Darts is a sport that requires skill, coordination, reflexes, and practice to master. While there are many darts games and variations, one of the most strategic and popular is darts cricket. Darts cricket has been around since the 1920s and follows similar gameplay rules to the bat-and-ball cricket sport. It’s an exciting game for two players or teams that combines scoring points, accuracy, and quick reflexes. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to play darts cricket with rules, scoring, strategies, and tips for beginners.
Understanding the Dartboard
The first step to learning darts cricket is understanding the dartboard. A regulation bristle dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections in a clock-face pattern. The numbers range from 1 to 20 in a clockwise direction. There is an inner narrow band and an outer broad band that divide the two main sections – the scoring area and the outer area. The inner scoring bands contain numbers 1 to 20 with some pie slices as double and treble sections. The outer ring has two large green sections at the top (bullseye) and bottom (outer bull).
Equipment Needed
To play darts cricket, you will need a bristle dartboard mounted on a backboard, a set of 3 darts with plastic tips for each player/team, and a way to keep score (chalkboard, paper, or scoreboard). Make sure to stand at least 8 feet away from the dartboard during play for regulation scoring. Have a toe line taped on the floor to stand behind to throw from the proper distance.
Rules and Scoring
The main objective of darts cricket is to “close” all the numbers from 15 to 20 and the bullseye before your opponent. This is done by scoring 3 hits of each number. The first player/team to close all numbers and have a higher or equal point score wins.
Each player throws 3 darts per turn to try to score points and close numbers. The scoring is as follows:
| Hitting | Scoring |
|---|---|
| Single number | Score that number (e.g. hitting 18 gets 18 points) |
| Double ring | Score 2x that number (e.g. double 18 gets 36 points) |
| Triple ring | Score 3x that number (e.g. triple 18 gets 54 points) |
| Outer bull | 25 points |
| Inner bullseye | 50 points |
| Closed single number | No score |
| Double or triple of a closed number | Number remains closed but points scored |
Once a player/team hits a number 3 times in any combination of single, double or triple, that number is ‘closed’ for both players/teams.
Example Gameplay
To start, both players shoot for the bullseye to determine who goes first. Player 1 hits the outer bull, Player 2 hits the inner bullseye so Player 2 starts.
Player 2 throws for numbers trying to score points and close numbers quickly. If Player 2 hits a triple 20 with their first dart, it would be closed for both players and Player 2 would get 60 points. Play continues with each player taking turns throwing 3 darts until all numbers are closed.
Later, if Player 1 hits a double 20, they do not score any points since triple 20 is already closed. But if they hit triple 20 again, they would score 60 points (number remains closed). The player/team with the most total points at the end wins.
Strategies and Tips
Here are some helpful strategies and tips for successfully playing darts cricket:
- Aim for triples first to close high-value numbers faster.
- Prioritise closing 20, 19, 18 early since they are the highest numbers.
- Don’t neglect closing lower numbers as they can add up significantly.
- If you are ahead on points, shoot for the bullseye instead of numbers to pile up more points.
- Use doubles and triples to keep scoring on already closed numbers.
- Be aware of what your opponent has closed and target open numbers.
- Take your time and don’t rush throws. Consistency is key.
- Use good technique – stand with feet shoulder-width apart and keep your eye on the target.
- Follow through fully on your throw and don’t drop your throwing arm.
- Relax your grip and use a smooth, controlled motion. Don’t muscle the darts.
Mastering darts cricket takes dedication and regular practice. Playing frequently will hone your skill, strategy, and competitive edge. With some helpful strategies, beginners can start winning games against more experienced players. Remember to have fun and that a bit of friendly competition makes playing even more enjoyable.
In a nutshell, darts cricket is a strategic and engaging game that requires accuracy, focus, quick reflexes and good strategy. The goal is to close all numbers and finish with a higher point total than your opponent. By learning the rules of scoring, closing numbers efficiently, and implementing tactical tips, both beginning and experienced players can excel at darts cricket. It’s a social game that is easy to comprehend but takes great skill to master. With a quality set of darts and a dartboard, practise your throw until hitting doubles, triples, and bullseyes becomes second nature. Closing all your numbers before anyone else and piling up the points will soon feel extremely gratifying.