Cricket (darts) cheat sheet
Darts · Cricket
American Cricket darts rules abbreviated. When in doubt, see official rules.
A single counts one mark, double two, and triple three. Three marks close that number for your side.
Extra hits score points only if your opponent has not closed that number yet.
Only 20 through 15 and bull count in Cricket; all other segments are ignored for marks and points.
01
Game overview
- Targets: only 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the Bull count.
- Goal: be first to close every target (three marks each) while finishing with greater than or equal total points to your opponent.
- Players: head-to-head or two-person teams; normally alternate turns of three darts.
02
Marks (closing numbers)
- Hits on 20–15: a single scores one mark, a double scores two marks, a triple scores three marks on that number.
- Closed for you: when your marks on a number reach three, that number is closed for you — no more marks “bank” on your side for that number.
- Both closed: after both sides have three marks on a number, no more points may be scored on that number by anyone.
03
Scoring points
- When points count: you score only on numbers you have closed and your opponent has not yet closed.
- Face value: each scoring dart earns its usual value (e.g. triple 20 = 60, double 16 = 32).
- Fat Bull: the outer bull typically scores 25; the inner (double) bull scores 50 when points apply — unless your house rule says otherwise.
04
Closing the Bull
- Two rings: the Bull has an outer ring (single bull / “fat”) and an inner ring (double bull).
- Common marking: outer bull = one mark toward closing Bull; inner bull = two marks toward closing Bull (confirm locally).
- Same as other targets: once both players have three marks on the Bull, it is closed for scoring for both.
05
Turns & throwing
- Three darts: each turn is normally up to three darts; remove darts only after scoring is recorded.
- Order: decide who throws first with a coin toss, bull shot, or league rotation.
- Toe line: both feet must stay behind the oche / throw line — touching or crossing early is a foul in sanctioned play.
06
Winning
- Typical win: close all cricket numbers plus Bull and have greater than or equal points to your opponent.
- Behind when you close: if you close everything first but trail in points, play continues until you erase the deficit or your opponent finishes — exact tie-break varies by league sheet.
- No-points Cricket: some bars play “marks only” with no scoring — first to close everything wins; say so before you throw.
07
Etiquette & fouls
- Score honesty: call what you hit; when unclear, agree before pulling darts.
- Bounce-outs: darts that fall out usually count as no score — unless the machine or league rules say otherwise.
- Distraction: no shouting or movement meant to throw off the thrower.
08
Variants & leagues
- Cut-throat (3 players): each player owns different colors or scoring columns; rules vary — agree before starting.
- Electronic boards: Dartslive / Galaxy etc. may auto-score marks — still verify hits before “next player.”
- League sheets: ADO, local bars, and steel-tip leagues may tweak Bull marks, starting score, or playoff caps.
- Practice: call close-outs aloud so both sides track marks the same way.