Cricket Darts: Rules and Strategy

Last updated 9 November 2026

Cricket is the great tactical darts game. Only seven targets matter, and the decision that wins games isn't where you can throw but where you should. A weaker player with a better plan can win.

The rules

1. The targets are the 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and the bull. Every other number is worth nothing.
2. You close a number by scoring three marks on it. A single is one mark, a double two and a treble three.
3. For the bull, the outer bull is one mark and the inner bull is two.
4. Once you have closed a number, extra marks on it score points, as long as at least one opponent has not closed it.
5. Once every player has closed a number, it is dead and scores nothing for anyone.
6. You win by closing all seven targets while having at least as many points as your opponents.

A worked example

You have no marks on 20 and throw three darts: single 20, treble 20, miss.

• The single gives you one mark.
• The treble is worth three marks. Two complete your three and close the 20. The third is an extra mark.
• If your opponent hasn't closed the 20, that extra mark scores you 20 points.

Your opponent now has a choice: chase you by closing 20, or ignore it and close something else. Every turn they don't close it, you can keep scoring on it.

How the marks are shown

The traditional notation, which the DartScore.uk scoreboard follows, builds up one mark at a time: a slash for one mark, a cross for two and a circled cross for a closed number.

Strategy

Start high, usually

The 20 is the most valuable number to own, because each extra mark scores more. Starting at 20 and working down is a sound default, particularly if your treble 20 is reliable.

Compare the race, not just the score

Ahead on points with fewer numbers closed? Close numbers. Behind on points? You have to score, because closing everything doesn't win unless your points are level or better. Before each dart, ask which of those situations you are in.

Close what your opponent is scoring on

If your opponent has been piling points on the 19, closing it stops the bleeding straight away. It is often worth more than starting a new number of your own.

Think about the bull early

The bull is the hardest target, and players often leave it until last and then miss repeatedly while their opponent catches up. Build a points lead first if you can, so a few missed bulls don't cost you the game.

Don't over-score

Once you have a comfortable lead, stop adding points and finish closing. A big lead is worth nothing if your opponent closes everything and catches you.

Common house rules

• Cut-throat Cricket: extra marks add points to your opponents' scores rather than yours, and the lowest score wins. The DartScore.uk scoreboard uses the standard version above.
• Fixed order: some groups insist on closing numbers from 20 downwards.
• Teams: partners usually share one set of marks and one score. To play this on the scoreboard, enter each team as one player.

Frequently asked questions

Can you score on a number your opponent has closed?

Yes, as long as you have also closed it and at least one opponent has not. Once all players have closed a number, it is dead and scores no more points.

What happens if you close everything but are behind on points?

The game continues. You have to keep scoring on numbers your opponent has not closed until your points are level or better, unless they close everything first and lead.

How much is the bull worth in Cricket?

Outer bull is one mark and inner bull is two marks. Once closed, each extra mark scores 25 points.

Does a double on any number count in Cricket?

Only on the target numbers 15 to 20. A double 7, for example, is worth nothing.