Shanghai Darts Rules: How to Play and Win

Shanghai is one of the best darts games you can pick up and play without any prior knowledge of darts scoring systems. Every round targets a single number, so the rules fit on one sticky note — but the instant-win rule creates tension that keeps every throw interesting.

What Is Shanghai Darts?

Shanghai darts is a turn-based game where players throw at each number in order, one number per round. Score whatever you hit on that round's target. Hit a single, double, and triple of the same number in one round and you've hit a "Shanghai" — an instant win, regardless of the scores.

The game runs 7 rounds by default (numbers 1 through 7), though many groups play all the way to 20.

Shanghai Darts Rules

Setup

• 2 to 6 players (works at any group size)
• Determine throw order — closest to the bull goes first (see darts etiquette for the standard method)
• No starting score needed — everyone starts at zero

How Each Round Works

1. The current round number is the only valid target (round 1 = number 1, round 2 = number 2, and so on)
2. Each player throws three darts per round
3. Only darts landing on the round's number score — any dart hitting another number scores zero
4. Scoring follows standard dart values: single = face value, double = 2x, triple = 3x
5. After all players complete the round, move to the next number
6. The player with the highest total score after all rounds wins

The Shanghai Rule

If any player hits a single, a double, and a triple of that round's number in a single turn, they win the game immediately. The order the darts land does not matter — one dart on each scoring segment of that number is all it takes.

A Shanghai in round 1 ends the game on the very first round. A Shanghai in round 20 is almost impossible but spectacular. In practice, Shanghais happen most often in the middle rounds (6–10) where players are warmed up but not under maximum pressure.

Scoring Reference

Best possible score per round:

Rounds 15–20 carry enormous point swings. A player trailing by 80 points going into round 20 can completely erase that gap with a clean three-dart visit.

Standard vs 20-Round Shanghai

The 1–7 format is most common in pub play because games stay under 20 minutes. The 1–20 format is excellent practice — you throw at every number on the board across a real game context rather than drilling in isolation.

Shanghai Strategy

Early Rounds: Build a Floor

Rounds 1–5 are worth very little individually. Missing on round 1 costs you 1–9 points at most. Focus on hitting anything — singles are fine. Getting into a rhythm matters more than maximising points at this stage.

Mid Rounds (6–12): Start Targeting Triples

From round 6 onward, the triple is worth a meaningful chunk. Aim for the triple segment with your first two darts. If you land two triples, your third dart can chase the Shanghai by targeting a segment you haven't hit.

Late Rounds (15–20): Scoring Trumps Shanghai

In a 20-round game, the late numbers are where matches are won and lost. Three darts on T20 scores 180 points in round 20. Only chase the Shanghai if you are ahead and can afford a risk — otherwise lock in your triples.

Chasing the Shanghai

To hit a Shanghai you need:

• At least one dart on the single segment (outer ring of the number's sector)
• At least one dart on the double (outermost thin ring)
• At least one dart on the triple (inner thin ring)

The most reliable approach is to throw your first dart at the triple, your second at the single, and your third at the double. If you miss the triple on your first dart, you still have two darts to cover two segments rather than three.

Common Variations

Killer Shanghai

After the main rounds, any player who hit a Shanghai during the game can challenge other players to a head-to-head. This is rarely played but adds a playoff element.

Shanghai with Bust Rule

If a player scores zero on three consecutive rounds, they are eliminated. This keeps the game moving with large groups where a struggling player might otherwise coast to the end.

Points Double for Shanghai Attempt

Some groups award a 2x points multiplier on any round where a player misses a Shanghai by exactly one segment (e.g., hits single and double but misses the triple). This rewards near-misses and keeps the Shanghai attempt attractive later in the game.

Reverse Shanghai

Play rounds 20 down to 1. The late rounds (which would normally be 20, 19, 18) become the opening rounds — so the game front-loads the big point swings. Finishes tend to be lower scoring and more dramatic.

Shanghai vs Other Group Games

If you're choosing between Shanghai and other group formats, here's a quick comparison:

Shanghai is the best choice when your group includes players of very different abilities. Low-number rounds are forgiving for beginners while the Shanghai win condition keeps experienced players fully engaged.

Why Shanghai Works for Practice

Shanghai doubles as one of the most effective practice formats for intermediate players because it forces you to throw at every number on the board across a real game — not just T20 and a few finishing doubles.

Pairing a regular Shanghai session with focused doubles practice covers the two biggest skill gaps for players in the 40–70 average range: board coverage and double hitting. If your Shanghai scores are consistently above 150 in a 7-round game, your board coverage is solid. If they stall below 80, your triple-hitting on the outer numbers needs work.

For a broader collection of games that double as practice, see our 10 dart practice games guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Shanghai in darts?

A Shanghai is when you hit a single, double, and triple of the same number with three darts in a single round. It is an instant-win condition in Shanghai darts — the game ends immediately, regardless of who is ahead on points.

How do you score in Shanghai darts?

In each round you throw all three darts at that round's number. You score the face value of any dart landing on that number — single (face value), double (2x), or triple (3x). Darts landing on any other number score zero.

How many rounds are in Shanghai darts?

A standard game uses rounds 1 through 7. Some groups play through 20 rounds to cover the full board, but the 1–7 format keeps games around 20 minutes and is the most common in pub play.

Can you win Shanghai darts without hitting a Shanghai?

Yes. If no player hits a Shanghai across the whole game, the player with the highest total score at the end wins. The Shanghai rule is an alternative win condition, not the only one.

What is a good score in Shanghai darts?

In a standard 7-round game, a score above 80–90 is competitive for intermediate players. In a full 20-round game, anything over 200 is strong. Scores scale heavily with the later rounds.

Ready to Play?

Shanghai is easy to explain in under a minute and entertaining enough to play all evening. Pick your round format, agree on whether you're playing the bust variation, and focus on your triples.

Start a game on Dartsy to track scores across multiple rounds — no chalk, no arguments about the mental math.