Let me separate the games into ’01 and cricket types, although many of the skills in either type can translate to the other game. I want to begin with the standard game (’01) for practicing with more than one person. In the previous article I explained the fundamentals of a game I call "170 Out." This game can be played with as many players as you like. You will find that your not directly competing with the other players but it really helps you to focus on out shot strategy and individual shots. Start the game with 170 points and try to take 170 out with a double shot (e.g. T20,T20, DB). Whatever the first person leaves (that is if you don’t take out 170 in one turn), as you count down, the next person tries to take out. If you double out on any turn, start over with 170. Use any remaining darts in hand to start counting down. I really like this game when preparing for doubles 501 with my partner. Pairs timing and strategy are fine tuned.

An interesting game I learned from Eric Kobaly Jr. and Brian Leicester, I call "501: 60 or Better." This one will really challenge most players. Begin by playing a traditional 501 game. The goal is to score 60 points or more on each turn, until you are down to an out shot. If you score less than 60, you give your score to your opponent. This game can be played with other variations, like a different starting number (example: 1,001), or using a different goal (examples: 57 or 80 or better). I’ve learned not to give up when far behind, from playing this game. It also teaches you to have scoring goals on each trip to the line.

One of my favorite games for 2 person ’01 practice is "Challenge 101" (double on double off). Flip a coin for starting. The winner of the toss throws first, but the loser calls the double that they both have to shoot to start the game (can be any double on the board). Whoever wins the game will shoot second and call the double out number for the next round. Both players must double on with the previous game winning double. Doubling on and off using atypical numbers improves doubling skills and provides both players with other out shot strategies than they are used to. It’s easy to repeat the same shot combinations each time you play, but this doesn’t improve your thinking about your strategy. This game will cause you to "think outside the box."

Now that I’ve provided you with three ’01 type games that can be played with multiple players, let’s do the same with cricket. "Around the Cricket World" is a useful game for providing clutch pressure and situations like match play, when you need to hit a single or key triple to move ahead. Each player starts with 20, and must hit each of the cricket numbers in sequence, plus the double 16 or double 20. Player score one point for successfully making through all of the numbers (20,19,18,17,16,15,Bull, D16). Here is the fun part. You have only one dart to hit each number, except for double 16, which gets a maximum of two darts. If you hit your target number, you move to the next number; if you miss, you move back to the previous number. Any double hit allows you to skip the next number in sequence (a D20 puts you on 18 for your next target). A triple hit skips two numbers (a triple 15 skips Bull and D16, to shoot 20 next). In this game, hitting T15 is very helpful. Play your opponent to an agreed upon number of points. Remember, if you miss enough targets, you can lose points gained. You should have a chance in this game to improve any numbers that you have had trouble with in the past, since you spend a lot of time shooting them (moving backward motivates you to make sure you hit the number).

Here is a game called "10 Of." Using the cricket numbers (20,19,18,17,16,15,B), you and your partner take turns shooting at one number. You each take turns at this same number until one of you hit ten marks (or more). The other player has one remaining turn to equal or exceed that number of marks. The winner of each cricket number gets one point, or in a tie you both get 1 point. Play until someone has 7 points.

The last cricket type game is called "Cricket Close Out." It can be played with one or many players. Played much like cricket, you must shoot the cricket numbers in order; 20,19,18,17,16,15,B. You must have 3 marks on each number before moving to the next in order. If you don’t get three or more marks on any number you’re shoot at in any turn, you must shoot all three darts at that same number on the next turn. Count the number of marks you have at the end of the game and divide by the number of turns it took you to finish the game. Your goal should be an average of 3 marks per turn or more. This ends up being 7 turns or 21 darts to average 3 marks per turn. This game creates a game like situation, since many times if you do not close a number on a turn you must go back at it on the next turn or shoot for points on a different number.

A few points to think about when shooting cricket type practice games. You have to respond to your opponent in cricket. Cricket is not just a game of responding to your opponent but also you should be trying to close numbers with as few darts as possible. Any number with marks, but not closed may mean wasted darts. During the game you must be able to move from number to number with ease, which is quite difficult. It is very important to know when to shoot at triples and when to shoot for singles. All of these skills are emphasized in the practice routines I’ve described in this article and also in article number 4 (Improving Weaknesses – A).

All The Best,

Charles Bradish