Quick answer: Train 20 through 15 and bull with measurable targets: marks per round, closure speed and controlled scoring after closure.
Build a marks-per-round baseline
Throw ten three-dart rounds at each Cricket target from 20 down to 15, then bull: 210 darts total, split into two sessions if needed. Count marks, not points, and divide by ten for marks per round on each target. Record zeros separately.
The weakest two targets become the opening focus next session. Do not let a strong triple 20 average conceal repeated misses at 17 or bull.
Run a three-round closure test
Choose one open number and allow three rounds to close it. Stop when three marks are reached; extra marks in the finishing dart count as scoring marks for a secondary total. Repeat five times per target. Record closures completed within one, two or three rounds.
This measures reliability rather than endless practice on a single bed. Rotate targets to preserve match-like switching.
Practice scoring after closure
Begin with 20 considered closed and throw one round at it, followed by one round at 19. The goal is at least four marks on the closed 20, then three marks toward closing 19. Score one point for each goal achieved over ten cycles.
The drill rehearses a common decision: build pressure while still making progress on another number. Adjust the mark threshold to keep success challenging but possible.
Use a points-or-close decision drill
Create cards or a list of situations: ahead by 30 with opponent's 20 open; tied with both needing 17; behind by 50 with one scoring number; opponent needing only bull. Before each turn, state close or score and the target, then throw. Award one decision point for a defensible choice and one execution point for achieving at least two marks.
Review the choice after the throw without rewriting it based on outcome. Good strategy can produce a miss; poor strategy can get lucky.
Finish with solo Cricket
Play against a fixed opponent that scores two marks per round, alternating targets from 20 downward. Your turn uses normal Cricket choices. Increase the opponent to 2.5 marks per round after three wins in five games; decrease after three losses.
Record rounds to finish, total scoring points and zero-mark turns. This connects isolated accuracy to pacing and pressure.
Balance opening strength with weak-number work
Use a 70/30 allocation for a six-session cycle: about 70 percent of target-specific darts go to the two weakest Cricket numbers and bull, while 30 percent maintains 20 and the player’s strongest target. This prevents weak-bed practice from eroding the reliable opening weapon. Recalculate the weakest numbers only after the cycle, not after every bad turn.
Add a race to five marks between a strong and weak number. Alternate one three-dart turn at each until one reaches five, then record turns required by both. The comparison shows whether the weak number is closing the gap without relying on different session conditions. Over time, aim for fewer zero-mark turns rather than demanding identical triple rates across every bed.
For two-player practice, swap the fixed opponent for alternating offense and defense roles. One player must score on a closed number while the other tries to close it within three rounds, then switch. Record marks rather than wins so unequal skill levels still produce useful comparisons.
Turn the answer into a better game
Use the relevant tool or playing guide next instead of leaving the answer on the screen. You can play the Road to the Crown darts game, measure a lane with the setup calculator, or return to our dart boards homepage to compare board types and plan a complete setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Cricket practice metric?
Marks per round by target is the clearest baseline. Add zero-mark turns and rounds to close so averages do not hide inconsistency.
Should I close numbers or score points in Cricket?
It depends on marks, lead and opponent position. Practice stating the decision before throwing so outcome does not rewrite the reasoning.
How should I practice the bull?
Give bull its own ten-round marks baseline and include it in closure tests. Confirm whether the machine or league treats outer and inner bull differently.
The Throw Lab verdict
A strong Cricket routine covers every target and the choices between them. Baseline marks per round from 20 through bull, test three-round closure, rehearse scoring after closure and use written situations to separate decision quality from execution. Finish against a scalable solo opponent. Review six-session trends in marks, zeros and rounds to finish; that evidence shows whether both accuracy and match management are improving. Keep the rules constant within a cycle so strategy and execution can be compared cleanly each week.