Cricket (darts) cheat sheet

Darts · Cricket

American Cricket is the most-played darts game in U.S. bars and leagues: close numbers on the board while staying ahead on points. Confirm house rules with your venue — formats vary.

3 marks to close Score after you close 20–15 + Bull

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.