What numbers do you use in Cricket darts?

Cricket darts uses numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the Bullseye. These are the only areas on the dartboard that count in Cricket.

How do you win at Cricket darts?

To win Cricket, you must close all numbers (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and Bull) by hitting each three times, AND have equal or more points than your opponent. You can score points on closed numbers before your opponent closes them.

What does it mean to close a number in Cricket?

Closing a number means hitting it three times. A single counts as one mark, a double counts as two marks, and a triple counts as three marks (closing it in one dart).

Cricket Darts Rules: Complete Guide

Cricket is a strategic dart game that's hugely popular in North America. Unlike 501 or 301, Cricket focuses on specific numbers and combines closing targets with scoring points. It's great for players of all skill levels.

The Cricket Numbers

Cricket uses only 7 target areas on the dartboard:

Bull

All other numbers on the dartboard do not count in Cricket.

How to Play Cricket

Closing Numbers

Hit each number 3 times to "close" it:

Single = 1 mark
Double = 2 marks
Triple = 3 marks (closes the number in one dart!)

Scoring Points

Once you've closed a number, additional hits score points
Points equal the face value (hitting 20 = 20 points)
You can only score on numbers your opponent has not closed
If both players close a number, neither can score on it

Winning the Game

To win, you must:

Close all 7 numbers (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, Bull)
Have equal or more points than your opponent

The Marking System

Cricket uses a simple marking system to track progress on each number:

1 mark

2 marks

⊗

3 marks (closed)

When a number is closed, it's typically circled or marked with a circle around the X.

Cricket Strategy

Close High Numbers First

Start with 20, 19, and 18. These numbers have the highest point values, giving you more scoring potential once closed.

Offensive vs Defensive Play

Offensive (Ahead on Points)

Focus on closing numbers. Your opponent can't catch up if you close everything.

Defensive (Behind on Points)

Close numbers your opponent is scoring on. This stops the bleeding and evens the game.

The Bullseye Decision

The bull is worth 25 (outer) or 50 (inner) points
Inner bullseye counts as 2 marks; outer bull counts as 1
Many players save the bull for last because it's harder to hit
If you're ahead on points, close the bull early to prevent comebacks

Key Tips

Triple 20 closes that number in one dart - aim for triples when possible
If you're far behind on points, consider pointing before closing
Don't forget: you must close all numbers AND be ahead to win

Example Turn

Player A has closed 20 and has 1 mark on 19. They throw:

Triple 20: Already closed - scores 60 points!
Single 19: Now has 2 marks on 19
Double 19: Closes 19 (2 + 2 = 4 marks, 3 to close + 1 extra = 19 points)

Result: Player A scores 79 points (60 + 19) and closes 19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I score on a number I haven't closed?

No. You must close a number (hit it 3 times) before you can score points on it. Any hits before the number is closed only count as marks toward closing it.

What if I close all numbers but have fewer points?

You don't win yet. You must continue scoring on numbers your opponent hasn't closed until you have equal or more points. Only then can you win by closing all numbers.

Does the inner bullseye count as 2 marks?

Yes! The inner bull (center, 50 points) counts as 2 marks. The outer bull (ring around center, 25 points) counts as 1 mark. You need 3 marks total to close the bull.

501 Darts

Classic scoring game - race to zero

Around the Clock

Great for practicing accuracy

Ready to Play Cricket?

Start a game with automatic mark tracking.