If you love playing darts but are looking for a more challenging and interesting variation, why not try cricket darts? This game adds a whole new level of excitement to the classic game of darts, and it is essential knowledge for all bar goers and darts lovers! If you live in the UK, you may have heard it referred to as “Mickey Mouse”. It is played around the world and is the most popular dart game in the US. Keep reading to learn how to play cricket darts, tips and strategies, plus variations to suit any occasion. Get ready to become the master of bar night!
The object of cricket darts is to close out all numbers in play before your opponent, while also being ahead of them or even in total points. The numbers in play are 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and bull. You won’t score anything for hitting numbers other than those!
How To Play
Players (or teams) take turns throwing three darts in succession – this counts as one inning. To close out a number, a player/team must score three hits of that number. This can be done by scoring three singles, a single and a double, or a triple.
When a player/team hits a target cricket number, a horizontal line is drawn next to that number under their name on the scoreboard. When the player hits the same number a second time, a second line is drawn to form an X. When they hit it a third time, a circle is drawn around the X, signifying that that number is closed. When closing the bull’s eye, the outer bull counts as a single, and the inner bull counts as a double.
Once you have closed a number, you can start scoring points! In addition, your opponent cannot score points on a number you have closed first. Once both teams have closed a number, nobody can accomplish any further scoring on it.
The points you score correlates to the number you hit, i.e. 20 points for 20, 19 for 19 and so on. For the bull’s eye, the outer ring counts as 25 and the inner counts as 50.
The player/team who closes all the numbers first and has more points than the other team, wins!
Some electronic dart boards can keep score of different types of dart games like Cricket Darts, but if you have a regular bristle dartboard like these you’ll have to keep track yourself.
Top Tips For Winning Cricket Darts
Follow these tips and strategies to wow all your friends next time you play.
- Aim For The Triple
If you get the triple ring of a number, you can close it out with one hit. You won’t hit the triple ring every time, but you are likely to hit a single if you miss.
2. Go High first
A good strategy is to aim to close out the 20 first. Then you can start scoring points on it, thus accumulating points more quickly.
3. Attack In A Horizontal Line
It is a good idea to move horizontally from 20 to 19 to 18 and so on. Not only will you start accruing high points more quickly, but each time you switch numbers you only have to adjust your aim slightly.
Variations Of Cricket Darts
There are several cricket variations to suit any player or occasion! Here are just a few of them.
No Score Cricket
This is the same as standard cricket with three darts apiece for each inning, except that there is no scoring and the winner is whoever closes all the numbers first. This is perfect for when you only have time for a short game.
Spanish Cricket
Spanish Cricket is a way to make the game last longer. In addition to the usual numbers, you also have to close out 11, 12, 13 and 14.
Tactics
Tactics is another extended version for those who want a challenge. As well as the usual numbers, all players must close out doubles, triples and three bullseyes.
Cutthroat Cricket
This version turns the standard game on its head by making it so the lowest score wins. Players must still close out each number, but any points scored go to the opponent instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Rules For Cricket Darts?
The rules for cricket darts are relatively simple: basic cricket darts rules are that players/teams must close out the target numbers, which are the numbers 15-20, and bull. To close a number, you must score three marks on it. For bull, the outer ring counts as a single and the inner ring as a double. Once you have closed a number, you can begin scoring. Once your opponent closes it too, no-one can score any more points on it. The winning team is the one who has closed all the numbers and has more points than their opponent.
How Do You Score Points In Cricket 200?
You score points in cricket 200 by first closing out the target numbers, which are 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and bull. However, if your opponent closes a number first, you cannot score any points on it. Once each player/team has closed a number, no more points can be scored on it.
How Can Three People Play Cricket?
Three people can play cricket by playing as individuals instead of teams. However, it makes for quite a convoluted game. Cutthroat cricket works better with this number of players. Basically, any points you score will go to the other players/teams, as long as they have not yet closed out the number too. The player/team with fewer points at the end wins.
How Do You Win Cricket?
You win cricket by closing out all the target numbers and having the highest number of points. The game does not end until a player/team meets both these criteria. As you play darts cricket, there are thus two objectives – score as many points as possible, and close as many numbers as you can to prevent your opponent from scoring.
How Many Darts Are Needed For A Perfect Game Of Cricket?
8 darts are needed for a perfect game of cricket. This would mean the player throws one dart each for 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 (each on a triple), and two darts for the bull (one on the outer ring and one on the inner ring as this counts as a double). If you haven’t got enough darts, check out our best darts reviews.
Conclusion
There you have it. The rules may seem complicated at first, but once you start you will soon get the hang of how to play cricket darts. And you will find that it is one of the most exciting dart games you can play! Plus, there are lots of fun cricket darts variations to keep it interesting. It’s time to start practicing those hits!
