If you are getting bored of playing the any common variation game over and over again. And that is why if you’re looking for a darts game that’s simple, fast-paced, and tons of fun, then you can choose the variation without any hesitation; that game is called “Shanghai Darts.”
This game is perfect because it mixes strategy with a bit of luck, making it great for both beginners and experienced players.
So are you ready to enjoy the game? If you are ready to take a twist on this one, then I will tell you everything there is to know about Shanghai today.
Overview and Equipment needed of Shanghai Darts
- Dartboard- An outstanding and superior
- Darts Set- A minimum number of three for each player
- Some paper and a pen- You may also choose to use a whiteboard or blackboard as a scoreboard in addition to mobile scoring apps.
- Number of Participants: 1 or More
- Numbers of the Board- All numbers of the board
- Aim- The main aim of Shanghai darts is hitting the same number’s single, double, and triple segments.
The Shanghai Darts Rules
The Shanghai Rules of Darts is very easy! You play across the numbers 1 through 7, with each round dedicated to one number. In round one, aim only for 1s, round two for 2s, and so on. If you hit a number that’s not “in play,” tough luck—it doesn’t count. Scoring is straightforward: single darts are worth their face value, doubles are worth double, and triples? You guessed it—triple the points.
Single: A standard hit of the number in the single section of the dartboard.
Double: Hitting the double ring of the number, this score double the value of that number.
Treble: Hitting the treble ring of the number, this triples the value of that number.
The game uses a typical dart scoring system. For example:
A single 1 = 1 point
A double 1 = 2 points
A treble 1 = 3 points
The magic happens when someone scores a “Shanghai.” That’s when you hit a single, double, and triples of the number in play—all in the same round. Pull this off, and its game over—you win outright! If no one manages a Shanghai, the player with the highest score after round 7 is crowned the champ.
The beauty of Shanghai is its versatility. It’s quick, usually wrapping up in 15–20 minutes, and it can be as competitive or laid-back as you want. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to practice hitting specific sections of the board—great for sharpening your precision.
A helpful tip-When you’re in the later rounds, like 5 or 6, aim for those triples early. They’re game-changers and can make or break your score.
So, next time you’re at the board, give Shanghai a try. It’s easy to learn, full of surprises, and guarantees some good laughs—especially when someone narrowly misses their Shanghai attempt. Go ahead, grab your darts, and see if you’ve got what it takes to hit that perfect combo!
How to Play Shanghai Darts Game
Here’s how you can play it—and I’ll walk you through it as if we’re playing right now.
We start by deciding on the number of rounds, typically 7 or 20. Each round corresponds to a specific number on the dartboard. For example, round 1 means we aim for the number 1, round 2 is for 2, and so on.
Now, take your darts. Each player gets three throws per round. Let’s say we’re on round 1; all my darts must hit the number 1 to score points. If I hit the single segment, I get 1 point, a double earns 2, and a triple scores 3. If I miss, I get nothing. After my turn, it’s your shot.
The real fun begins when we talk about the “Shanghai.” To win instantly, you must hit a single, double, and triple of the current round’s number in your three darts. Imagine we’re on round 3: hitting a single 3, double 3, and triple 3 in one go means you yell, “Shanghai!” and win. It’s thrilling when someone gets close!
If no one gets a Shanghai by the last round, we tally up the scores. The person with the highest total points wins. But don’t worry if you’re behind; a well-timed Shanghai can turn the game around.
Shanghai darts is a mix of skill and strategy. You can aim for maximum points to build your lead or go all-in for that Shanghai win. Either way, it’s a blast. Ready for round 2? Let’s see if you can outscore me!
Shanghai Darts Variations in the Game
Shanghai darts is a classic favorite, but it gets even more exciting when you shake things up with some fun variations. Let me show you a few as we play!
First, you can shuffle the target numbers. As an alternative of following an order, give each round a random number. For example, in round 1, aim for 20, in round 2, aim for 7, and so forth. This keeps us on our toes and makes us adjust our aim.
Another option allows you to score points across several related numbers. For example, in round 5, you could score points by hitting 5, 15, or 20. But remember, hitting the single, double, and triple of 5 still wins the game!
Are you feeling competitive? So, Try “Reverse Shanghai,” where the goal is to not score on the round’s number at all. Intentionally miss the target without hitting other numbers—it’s trickier than it seems!
For a quicker game, use the “Doubles and Triples Only” rule, where only hits on double or triple segments count. This is great for improving accuracy.
Each variation adds its own flavor, so why not pick one and give it a shot? Let’s see if it throws off your game!
Tips and Tactics of the Dart Game Shanghai
Here are some key tips and tactics to help you improve your game and gets that winning “Shanghai” (a single, double, and triple of the same number in one round):
- As much as possible, practice hitting for a specific count, more focused on singles, doubles, and triples. As the rounds are based around a number, this means being able to directly aim at each one is particularly vital.
- Work on your throw mechanics. A proper follow-through and equal force always increase the chances of your hitting the targets.
- As already seen, each round can only be scored on the number of that round, although one is allowed to change the value of the round if the value of that round has increased in a subsequent round. Don’t lose focus on the selected area, and do not pay attention to the other areas of the board.
- The numbers are slightly easier if you are playing 1-7 of the game, but when you come to the full set of numbers within the full version of the game, the range can be rather daunting. As a result, shift your attention where necessary.
- So the ultimate goal in Shanghai is to get a single, double, and triple of the same number in a round. There’s a free hit, so if the scores are fairly even, or your side is a little bit down, it’s the way to gather a lot of points quickly.
- If you want to raise your odds, it’s wise to set cardinalities with which you believe are comfortable. Every decent player should hit those combinations rather often to make a Shanghai a regular possibility.
- This should mean that if a team is trailing, they shouldn’t be afraid to go for large numbers with doubles and triples. They assist you get on par in a short while.
- If you are in the lead position, continue to build up a good lead by maintaining a rhythm of scoring. It’s not the big shots that count; just make sure to hit the number for every round.
- It all comes down to that resilience of mind, especially when the match is tight and could either go either way. Do not get nervous or practice too fast when you know the game is getting tense.
- Enjoy the game! To compete is what Shanghai is all about, just don’t forget to take time to slow down and enjoy yourself as well as your wins.
What is a Shanghai in Darts?
Shanghai in Darts is a cool and thrilling term used when a player hits a particular set of numbers in one go. To get a Shanghai, the player needs to hit a single, double, and triple of the same number all in one turn.
For example, if a player hits a single 5, double 5, and triple 5 in one round, they’ve made a Shanghai. This is a big accomplishment because it’s both rare and difficult, and it scores a lot of points.
The term “Shanghai” is commonly heard in games like 501 or 301, where hitting a Shanghai can quickly wow both the players and the audience with its skill and accuracy.
Why is 120 called Shanghai in darts?
In darts, a score of 120 is called a “Shanghai” because it’s achieved by hitting a specific combination of darts: a single, double, and triple of the same number, with this number being commonly the numeral 20. To be able to win Shanghai, a player bowls a single 20, double 20, and triple 20 in a single round or series, which totals 120.
The term ‘Shanghai’ might have originated from the fact that getting the combination is as rare and good as a traveled trip to Shanghai, which was considered a distant place. The combination is a dramatic and masterful blend in the game, and thus it is considered a feat if any player is able to pull through.
How do you keep score in Shanghai?
In Shanghai darts, for instance, the played sequence has to aim at numbers 1,2,3,4 to 20 where the aim is to hit the single, double, and triple of the numbers. Thus, players require a system to record the hits to determine the scores of every round. During the round, when a player scores a single, double, or triple of a number, then that score is summed up in the player’s total score.
This is a Shanghai is when a player gets the single, double, and triple of the same number in one round of play. The winner is the one that succeeds in finishing a Shanghai on any number before the other does. It is a technique and part of a plan!
How do you win Shanghai?
To achieve the winning score of Shanghai a single picture of each of the numbers 1 to 20 inclusive and two of the number 20 are required. The player must put a Shanghai to all 20 numbers, one number at a time, to be able to win.
A Shanghai is obtained when, in one turn, a player marks all of the elements of a particular number, being the single, the double, and the triple. The player who completes striking the Shanghai combination of all the numbers on the card gets to the total number of twenty-first and emerges as the winner.
What is the Origin of Shanghai Darts?
The origin of Shanghai darts isn’t entirely clear, but it’s believed to have been inspired by the combination of numbers and darts used in traditional dart games. The term “Shanghai” likely comes from the idea of completing a challenging journey, similar to the long voyage to the city of Shanghai.
Some speculate it may have originated as a variation of the “Around the World” game, where players aim to hit every number in order.
Many people think that the game is thought to have originated in Shanghai, China. After trading visits to China, the British brought the game back with them and popularized it.