, where players aim to close the numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bullseye by hitting each number three times. However, in this version, players can choose additional numbers to close, typically from 10 to 14.
Points can still be scored on open numbers until all players have closed them. The game finishes when a player has closed all the chosen numbers and has the most points.
Tips and Techniques for Success in Darts Cricket
Before diving into strategies, make sure you have a clear understanding of the rules of Cricket darts. Here are some essential tips and techniques to improve your game and increase your chances of success.
Perfect Your Throwing Technique
Maintaining a consistent way of throwing is very important. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your dominant foot should be slightly forward. Hold the dart gently. Many people use their thumb and the first two fingers, but choose what feels best for you. Keep your elbow still and use your lower arm to send the dart forward. At the end of the throw, quickly move your wrist for better aim.
Practice Targeting
It’s important to practice hitting certain targets. Try aiming at the areas you want to score in, like the 20s, 19s, and the center, called the Bullseye. Keep trying to hit the Bullseye over and over. This will make you better at aiming. Use special boards to aim at these spots and slowly get better at hitting them.
Develop a Scoring Strategy
In Cricket darts, scoring well is important to beat your opponent. Begin by targeting the highest numbers (20s and 19s) because they provide more chances to score. Try to score points on numbers that haven’t been closed yet. This will help you if the game becomes very close at the end.
Manage Your Mental Game
Mental focus can significantly impact your performance. Stay calm, even if things aren’t going well in the game. Being worried or upset can make you less accurate. Visualize the dart hitting the bullseye before you throw it. Thinking positively can boost your confidence and how well you play.
Analyze Your Performance
Watch your games or practice sessions again to find ways to get better. Record these sessions and look at them closely to see what you’re good at and what you need to work on. This can help you improve your skills and plan better.
Stay Physically Fit
Staying physically fit can help you last longer and focus better in games. Doing regular workouts, especially those that make your core muscles stronger and help you stand straighter, can improve how well you play.
Etiquette and Sportsmanship
In cricket darts, just like in other competitive games, there are some informal rules about how to behave and show good sportsmanship:
– Always congratulate your opponent when they make a good throw and stay upbeat, no matter what happens.
– Make sure every player gets a turn to throw without too much waiting around.
– Stand behind the line when you’re throwing and don’t bother your opponent when it’s their turn.
– It’s very important to be honest when keeping score. Make sure all hits are counted correctly and any disagreements are settled in a friendly way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you play cricket darts (explain very shortly)?
In the game of Cricket, you’ll use a double Bull’s Eye. Your goal is to mark off the numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the Bull’s Eye in any sequence before your competitors. The first player or team to finish all these numbers and the Bull’s Eye, while also having a higher or equal score, is the winner.
How many people can play cricket darts?
Cricket darts is usually played with either two individual players or two teams consisting of two players each. When it’s a two-player match, the players compete against each other directly. In a team game, each pair of players from the two teams throws darts in turns.
Can you tie in cricket darts?
Cricket darts is a game where players aim to score points by hitting specific numbers on the dartboard. The game involves hitting numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye. Typically, when both players’ darts land in the same area of the bullseye or if there’s a tie, they each throw another dart until one clearly wins.
In each turn, a player throws three darts. After the third dart, the player’s points are added up. Then it can be said that the game can be continued until the victory of the players is assured.
Why is it called cricket in darts?
The game of cricket in darts is named for its resemblance to the traditional cricket sport. In both games, players try to score points and stop their opponents from doing the same. In Cricket darts, players focus on hitting certain numbers and preventing their opponents from doing so.
The name “Cricket” shows that this darts game is about strategy and competition, just like in cricket, where players plan their moves to score and protect their points. The name highlights the strategic and competitive elements that both games share.