Minnesota Cricket Game Guide
Master the strategic variant of traditional Cricket with special categories and dynamic scoring.
Game Overview
What is Minnesota Cricket?
Minnesota Cricket, also known as Wild Mouse, is a dynamic variation of standard Cricket darts. It enhances the classic game with three special target categories that add strategic depth and create more scoring opportunities.
This variant allows players of all skill levels to compete more evenly by providing multiple paths to victory.
Popular in Minnesota and gradually spreading to other regions, this variant has become a favorite in casual and competitive settings.
Game Setup
Standard Targets
Numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and Bullseye
Special Categories
- D Doubles
- T Triples
- 3B Three-in-a-bed
Equipment
Standard dartboard, scoring system with additional categories
Basic Rules
Winning
Win by closing all targets AND having a score equal to or greater than your opponent.
Key Rule: One Dart, One Way
The most critical rule in Minnesota Cricket is that one dart can only count one way. You must choose how to count each dart.
Example: Triple 20
When you hit a triple 20, you must choose to count it as either:
- Three marks toward closing the number 20, OR
- One mark toward closing the T (triples) category
You cannot count it as both!
Special Categories
Doubles
-
Hit three doubles of ANY number on the board
-
Each double = 1 mark toward closing D
-
After closing, each additional double = 40 points (if opponent hasn't closed D)
Example:
Double 16, Double 8, Double 4 would close the D category
Triples
-
Hit three triples of ANY number on the board
-
Each triple = 1 mark toward closing T
-
After closing, each additional triple = 60 points (if opponent hasn't closed T)
Example:
Triple 20, Triple 19, Triple 5 would close the T category
Three-in-a-bed
-
Hit the same number with all three darts in one turn
-
Instantly closes the 3B category
-
No point value for scoring after closing
Example:
Three single 16s in one turn would close 3B
Scoring Examples
Standard Number Scoring
If you've closed 19 but your opponent hasn't:
Single 19
19 points
Double 19
38 points
Triple 19
57 points
Special Category Scoring
After closing a special category:
Any double
40 points each
(if opponent hasn't closed D)
Any triple
60 points each
(if opponent hasn't closed T)
Three-in-a-bed
No point value
(no scoring after closing)
Scoring Calculation Examples
Three Triple 20s
Option A: Count as 20s
- 9 marks toward 20
- First 3 marks close the 20
- 6 excess marks = 120 points
Total: 120 points
Option B: Count as Triples
- 3 marks toward T category
- Closes T with 0 excess marks
Total: 0 points
Three Different Doubles
Option A: Count as Doubles
- 3 marks toward D category
- Closes D with 0 excess marks
Total: 0 points
Option B: Count Toward Numbers
Example: Double 16, Double 8, Double 4
- 2 marks toward 16
- 2 marks toward 8
- 2 marks toward 4
Total progress on 3 numbers
Strategic Considerations
Early Game
-
Focus on closing high-value numbers (20, 19) first
-
Build a lead by scoring on the highest value targets
-
Delay special categories unless you're consistently hitting triples
Mid Game
-
Consider closing special categories if behind
-
Block opponent's scoring by closing their high-value targets
-
Be flexible with how you count tripple hits based on game state
Late Game
-
If ahead, focus on closing remaining targets
-
If behind, use D and T categories for scoring
-
The 3B category can be a great catch-up mechanism if you're struggling
Tips for Beginners
Start with Numbers
Focus on closing 20s and 19s first before worrying about special categories.
Objective
Close all targets (standard numbers + special categories) and have the highest score.
Closing a Target
Hit a target three times to close it. Each hit counts as one mark toward closing.
Scoring
Score points on targets you've closed that your opponent hasn't. The value depends on which target you hit.
Practice Consistency
Work on hitting the same number repeatedly before chasing special categories.
Learn the Board
Get familiar with high-value zones and their neighbors for better accuracy.
Watch Your Opponent
Adjust your strategy based on what targets they’re closing.