How to Play Cricket Darts
Cricket is one of the most popular darts games for casual play — a tactical battle over seven numbers. Here are the complete rules, scoring, and the cutthroat variant.
The objective
Cricket is played using only 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and the bullseye. The goal is to close all of these numbers (hit each three times) and score the most points. The winner is the first to close everything while leading or tied on points.
Closing numbers
To close a number you need three marks on it:
- A single = 1 mark
- A double = 2 marks
- A treble = 3 marks (closes a number in one dart!)
Marks are commonly shown as / (one), X (two) and ⊗ (closed).
Scoring points
Once you've closed a number but your opponent hasn't, every further hit on it scores points equal to its value. For example, after closing 20, each additional single 20 scores 20 points, a treble 20 scores 60. You keep scoring on that number until your opponent also closes it — then it's dead.
🎯 Strategy: closing and scoring on the 20 and bullseye first puts maximum pressure on your opponent.
Cutthroat Cricket
In the popular cutthroat variant, points are given to your opponents rather than yourself. When you score on an open number, those points go to everyone who hasn't closed it. The player with the fewest points at the end wins — perfect for games with three or more players.
Winning
You win when you have closed all seven targets and your points total is greater than or equal to every opponent. If you close everything but trail on points, the game continues until you catch up.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules of Cricket darts?
In Cricket, only the numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and the bullseye are in play. Each player must 'close' each number by hitting it three times. Once you have closed a number and your opponent has not, you score points on it by hitting it again. The winner is the player who closes all numbers and has the most (or equal) points.
How do you score points in Cricket darts?
After you close a number (three hits), each additional hit on that number scores points equal to its value — until your opponent also closes it. A double counts as two hits, a treble as three. The bullseye is worth 25 (outer) or 50 (inner).
What does 'closing' a number mean in Cricket?
Closing means hitting a number three times. A single counts as one mark, a double as two, and a treble as three — so one treble closes a number in a single dart. Once closed by both players, the number is dead and scores nothing.
What is Cutthroat Cricket?
Cutthroat is a variant where points are given to opponents instead of yourself. When you score on an open number, those points are added to every opponent who hasn't closed it. The player with the fewest points at the end wins. It's ideal for 3+ players.
How do you win at Cricket darts?
You win by closing all seven targets (15–20 and bull) while having a points total greater than or equal to every opponent. If you close everything but are behind on points, you must keep scoring until you catch up before the game can end.
Score it automatically with Dartist
Dartist handles all the scoring, checkout suggestions and stats — with live AI commentary. Free on iOS and Android.
