Cricket Darts Rules

What Is Cricket in Darts?

Cricket (sometimes called “Tactics”) is one of the most popular darts games. The goal is to close numbers 15 through 20 and bull before your opponent, while scoring points on open numbers along the way.

Unlike 501, Cricket uses hits rather than subtraction scoring — which makes it accessible to new players but deep enough for league play.

Objective of Cricket

Close the numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and bull by hitting each number three times, and have the higher score when both players are closed.

How Scoring Works

• A single hit counts as 1.
• A double counts as 2.
• A treble counts as 3.
• Outer bull counts 1 and bullseye counts 2.

Once you have closed a number, you can score points on it until your opponent closes it too.

Points scored equal the number hit (e.g. hit 19 on an open 19 → 19 points).

Player Count & Turn Order

• Cricket can be played by 2 or more players.
• Each player throws three darts per turn.
• Turn order stays the same throughout the match.

When the Game Ends

• The game ends when all numbers and bull are closed by both players.
• The player with the higher score wins.
• If points are tied, play continues until someone leads.

Strategy Tips

• Open 20s early to pressure opponents and gain points.
• Switch segments quickly if your accuracy drops.
• Close your opponent’s scoring number to block points.
• Hit trebles when possible — they close targets instantly.

Popular Variations

• Cutthroat Cricket: Points scored are added to opponents.
• No-Point Cricket: No scoring — first to close everything wins.
• Called Shots: You must name the segment before hitting it.

Cricket Darts FAQ

• Is bull 25/50 for points?
  Often yes — agree before starting.
• What counts as closed?
  Three hits total (1+1+1 or treble).
• Can I score after closing?
  Yes, until the opponent closes too.