Shanghai darts tips: when to go big and when to play safe

Shanghai takes ten seconds to explain: one round per number, and only darts in that number count. But behind that simplicity there's a real choice to make with every dart, and a twist that can turn the game at any moment. Here's how to get the most out of it, whether you're playing to win or playing to improve.

The idea in a nutshell

You aim at the 1 in the first round, the 2 in the second, and so on up to 20 (or up to 7 in a short game in Throw). A single scores the number, a double twice that, a treble three times. Everything else scores 0, the bull included. Highest total wins. The full detail is in the Shanghai rules.

The Shanghai: the shot that changes everything

A Shanghai means hitting the single, double and treble of the round's number in the same visit, in any order. It's worth 6 times the number: 120 points in the 20 round (20 + 40 + 60).

In Throw, one option decides what it's worth:

With sudden death, no lead is ever safe. That's what makes the game so lively with a group.

Go for the treble or play safe?

That's the question behind every dart. A few pointers:

• By default, go for the treble. A missed treble often lands in the single of the same number (just above or below the ring), so you still score. It's the best balance of risk and reward.
• The double is a points trap. It sits on the edge of the board: a touch too high and your dart is off the scoring area for 0. Only go for it when you need it, to complete a Shanghai.
• Low numbers don't weigh much. A perfect 3 round isn't worth a lot. The big gaps open up on the high numbers, from 15 upwards. Save your focus for the end.

When to go for the Shanghai

You don't have to "decide" on a Shanghai before your visit. It all depends on your first darts:

1. First dart: go for the treble, as usual.
2. If you already have the treble or the single after one or two darts, look at what's missing. You're only one or two beds away from a Shanghai.
3. Last dart: if the double is all that's missing, this is the time to try it, especially in sudden death.

And if you're way behind late in a sudden-death game, the Shanghai becomes your only real way back. Aiming for single, double and treble every visit costs points, but once you can't win on points, it costs you nothing.

On the flip side, if you're well ahead, just keep hitting your trebles: you can't stop an opponent landing a Shanghai, but you can make sure your total forces them to try.

The penalty option: never score zero

Throw has a Penalty option (off by default): a round on 0 points halves your total, rounded up. With it switched on, the way you play changes:

• If your first two darts have missed the number, the third goes for the big single, not the treble.
• The last rounds (18, 19, 20) become the most dangerous: with 300 on the board, a blank costs you 150.

It's the same logic as Halve It, which you'll find in our Halve It strategy.

A brilliant game for beginners

If you're new to darts, Shanghai is probably the best game to learn with:

• You get to know the whole board. The numbers aren't in order around the board: looking for the 1, then the 2, then the 3 makes you learn where they sit.
• You practise every angle. At 501 you're almost always aiming at the 20. Here you throw left, right, top and bottom.
• The scoring stays simple. No counting down, no checkout rule: you just add up.
• Games are short in the 7-round version, perfect for a first evening or for kids.

Played solo, it's also a great practice routine: note your total from one session to the next and watch it climb. Throw lets you start a one-player game and keeps score for you, with the phone standing beside the board. More ideas in our darts practice routines.

In short

• Go for the treble, the single often follows.
• Only aim at the double to finish a Shanghai.
• Save your focus for the big numbers at the end.
• In sudden death, never give up: one Shanghai is enough.
• With the penalty on, the third dart plays safe.