Buzz
Cricket presents a thrilling darts experience, whether in solo battles or team confrontations. The objective is to accumulate points by 'closing out' specific numbers on the board before your opponent. However, if they manage to 'close out' first, you'll find yourself playing catch-up. It's a race to the finish in this accessible game, ideal for newcomers. Continue reading to master the game.
Steps
Get acquainted with the dartboard. The circular board features 'pie slices' representing numbers 1 through 20. It includes an outer double ring and an inner triple ring, situated between the double ring and the center bullseye. The bullseye comprises the outer and inner sections.
Refer to How to Throw Darts if you're new to dart throwing.
Refer to How to Throw Darts if you're new to dart throwing.
Secure a playing partner (or partners). For multiple players on each team, establish the throwing order. Ideally, balance the teams with equal numbers of players and similar skill levels.
Prepare the scoreboard. Dart venues typically feature a chalkboard or whiteboard nearby. Alternatively, grab pen and paper. List the player/team names at the top. In a central column, jot down the numbers 15 through 20, and 'bullseye' or B for short.
Master the game rules:
- Victory goes to the player who 'closes out' all required numbers (15–20 and bullseye), scoring equal or more points than their opponent.
- A number is 'closed out' after three hits. Hitting the outer double ring counts as two hits; the inner triple ring as three. The outer bullseye is worth one hit, the inner two.
- Once closed out, a player scores points for that number until the opponent does likewise.
- Points equal the closed-out number's value, including doubling or tripling. E.g., closing out 20 and hitting triple 20 yields 60 points. Outer bullseye: 25 points, inner: 50.
Commence the game. Each player throws three darts per turn. Starting with the 20, particularly the triple 20, is a common tactic for maximum points, leaving the bullseye for the final throw, given its difficulty. However, beginners need not follow a strict sequence.
Keep track of scores. On hitting a number, mark it diagonally. After a subsequent hit, cross it with an intersecting diagonal to form an X. Upon the third hit, encircle the X to signify closure: Ⓧ.
Strike through a closed-out number, indicating its ineligibility for points. If you close out a number before your opponent, keep scoring until they catch up.
If the team or player closing all numbers also has more or equal points than their opponent, the game ends. If they trail in points, the game continues. In the image above, Team Dog won by closing all numbers and having the highest score.
Pro Tips
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Once you've got the hang of it, aim for the top numbers first. This tactic pays off; if you close out 20 before your opponents, you can still score points by hitting it.
Equipment Needed
- A dartboard
- Three darts
- An opponent
- A scoring system (chalkboard, whiteboard, pen and paper, etc.)
