Game Mode
How to Play Shanghai Darts
Shanghai darts is one of the most exciting target practice games in darts because every round forces you to aim at a different section of the board. Instead of staying on 20s all game, you move from 1 upward in sequence and score only on the current number.
In each round, you throw three darts at the active number. Singles, doubles, and trebles all count, so accurate grouping on doubles and trebles can quickly create a lead. Most matches are played over rounds 1 through 7 for a fast game, but longer formats can run all the way to 20 for deeper practice.
The mode gets its name from the "Shanghai" finish: hitting a single, double, and treble of the same number in one turn. In many rule sets, that wins the game instantly, no matter the score. It adds drama to every visit because one great turn can flip the match immediately.
Shanghai is ideal for players who want to sharpen number-by-number accuracy, improve ring control, and build confidence across the full board. PilPlay tracks your scoring round by round so you can spot where you are strongest and which numbers need more reps.
Rules
- 1.Players throw 3 darts per round at one target number
- 2.Round 1 targets 1, round 2 targets 2, and so on in sequence
- 3.Only hits on the current target number score points
- 4.Single, double, and treble score 1x, 2x, and 3x of the target number
- 5.The player with the highest total score at the end wins
- 6.A Shanghai is a single, double, and treble of the same target in one turn
- 7.If instant-win is enabled, a Shanghai wins the match immediately
Game Settings in PilPlay
Customize your Shanghai experience with these configurable options.
Round Range
Pick a short sprint or a full-board challenge. Lower ranges are quick and competitive, while longer ranges demand consistency across more numbers.
Shanghai Instant Win
Turn on instant-win if you want dramatic momentum swings. When enabled, hitting single, double, and treble of the active number in one turn ends the game immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Shanghai darts?
In Shanghai darts, each round has one target number. Round 1 is number 1, round 2 is number 2, and so on. Players throw three darts per round and only hits on the current number score. The highest total score wins unless someone hits a Shanghai for an instant win in rule sets that allow it.
What is a Shanghai in darts?
A Shanghai is hitting a single, double, and treble of the same number in one turn (three darts). Example on 20s: single 20, double 20, treble 20. Many formats treat this as an immediate match win.
Do doubles and trebles count in Shanghai?
Yes. Doubles and trebles count and are the key to higher scores. On round 8, a single 8 scores 8 points, double 8 scores 16, and treble 8 scores 24.
How many rounds are in Shanghai darts?
Common formats are 7 rounds (1-7) or full 20 rounds (1-20). Short games are great for quick matches; full rounds are better for structured board practice.
Is Shanghai a good darts practice game?
Yes. Shanghai is one of the best drills for board coverage because it forces you to aim at many numbers and rings in sequence. It builds accuracy, confidence on awkward segments, and control on doubles and trebles.