Bead · darts game rules
Shanghai darts rules
Shanghai
Shanghai is a fast, social game where everyone throws at the same number each round. Round 1 is played on the 1s, round 2 on the 2s, and so on. The player with the most points at the end wins, unless someone hits a Shanghai: a single, a double and a treble of the round number in the same visit, which ends the game on the spot.
- Players
- 1 to 10 (solo friendly)
- Length
- ≈ 15 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- What you need
- A dartboard (steel tip or soft tip) and 3 darts per player.
Rules
Setup
- Choose the number of rounds. Seven rounds is the most common format, twenty rounds makes a full game.
- All players start on zero and take turns, three darts each.
How to play
- In round 1, every player throws at the 1. In round 2, at the 2, and so on.
- Only darts that land in the current round number score.
- Add the points from each visit to your running total.
Scoring
- A single scores the round number, a double scores twice the number and a treble three times the number.
- Example in round 5: a single 5, a double 5 and a treble 5 score 5 + 10 + 15 = 30 points.
Winning
The highest total after the last round wins. If a player hits a single, a double and a treble of the round number in one visit, that is a Shanghai and they win immediately, whatever the scores.
Tips
- Early rounds are low value, so a Shanghai there is the best comeback chance for a player who is behind.
- Aim for trebles in the high rounds: that is where the points really add up.
- When a Shanghai is possible, think about the order: many players go for the treble first.
FAQ
- What is a Shanghai in darts?
- Hitting the single, double and treble of the round number in the same visit, in any order. The game stops and that player wins.
- How many rounds are there in Shanghai?
- Seven rounds is the most common format. The long version goes all the way round, from 1 to 20.
- Do darts outside the round number score?
- No. Only darts in the round number count; the rest of the board is worth nothing.
