Game Mode
How to Play Cricket Darts
Cricket is a strategic darts game that's hugely popular in bars and leagues, especially in North America. Unlike X01, where you're racing to reduce a score, Cricket is about "closing" numbers while accumulating points — making it a unique blend of accuracy and tactical thinking.
The game focuses on numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye. To close a number, you need to hit it three times. Singles count as one mark, doubles count as two, and trebles count as three — so a single treble 20 closes the number in one throw.
Here's where strategy comes in: once you've closed a number but your opponent hasn't, any additional hits on that number score points for you. The game ends when one player has closed all numbers and the bullseye, provided they have equal or more points than their opponent.
PilPlay offers three Cricket variants to suit different play styles. Standard Cricket is the classic format described above. Cut-Throat Cricket flips the scoring — when you score points on an open number, the points go to your opponents instead of you, and the player with the lowest score wins. This variant punishes aggressive scoring and rewards defensive play. No Score Cricket removes the scoring element entirely — it's a pure race to close all numbers and the bullseye first, making it faster and more straightforward.
PilPlay's Cricket scoreboard makes it easy to see who's closed what, track marks, and follow the strategic flow of the game in real-time.
Rules
- 1.The game uses numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye
- 2.Players take turns throwing 3 darts per round
- 3.You must hit each number 3 times to 'close' it (singles = 1 mark, doubles = 2, trebles = 3)
- 4.Once you close a number your opponent hasn't, additional hits score points (in Standard mode)
- 5.The bullseye requires 3 marks to close (outer bull = 1 mark, inner bull = 2 marks)
- 6.A player wins by closing all numbers and the bullseye with equal or more points than the opponent
- 7.If both players have closed everything, the player with the higher score wins
Game Settings in PilPlay
Customize your Cricket experience with these configurable options.
Game Variant
Choose between three distinct Cricket formats that fundamentally change how the game is played.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Cricket darts?
In Cricket, players take turns throwing at numbers 15-20 and the bullseye. Hit each number 3 times to 'close' it. Once closed, extra hits score points if your opponent hasn't closed that number yet. Win by closing all numbers with equal or higher points.
What numbers are used in Cricket darts?
Cricket uses numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye. All other numbers on the dartboard don't count in Cricket.
Can you score points on a closed number in Cricket?
Yes, but only if your opponent hasn't closed that number yet. Once both players have closed a number, no more points can be scored on it.
What's the best strategy for Cricket darts?
Most players start with 20s since they offer the highest scoring potential. Close high numbers first for point advantage, but also be ready to defensively close numbers your opponent is scoring on.
What is Cut-Throat Cricket?
Cut-Throat Cricket reverses the scoring. When you hit an open number that you've closed but your opponent hasn't, the points go to your opponents instead of you. The player with the lowest score at the end wins. This makes it a more defensive and strategic variant where you want to avoid giving points away.
What is No Score Cricket?
No Score Cricket removes the point-scoring element entirely. It's a pure race to close all seven targets (15-20 and the bullseye) first. The first player to close everything wins, regardless of points. It's faster and great for casual play or practice.