Shanghai Darts Game | Dartcounter

Shanghai is a classic darts game that combines scoring, accuracy and full board practice. Each round focuses on one number, with players scoring by hitting the single, double and treble segment of that target.

The rules are straightforward, but the game can change instantly. Hit a single, double and treble of the active number in one turn and you complete a Shanghai. Because every round uses a different target, Shanghai works well as both a structured practice game and a competitive game with friends.

How to play Shanghai

Shanghai is played in ascending numerical order. You begin on 1, move to 2 in the next round and continue through the selected target range. During each round, only the active number scores. In the first round, for example, points can only be scored by hitting a single 1, a double 1 or a treble 1. Darts that land on another number score nothing for that round.

Each player throws three darts per turn. Once everyone has completed the round, the active target moves to the next number. The game continues until all selected numbers have been played, unless a player completes a Shanghai during one of their turns.

For explanations of singles, doubles, trebles and other common terms, visit our darts glossary. Our darts rules guide provides more information about turns, scoring and standard match play.

Shanghai scoring

Every valid dart scores the normal value of the active segment. A single scores the face value of the number, a double scores twice that value and a treble scores three times the value.

For example, during the round on the 6 segment:

Single 6 scores 6 points
Double 6 scores 12 points
Treble 6 scores 18 points

A dart that lands outside the active number does not contribute to the round. The score from each round is added to your total score. If nobody completes a Shanghai, the player with the highest total score after the final round wins.

What is a Shanghai in darts?

A Shanghai is a single, a double and a treble of the same number hit during one three-dart turn. For example, during the round on 8, hitting a single 8, double 8 and treble 8 completes a Shanghai. The order of the three hits does not matter.

Completing a Shanghai ends the game immediately and gives that player the win, regardless of the current score totals. This means every round remains important. Even a player who is behind on points can still win the game by completing a Shanghai.

Shanghai game settings

You can adjust the length and difficulty of Shanghai using several game settings.

Target range

You can play a shorter game from 1 to 7 or a full version from 1 to 20.

The 1 to 7 format provides a quicker session and works well for casual players or warm-ups. Playing from 1 to 20 covers the full numbered board and creates a longer test of accuracy and consistency.

Require number

With require number enabled, you must hit the active number at least once during the round. If all three darts miss the required number, your current score is halved. This adds a penalty for completely missing the target and makes every round more consequential.

Require treble

With require treble enabled, you must hit the treble segment of the active number during the round. If you fail to hit the required treble, your total score is reset to zero. This creates a much stricter version of Shanghai, as one unsuccessful round can remove everything you have built.

The standard version is more accessible, while require number and require treble add extra pressure without changing the basic target sequence.

Why play Shanghai?

Shanghai forces you to work across different areas of the dartboard instead of relying on your preferred scoring targets.

Because the active number changes every round, you constantly need to adjust your aim. Singles, doubles and trebles can all contribute to your score, encouraging accuracy across different segment sizes.

A strong total score depends on consistently finding the correct number, while completing a Shanghai requires you to hit three different segments of the same number in a single visit.

Playing from 1 to 20 also gives you full-board coverage and can highlight numbers where your accuracy drops. Adding require number or require treble increases the pressure by giving missed targets a direct consequence.

For players who want to connect this type of target practice to match finishing, our checkout guide explains common finishing routes. You can also use the checkout calculator to explore a specific remaining score in x01 games.

Shanghai performance

After completing a game of Shanghai, you can review your result and scoring performance. Your final score provides a useful benchmark for future games, particularly when you repeatedly play the same target range. The 1 to 20 format is especially useful for comparison because each game covers the same sequence of numbers.

Free users can review the result of their most recent game. With Ultimate you can access extended statistics, compare previous sessions and follow your performance over longer periods. This makes it easier to see how your scoring, target accuracy and consistency develop over time.

Shanghai compared to other games

Shanghai shares some similarities with Around The Clock, but the progression works differently.

In Around The Clock, you usually remain on the current target until you hit it. In Shanghai, each round ends after three darts and the games moves on, even if you miss the active number completely.

Shanghai also tests multiple segment types. Singles, doubles and trebles can all contribute to your score, while games such as Doubles Training and Bob's 27 focus specifically on the doubles ring.

Compared with Score Training, Shanghai gives you less freedom over where to aim. Score Training focuses on producing the highest possible visit, while Shanghai requires you to adapt to a different numbered target every round.

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