Short answer: the dart game where you often try to hit numbers three times is usually Cricket. In standard Cricket, players aim to “close” the numbers 15 to 20 and the bull by hitting each one three times. A treble counts as three marks, a double counts as two, and a single counts as one.
Last checked: 26 June 2026. Cricket rules vary by venue and app, especially around scoring points after a number is closed. Always confirm the house format before starting.
How Cricket works
Cricket is different from 501. Instead of counting down from a starting score, players target specific numbers: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and bull. The aim is to close each number by scoring three marks on it. Once a number is closed, you may be able to score points on it if your opponent has not closed it yet.
The winner is usually the player who closes all required numbers and has at least as many points as the opponent. If you close everything but are behind on points, you still need to score or wait for a chance depending on the exact rules being used.
Marks explained
| Hit | Marks | Example on 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 1 mark | S20 = one mark |
| Double | 2 marks | D20 = two marks |
| Treble | 3 marks | T20 closes 20 immediately |
| Outer bull | 1 mark | One bull mark |
| Inner bull | 2 marks | Two bull marks in many formats |
Why trebles matter so much
A treble closes a number in one dart. That is why Cricket rewards precision as much as general accuracy. In 501, a single 20 still scores 20. In Cricket, if you need three marks on 20, a treble is a huge shortcut. It can close a number immediately or score points once it is open for you.
This makes Cricket a strong practice game for trebles, board movement and tactical thinking.
Open, closed and scoring
A number is “open” for scoring if you have closed it and your opponent has not. For example, if you close 20 first and your opponent still has only one mark on 20, further hits on 20 may score points for you. Once both players close 20, nobody can score on it.
This creates strategy. Sometimes you should close your opponent's scoring number quickly. Sometimes you should score points before closing a different number. The right choice depends on the scoreboard.
Beginner example
Imagine you hit T20 with your first dart. You have closed 20. Your opponent has not touched 20 yet. If your next dart hits single 20, you may score 20 points because 20 is open for you and not closed for them. If your opponent then hits T20, they close 20 and stop you scoring there.
This is the heart of Cricket: close numbers, defend against scoring, and choose when to attack.
Cricket versus around-the-clock
Cricket is not the only game where numbers are hit in sequence or repeated. Around-the-clock asks players to hit numbers 1 to 20 in order. Some practice versions require one, two or three hits per number. But when people say “hit every number three times”, they are usually thinking of Cricket because three marks are central to the rules.
Beginner Cricket tactics
- Start with 20 because it is the highest scoring number.
- Do not ignore 19; it is the best cover and second scoring number.
- If your opponent is scoring heavily on a number, close it.
- Use trebles to close quickly.
- Do not chase bull too late if you are behind on points and your opponent has scoring numbers open.
Why Cricket improves your darts
Cricket forces you away from only aiming at treble 20. You must move around 15 to 20 and bull, which builds board coverage. It also teaches scoreboard awareness. You learn when to attack, when to defend and when a single is good enough.
For beginners, this is valuable because 501 can become repetitive if every visit is aimed at 20. Cricket makes you practise different segments with purpose.
Practice variations
- No-score Cricket: close all numbers first; ignore points for a simpler beginner version.
- Solo Cricket: count how many darts it takes to close 15 to 20 and bull.
- Trebles-only Cricket: singles do not count; useful for advanced practice.
- Cut-throat Cricket: points go to opponents instead of yourself; good for groups.
- Three-mark around-the-clock: hit each number three times before moving on.
Equipment note
Cricket benefits from a board with clear trebles and a reliable bull area. If your board is worn around 20s or bull, the game becomes frustrating. Browse dartboards, dart sets and darts accessories for a better practice setup.
Bottom line
The game most people mean is Cricket. You close 15 to 20 and bull by hitting each target three times, with doubles and trebles counting for extra marks. It is one of the best games for learning board movement, pressure and tactical scoring.
FAQ
What numbers are used in Cricket?
Usually 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and bull.
Does a treble count as three hits?
Yes, in standard Cricket a treble counts as three marks.
Can you play Cricket alone?
Yes. Try closing all numbers in as few darts as possible.
Is Cricket good for beginners?
Yes, especially because it teaches more of the board than only throwing at 20.
