Cricket is a strategy game that requires the player to score three times in certain numbers, and do so before the opposing player does. The numbers that need to be hit are: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the Bullseye.
The double and triple rings count accordingly, so the required three scores can be achieved with less than three darts. Once a number has been scored 3 times, it is "closed". If player "A" has a number closed, and the opponent does not have that number closed, then any subsequent scores on the number by player "A" will result in points equal the number of scores in the number. Once a player has a number closed, there can be no more points scored against him/her in that number. The first player to close all the required numbers and have the most points is the winner.
The point aspect of the game is where the strategy of cricket really exists; because the winner has to have the most points, as well as have the required numbers closed, merely closing all the numbers does not necessarily mean victory. As long as the opponent has more points-even if he/she has fewer numbers closed-the player cannot win the game until their point total surpasses their opponent's.
There is also no set order in which the numbers need to be closed. Most players will start with the 20, but a player may start with any of the required numbers.
Sometimes the opponent's throw may dictate your throw: if your opponent starts a game with a triple 20, single 20, and a triple 19, then you are faced with being down by 20 points and that your opponent has two numbers closed. Trying to close the 20 and the 19 at this point would mean that, at the very best(if you scored a triple 20 and then a triple 19), you would have one dart left to throw and there would be no way for you to score points. Strategically, the more appropriate throw would be to try to score in the 18 and force the opponent to go back to the 20 or 19 to regain the point lead instead of makin progress toward closing numbers. It may seem counter-productive to allow the opponent to score more points on you, but it has the effect of prolonging the game and thus giving you a better chance to win. Many games of cricket are won this way.