Cricket Darts Rules
Updated 20 October 2026 · By the Custom League Jerseys team
Cricket uses only 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and the bull. Hit a number three times to close it. Once you have closed a number and your opponent has not, extra hits on it score points. You win by closing every number and having the same or more points than your opponent.
The numbers in play
Only seven targets count: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15 and the bull. Everything else scores nothing. You can play them in any order.
Marks: how to close a number
| Hit | Marks |
|---|---|
| Single | 1 mark |
| Double ring | 2 marks |
| Treble ring | 3 marks (closes the number in one dart) |
| Outer bull | 1 mark on the bull |
| Inner bull | 2 marks on the bull |
Three marks on a number closes it. On a chalkboard the marks are written as a slash, an X, then a circled X.
Scoring points
When you have closed a number and your opponent has not, every further mark you hit on it scores that number in points. A treble 20 on a 20 you have closed scores 60. The bull scores 25 per mark. Once both sides have closed a number, it is dead and nobody scores on it.
How to win
The first player or team to close all seven targets and have equal or more points wins. If you close everything but are behind on points, you keep throwing at numbers your opponent has not closed until you catch up, or until they close them.
A short example
- Player A throws treble 20. The 20 is closed for A.
- Player B throws single 20, single 20, single 19. B has two marks on 20 and one on 19.
- Player A throws treble 20 again. B has not closed 20, so A scores 60 points.
- Player B hits a single 20. B closes 20, and it is now dead for both players.
Strategy basics
- Close the high numbers first. Points on 20 are worth more than points on 15.
- Do not chase points if you are already ahead. Close numbers instead.
- Leave the bull until you need it, unless you are strong on it.
Cut-throat cricket
Cut-throat is a variant for three or more players. Points go to your opponents instead of you, and the lowest score wins. Close numbers to stop others from loading points onto you.
League rules vary
Most US leagues follow the cricket rules of the NDA (soft tip) or the ADO (steel tip), with local additions about throwing order and the bull. Check your league's rule sheet. To score the other main league game, see how to score darts. Playing in a league? Match your team with custom dart jerseys.
Questions
Which numbers count in cricket darts?
15 through 20 and the bull. Everything else scores nothing.
How much is the bull worth in cricket?
The outer bull is one mark, the inner bull is two marks. Once closed, each extra mark scores 25 points.
Can you win cricket while behind on points?
No. You must have closed all seven targets and have equal or more points.
Sources
- National Dart Association: NDA Official Rules (soft tip)
- American Darts Organization: ADO Rules
Rules change. Check the current rulebook of the organization your league follows.
Get your team's jersey
Free mockup, factory direct prices. See our custom dart jerseys.
Get my free mockup