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Cricket is a widely appreciated game in the darting world, known for its engaging blend of strategy and precision. In this game, the objective traditionally is to ‘close’ specific numbers on the board before your opponent does. The point-scoring variation of cricket adds an exciting competitive edge to the game. In this guide, we will delve into how to play the point-scoring variant of cricket darts, focusing on the exact numbers involved in the gameplay.
Understanding the Dartboard
To begin, one must get acquainted with the dartboard. A conventional dartboard comprises 20 numbered sections; each split further into single, double, and triple scoring areas. The board’s center, the Bullseye, is divided into the outer bull (or single bull) and the inner bull (or double bull).
In the game of cricket darts, the areas of interest on the board are the numbers 15 through 20 and the Bullseye.
Initiating the Game
Cricket is commonly played between two players or two teams. The game starts with a dart thrown by each player to determine who plays first. The dart closest to the Bullseye decides the first player.
Scoring and Winning with Specific Numbers
In conventional cricket darts, the aim is to ‘open’ and ‘close’ the numbers from 15 through 20 and the Bullseye before your opponent. To ‘open’ a number, it must be hit three times with any combination of singles, doubles, or triples. Once a number is ‘open,’ you can score points on that number until your opponent ‘closes’ it by hitting it three times. The first player to ‘close’ all the numbers and have the most points wins.
However, the point-scoring variant of cricket involves scoring even after all the numbers are closed. Here’s how it works:
- Opening and Closing Numbers (15 through 20 and Bullseye): The rules remain similar to the traditional game for opening a number: hitting it three times in any combination. But, in this variant, after a number is ‘open,’ if you hit it again before your opponent ‘closes’ it, you score points equivalent to that number. For instance, if you have ‘opened’ 20 and hit it again before your opponent ‘closed’ it, you gain 20 points.
- Scoring on Opponent’s Numbers: This rule sets the point-scoring variant apart from traditional cricket darts. After you ‘close’ a number by hitting it three times, if your opponent still needs to ‘close’ that number, each subsequent hit you make adds to your score.
- Closing the Bullseye: The Bullseye operates similarly to other numbers. However, the outer bull counts as a single, and the inner bull counts as a double.
- Winning the Game: The game concludes when all numbers (15 through 20) and the Bullseye have been ‘closed’ by both players. The player with the highest score at the end is declared the winner.
Strategy and Tipsin Cricket Darts
- Target High Numbers First: In the point-scoring variant of cricket, opening and closing the higher numbers first (20 through 15) can prove beneficial, as hitting these numbers will grant you more points.
- Block Your Opponent: If you observe your opponent opening a number and accumulating a substantial score, close that number quickly to block their scoring opportunities.
- Score on Your Closed Numbers: Even after closing a number, continue scoring on it until your opponent manages to close it, allowing you to keep stacking points.
- Consistency Over Quantity: Consistency in hitting singles on your targeted numbers is more beneficial than occasionally hitting doubles or triples. Consistency aids in opening, closing, and scoring on numbers more efficiently.
Practice, as always, is the key to proficiency in cricket darts. The more you engage with the game, the better you will become at hitting your targets and devising winning strategies. Happy darting!