Quick answer: Close 20 through 15 and the bull by hitting each three times. After closing a number, score on it only while an opponent still has it open.
Set up the Cricket scoreboard
Write both players' names with rows for 20 through 15, bull and points. A slash commonly represents one mark, a second slash forms an X, and a circle around the X indicates closure, although any clear notation works. Decide first throw with a bull contest. Each turn contains up to three darts, and targets may be hit in any order.
Only the designated Cricket numbers matter. A triple 14 scores nothing in standard Cricket. If a player hits triple 20 on the first dart, 20 is closed immediately. Further 20s in that turn can score if an opponent remains open. In team play, local rules may require every opposing teammate to close before scoring stops; state this before play.
Close numbers and calculate points
One single, one double or one triple can supply one, two or three marks. Excess marks after closure become points at the target's value. If you have two marks on 19 and hit triple 19, the first mark closes it and the other two score 38, provided the opponent's 19 is open. If both players have closed 19, later hits there do nothing.
The bull follows the same idea but uses 25 and 50. Three outer bulls close it; one inner plus one outer also close it. If two marks are already recorded and inner bull lands, one mark closes and the excess mark scores 25—not 50—because marks beyond closure are converted by the target's single value.
Meet both winning conditions
To win, close all seven targets and have points equal to or greater than every opponent. If you close everything while trailing, play continues. You must score on a target the opponent still has open until you draw level or move ahead; the opponent can win by closing that scoring lane and completing the remaining targets.
A tie on points is enough once all your targets are closed. If a player accidentally removes darts before a score is called, use the agreed league or house procedure; do not reconstruct favorable hits from memory. In casual play, a visible mark-by-mark scoreboard prevents most end-game disputes.
Choose between closing and scoring
Closing the highest open number reduces an opponent's most valuable scoring lane. Scoring creates a cushion that forces the opponent to spend darts matching points. The right choice depends on accuracy and board state. If you own 20 and the opponent has no marks there, another triple 20 creates 60 points and pressure. If the opponent has two marks on 19 and throws strongly there, closing 19 may be urgent.
Avoid points with no strategic purpose. A large lead is useful only if it costs fewer darts than closing and protects against a realistic comeback. Conversely, refusing to score on principle can leave you vulnerable: an opponent who closes first can attack an open high number and create a lead you must chase.
Handle common variants and edge cases
Cut-Throat Cricket reverses the pressure: extra hits give points to opponents, and the player with the lowest score wins after closing. No-points Cricket removes scoring entirely and makes the first full closure the winner. Random Cricket or electronic variants may choose different target numbers. These are not interchangeable with standard Cricket, so label the format.
For three or more players, clarify whether points are awarded against all open opponents or recorded in a shared total. Also decide whether partners share marks. Standard scoring logic is straightforward, but multiplayer house versions vary more than two-player Cricket.
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
Can you score on a number before closing it?
No. Hits first create your three marks. Only excess hits after your closure become points, and only while an opponent remains open.
Does inner bull count as two marks in Cricket?
Yes. Outer bull is one mark and inner bull is two marks.
Can you win Cricket while behind on points?
No. You must close every target and be tied or ahead on points. If you trail, continue scoring on targets an opponent has open.
The Throw Lab verdict
Cricket is not merely a race around the top half of the board. Every dart changes access to points. Record marks carefully, convert only excess hits, and remember that closure plus a non-losing score is the complete win condition. Early in the game, high-number control usually matters most; later, the opponent's marks and points determine whether to close or score. The strongest practical habit is reading the entire scoreboard before each visit. Choose the target that either removes the opponent's best scoring lane or creates the smallest useful cushion, then reassess after every dart.