How to Play Cricket Darts | Rules, Overview & Tips on Winning!
Cricket is a fun, easy-to-learn Darts game, which can be enjoyed by dart players of all levels, from beginners to experts. Here's all you need to know about cricket darts.
What is Cricket Darts?
Cricket Darts is one of the most popular dart games commonly played. The objective in Cricket is to close out the numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye before your opponent while maintaining an equal or superior point advantage. All other numbers are irrelevant when playing Cricket Darts.
You may 'close out' a number by hitting it three times. Each number's fat portion counts as one hit, the double ring as two hits, and the triple ring as three hits.
Although most players like to begin with the number 20 and work their way down, the numbers can be closed in any order. You can get points on a number if you close it while remaining open for your opponent.
Cricket Darts Rules
Number of players
Cricket is often played by two individuals or two teams. Individually, you can play with 3 or 4 players. There are no limits on the number of participants that can participate.
Numbers
A standard Cricket Darts game gets played on a dartboard with 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bullseye.
Getting Started
Begin by forming teams and deciding who will throw first. You can choose who goes first in the first game by each throwing one dart at the bullseye. The player whose dart is closest to the bullseye throws first.
For following games, the winner, or a member of the winning side, throws first. Per turn, each player gets three darts. If you're playing with a partner, you'll take turns with the other team members.
Numbers to End With
By scoring three of a number, you can bring it to a close. Any order is acceptable for closing the numbers. A fun and demanding method to play Cricket Darts for more experienced players is to play in order.
Score points.
If you've closed a number that your opponent hasn't closed yet, you can start collecting points on it until your opponent closes it. The double and triple are 2 or 3 times the numerical value of each number in play, respectively.
If you've completed the 16, but your opponent hasn't. Then, with a double 16, you'd get a massive 32 points!
You can continue to score on that number 16 until your opponent closes the margin. It's as easy as that. Keep a running count of your or your team's score on the scoreboard's outside margins.
Simple strategies for winning at Cricket Darts
Strive for the triple.
It is usual to strive for the triple ring of your number as a strategy. It is because a triple will complete a number in a single shot. It will also let you tally up more points if your opponent has not yet closed the gap. You won't always get the triple ring, of course, but going for the triple keeps you focused on the fat section of the stretch, boosting your chances of scoring a single.
Gain points by throwing first.
When it comes to Cricket Darts games, throwing first gives you an advantage. If you choose that strategy, getting to the closest to the bullseye at the start of the game is vital to your success.
You may close out a number and start adding points before your opponent has even begun throwing. When they finally get their turn, they'll have to play catch-up to get into the game. Ideally, try to maintain a points difference throughout the game.
Recognize your comfort zone.
Closing easier-to-hit numbers first will help you create a cushion of points. Many players will begin with the number 20. However, most games do not get played in order. So, if you're more comfortable with numbers towards the bottom of the board, aim for those first to make some room, and then spend more time on the ones that cause issues.
Don't overlook the bull.
Another commonly used technique is to deal with the bullseye as soon as possible. It's important to remember that you can't win unless you hit three corks. Closing out the bull is not an easy phase of a game for many players, as even if you are ahead in numbers and points, leaving the cork open allows your opponent to catch up. If this is a problem, you might find it easier to address this as quickly as possible.
Variations in Cricket Darts
Numerous common Cricket Darts variations can be used to make the game simpler, faster, or more difficult for talented players, or freshen things up if you play the conventional format for a while. Here are a few simple common twists:
Play without earning any points.
When playing without points, each player completes the numbers without regard for scoring points. It's very straightforward. In situations when others are waiting to play or if you're keeping things light among pals, this is a fantastic way to go. Playing without points is also ideal for beginners, and it works well in a more casual pub setting.
Play in the correct order
You may make the game more difficult by just counting numbers thrown in order, beginning with the 20 and going down to the bull's eye. If you enter a number out of sequence, it will not count.
Increase the numbers.
Adding to the numbers in play will allow you to extend your game. If you want to add the numbers 14 through 11 before the bull's eye following the 15, do so. It adds to the game's length and complexity by requiring players to target different board areas.
Cutthroat Cricket Darts is a fun game to play.
It is the same game as two-player Cricket Darts, but with three players instead of two. Cutthroat allows two players to join up and pile on the points to remove the other player.
Play-Cricket Alone
If you're searching for a decent way to practice darts, playing solitary Cricket Darts and stretching numbers is the best approach to develop your abilities.
Conclusion
That's it! That's Cricket Darts in a nutshell. We hope you found some useful information, and if you are looking for some other darts games to play either alone or with friends, you can check out our list of darts games here.
