Master Cricket: The Essential Strategy Game
If 501 is a pure speed race, Cricket is a territory battle. It's the most popular bar game, allowing spectacular comebacks and requiring as much strategy as precision.
The Goal of the Game
The objective in Cricket is twofold. To win, you must:
- Close all required numbers before your opponent.
- Have the best score (or be tied) when you close everything.
Warning : If you close all your numbers first but are behind in points, the game continues until you catch up or your opponent closes everything too!
Playing Zones
In Cricket, not the whole board counts. Only 7 segments are used. If you hit 14, 1, or 12, it counts for nothing (it's a "brick").
Targets to aim for
- The numbers : 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15
- The center : The Bull (Bullseye)
- The outer ring (Double) : Worth 2 marks.
- The inner ring (Triple) : Worth 3 marks. The Holy Grail in Cricket!
- The Bull : The red is worth 2 marks, the green 1 mark.
How to Close a Number
To "close" a number, you must hit it 3 times. Doubles count for 2 marks, triples for 3.
| Marks | Notation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mark | / | In progress |
| 2 marks | X | Almost closed |
| 3 marks | ⊗ | CLOSED |
A triple immediately closes the number in one throw!
Scoring Points
Once a number is closed by you (but not yet by your opponent), each additional hit on that number earns you points.
Once your opponent also closes that number, no one can score points on it anymore.
Example : You've closed the 20. You hit a triple 20: you gain 60 points. Your opponent also closes the 20: the 20 is now "dead" for everyone.
Cricket Variants
Cut Throat
Very popular mode for 3 or more players. Points scored on an open number are given to opponents who haven't closed that number yet. The goal becomes to have the LEAST points possible!
Shared Board (Team mode)
In team mode, teammates can share the same closing board. Each player's marks add up to close numbers together.
Conclusion
Cricket is a complete game that rewards strategy as much as precision. Should you close everything first or accumulate points? Block your opponent or advance on your own numbers? These tactical choices make every game unique and exciting.
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