How to Play Hand Cricket
A quick guide to the classic odd-eve game you can play right here against the computer.
1. The Odd-Eve Toss
Every match starts with an odd-even toss. You call Odd or Even, then both you and the computer secretly pick a number from 1 to 6.
The two numbers are added together. If the sum matches your call, you win the toss and choose to bat or bowl first. If it does not, the computer chooses.
2. Batting and Bowling
Each ball, the batter and the bowler pick a number from 1 to 6 at the same time.
- Batter: wants to score runs. The number you pick is the runs you score on that ball — but only if the bowler does not match it.
- Bowler: wants to take a wicket. If the bowler’s number matches the batter’s number, the batter is out.
3. Scoring and Wickets
When the two numbers are different, the batter adds their own number to the innings total. When the numbers are the same, the batter is out and a wicket falls.
Each team has 5 wickets. Once 5 wickets fall, the innings ends.
4. Two Innings and the Chase
The game is played across two innings. The team batting first sets a target. The team batting second must score one run more than that target to win.
If the chasing team passes the target before losing all wickets, they win. If they fall short or lose all wickets first, the other team wins. A tie is possible if both innings finish with the same score.
5. Quick Tips
- There is no single best number — the computer picks randomly, so mix it up.
- When bowling, try to read the chase situation and vary your deliveries.
- Save your highest numbers for moments when you need quick runs, but remember a match is a wicket too.