Shanghai Darts Game: Master the Rules and Discover the Hottest Spots for a Night of Throws

Shanghai Darts

There are not many pub games where a bad single throw has the potential to wipe every point off the board and deliver you a victory immediately, but Shanghai darts is one. Each player throws three darts at the same target number on each round in turn, scoring for every single, double, or treble they hit on that number. First round everyone throws at the 1. Next the 2. Then the 3, and so on, through 7 in the beginner version or up to 20 for a real game.

The name comes from professional darts. In competition, a “Shanghai” involves striking a single, double, and treble of the same number in the same visit to the board with the most famous being the 120 checkout: T20 (60 points) + single 20 (20 points) + D20 (40 points). That exact mechanic was the deathblow in this game of darts: pull it off in any round and you win right away, regardless of position on the scoreboards.

If you're planning a night out in Shanghai and want something more interesting than another round of pool, this is the game to know — and later in this guide, you'll find the venues across the city where locals and expats actually play it. Here's everything you need before your first throw. For a broader look at how Shanghai comes alive after dark, check out this Shanghai nightlife guide before you head out.

Shanghai Darts Overview

Before diving into the full rules, here is a quick-reference overview of how the game works. This snapshot covers the core mechanics, win conditions, common variants, and the game's standing in competitive darts — everything you need to know at a glance before your first throw.

Rules of the Game: How to Play Like a Pro

Setup and Round Progression Basics

The best thing about shanghai darts is that it scales to any group. Just two players, or six, or maybe a table of twelve; the rules work the same.

Prior to playing everyone throws one dart at the bullseye to establish order of play; the person closest to the bull goes first. If you're on an electronic board, most machines do this automatically.

The standard beginner format runs for seven rounds, hitting the numbers 1 through 7, consecutively. There may be a single active number in each round, and only darts which land on that number, regardless of having hit the single, double, or treble, will score. A dart which scores anywhere else is worth nothing for that throw.

• Scoreboard setup: Write each player's name along the top row, then list numbers 1 through 7 (or 1 through 20 for the longer format) down the left column.
• Turn structure: Each player throws all three darts per turn, then records their score before the next player steps up.
• Round progression: Once every player has thrown at the active number, the round ends and the target advances to the next number automatically.

For a first game with mixed skill levels, the 7-round version takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes for a group of four. It's fast enough to keep energy high, and short enough that the losing player rarely has to wait long for a rematch.

Scoring Singles, Doubles, and Trebles

Scoring in shanghai darts follows the same logic as any standard darts match — but it only applies to the active round's number. Here's how the values break down using round 4 (target number: 4) as an example:

The same principle applies throughout, for instance in round 7, a treble 7 is worth 21 points — the max for any one dart under the beginner rules. In round 1 you can achieve at best just 3 points (three single 1’s) with three darts, hence the later rounds are relatively worth more.

Points total in all seven rounds, and the winner for overall points from all seven — unless the instant-win rule is called. Total scores are maintained and set out on a whiteboard or the electronic machines display run.

Watch out for the new player that thinks a double round the incorrect number is worth something. It is not. In round 3 a treble twenty is worth absolutely nothing.

Executing the Instant-Win Shanghai Move

This is the rule that distinguishes shanghai darts from every other game that involves the accumulation of points. A player who hits a single, double and treble of the number of the round being played — all in the same three-dart turn — wins the game immediately. The score totals are no longer relevant. The game is terminated.

That move is called hitting a Shanghai.

The order doesn't matter in the standard version. Single first, then treble, then double — or treble, single, double — all combinations count. All three sections simply need to land within one visit to the board, on the correct round's number.

Even a last-place player can win in the final round. Say you've barely scored across six rounds and round 7 is your last chance. If you throw a single 7, a double 7, and a treble 7 in that turn, every other player's accumulated score disappears. You win. That comeback potential is what keeps every dart tense, right until the last throw.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, many places add a “double-last” rule: to score an instant win, the double must be the last dart you throw. A single followed by a treble followed by a double is acceptable, but a single followed by a double followed by a treble is not! This variation is popular in shanghai darts circles and worth checking on beforehand if you are playing with firm-handed folk.

Exploring Diverse Shanghai Darts Formats

Dartboard Score Zone Explanation

The Seven-Round Beginner Sprint

The 7-round format is the version you'll encounter most often in Shanghai's bars and entertainment venues. It's quick, loud, and — crucially — forgiving enough that a complete beginner can follow along without a tutorial.

Players cycle through numbers 1 to 7, each round targeting the next number in sequence. Only hits on the active number score. The whole game fits inside 20 minutes for most groups, which means you can run two or three matches in a single evening without losing the room's energy.

Nevertheless, a simply tonified standard format is play hopscotch by adding one optional rule that a lot of bars in Shanghai adhere to informally. The elimination round. Prior to starting the game players agree on one or two “mandatory” rounds (again most often 3 or 5). If a player misses all three darts on a mandatory round (ie no hits to the active number) your score is halved. Some groups stretch it to a full reset to zero. Others actually choose to kick you out of the game.

This single addition changes the game's dynamics considerably. Suddenly, consistency matters as much as peak scoring. A player who's been landing trebles all night can find themselves knocked back by one cold round. For groups of mixed skill levels, it's also a useful handicap — stronger players carry more risk on mandatory rounds. The 7-round version is the standard format used at most Shanghai bar venues, and a good starting point for anyone new to the game.

The Twenty-Round Professional Challenge

The 20-round format is a different game in terms of commitment. Players cycle through all twenty numbers on the board in sequence, making it a 45-to-60-minute session for a group of four, and longer with more players. As a result, it's typically reserved for dedicated darts nights rather than a casual add-on to dinner.

The scoring logic is identical to the 7-round version, but the weight of later rounds increases dramatically. Round 20 offers a maximum of 60 points per dart (treble 20), which means a player who's been trailing can close significant gaps in the final stretch — or, of course, trigger the instant win.

The double-last rule is almost always applied in the 20-round competitive format. To win by hitting a Shanghai, the double must be the third and final dart of the turn. For example:

• ✅️ Valid: Single 15 → Treble 15 → Double 15 (Shanghai win confirmed)
• ❌️ Invalid: Double 15 → Single 15 → Treble 15 (instant win does not trigger)
• ❌️ Invalid: Treble 15 → Double 15 → Single 15 (instant win does not trigger)

This rule makes the Shanghai mechanic substantially harder. Instead of simply landing all three zones in any order, you need to sequence your throws deliberately — leaving the double for last while still landing the single and treble first. For experienced players, this creates a clear skill ceiling and makes a successful Shanghai genuinely rare and worth celebrating.

There is also a progressive variant worth knowing: each dart must hit a consecutively higher number than the last (dart 1 hits 3, dart 2 hits 4, dart 3 hits 5, for example). This version is uncommon outside serious darts clubs, but some of Shanghai's training-focused venues use it for warm-up drills.

Venues Across China: Where the Boards Are Waiting

A game format instead of a place, Shanghai darts can be played wherever you find a dartboard. In China, the places to know fall into three distinct categories: purpose-built professional dart centres, sport-dining establishments where darts share space with food and screens, and bars dedicated solely to darts. All six venues listed below sport electronic DARTSLIVE machines and therefore the Shanghai game mode is either in the menu or easily found alongside a scoring app. Hours and price vary with the season, so check on Dianping or their own channel before heading out.

Professional Centers for Serious Dart Training

Modern Professional Darts Club Interior

These two venues are built around darts as a primary discipline. The machine count is high, the player community is active, and the atmosphere is closer to a training hall than a bar. If you want to practice the full 1–20 format of shanghai darts, work on your technique, or find regular opponents, these are the right addresses.

1. Hola.Do • Trendy Sports Center (后乐斗·潮流运动中心) — Shanghai, Huangpu

Hola.Do sits on the second floor of the Huangpu Citizens Fitness Center and runs the full DARTSLIVE lineup alongside boxing and combat fitness. The machine setup is designed for electronic darts practice, and they hold youth coaching in the mornings — so afternoons from 14:00 onward are most reliably open for drop-in play. The DARTSLIVE machines have Shanghai mode in the menu and the coaches here can also run scoring sessions manually for groups who want to learn the rules properly from scratch.

• Address: Huangpu District, Jiujiang Road 327, Huangpu Citizens Fitness Center, 2F (九江路327号 黄浦市民健身中心·综合楼2楼)
• Hours: 14:00–21:00 (afternoon slots more reliably open; morning may be occupied by youth training)
• Machines: DARTSLIVE full series
• Best for: Players who want to practice the full 1–20 Shanghai format or join a structured training session

2. Old Man Old Song Darts Club (老人老歌飞镖俱乐部 OLD MAN OLD SONG DC) — Beijing, Chaoyang

Four DARTSLIVE2 machines, weekly darts events, and a community of regulars who take the game seriously — Old Man Old Song is the Beijing address for players who want more than a casual throw. The club runs until 2 in the morning, which makes it equally suited to an afternoon training session or a late-night competitive run. Weekly events vary, so calling ahead to confirm the schedule is worth the extra step.

• Address: Chaoyang District, Guangqu Road 36, Building 5, Shoucheng International Block C, B1-113 (广渠路36号5号楼 首城国际C座B1-113)
• Hours: Daily 12:00–02:00
• Tel: 131-4120-5555
• Machines: DARTSLIVE2 × 4
• Best for: Beijing-based players looking for a serious darts community, regular opponents, and competitive Shanghai sessions

Lively Sports Bars for Group Sessions

Indoor Darts Lounge with Dartslive Machines

These two venues treat darts as a strong secondary feature alongside food, drinks, and screens. The dart setups are not afterthoughts — both run proper electronic boards — but the overall experience is designed for groups who want a full evening rather than a focused practice session. Shanghai darts works well here in its 7-round Short format, slotted between meals and drinks.

3. CAGES (凯吉思西餐厅运动乐园) — Shanghai, Jing'an

The closest thing to a US-style sports bar you will find in Jing’an is CAGES, featuring baseball batting cages, multi-screen match broadcasting, a dedicated darts zone with electronic and standard boards as well as both Western food and drinks. Open until 2 in the morning both weekdays and weekends, CAGES is one of the few places in Shanghai that a late-starting group can get a complete session in at. The darts zone allows for machine scoring and also supports regular app-scoring with DartCounter, so no matter which board you land on, you can always be in Shanghai mode.

• Address: Jing'an District, Jiangning Road 428, Jing'an Sports and Fitness Center, 3F West Side (江宁路428号 静安区运动健身中心3层西侧)
• Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–02:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–02:00
• Price: ~¥130–150 per person including drinks
• Navigation note: The entrance is hard to find — reach 428 Jiangning Road and ask the building security for "3层西侧 CAGES"
• Best for: Groups who want darts, food, and sports on the same night; English-friendly atmosphere

4. The Owl Bar (猫头鹰酒吧) — Guangzhou, Liwan

Seven DARTSLIVE2 machines in one venue is unusual anywhere in China, and The Owl Bar makes the most of that advantage. Located on the second floor of Lijin Mall near the Chenjiaci area, it runs a full drinks menu alongside the boards, and the machine count means you almost never have to wait for a spot even on busy evenings. Shanghai mode is selectable directly from the machine menu. The venue's regulars skew toward experienced players, which makes it a good place to pick up tips if you're still getting the game down.

• Address: Liwan District, Liwan Road, Xiaomei Street 2, Lijin Mall, 2F (荔湾路小梅大街2号 荔锦商城二楼)
• Hours: ~19:00–02:00 (confirm current hours on-day)
• Machines: DARTSLIVE2 × 7
• Best for: Guangzhou players who want multiple machines, no waiting, and a proper darts-and-drinks long night

Casual Darts Bars for Nightlife Fun

Casual Bar Darts Gaming Zone

These two venues put the dartboard first. The format is simple: walk in, order a drink, step up to the board, and stay as long as you like. Both run DARTSLIVE machines with Shanghai mode on the menu, and both have the kind of regular-player communities where a solo visitor can find a game within the first ten minutes.

5. TRUE BAR (真吧) — Beijing, Chaoyang

One DARTSLIVE2 machine, nearly a hundred drink options, and open every day of the year from 19:00 until 2 in the morning. TRUE BAR bills itself as the place to drink slow and throw well. The pace is slow, the regulars reliable, and the 7-round format of Short Shanghai suits the evening breeze well. It’s the type of neighborhood darts bar Beijing’s Shaoyaoju and Taiyanggong areas were always in need of, and the number is worth saving to check if it’s busy on the way.

• Address: Chaoyang District, Shaoyaoju Jia 2 Yard, Building 17, Unit 0101, 1F (芍药居甲2号院17号楼一层0101)
• Hours: Daily 19:00–02:00, open year-round
• Tel: 156-9999-9132
• Machines: DARTSLIVE2 × 1
• Best for: A slow, sociable evening — 7-round Shanghai between drinks, no rush

6. Jane Eyre Bar (简爱BAR) — Shenzhen, Luohu

Hidden one floor underground in the Gold City Building near Dongmen, Jane Eyre Bar runs a DARTSLIVE machine alongside music and a carefully chosen drinks list. The basement setting gives it a distinct atmosphere — quieter and more intimate than most darts bars, which makes it better suited to smaller groups or pairs who want a proper conversation alongside their game. The 7-round Shanghai format works as a natural icebreaker here: quick enough to keep the evening moving, engaging enough to keep everyone at the board.

• Address: Luohu District, Dongmen South Road, Gold City Building Block 4, Basement Units 15–16 (东门南路 金城大厦第四座 地下15、16铺)
• Hours: ~19:30–02:00 (confirm current hours on-day)
• Machines: DARTSLIVE
• Best for: Shenzhen's Luohu and Dongmen area; smaller groups wanting a relaxed underground bar feel with a board to match

Strategic Comparison: Shanghai Versus Cricket

If you've spent any time around a dartboard, you've probably heard of cricket darts — and at first glance, the two games can seem similar. Both are turn-based, both reward doubles and trebles, and both can be played with any number of people. However, the structure and feel of each game are genuinely different, and the right choice depends on who you're playing with.

Cricket Darts, meanwhile, targets only six numbers (15 through 20) plus the bullseye, and the object is to “close” each number by hitting it three times (singles count as one, doubles as two, trebles as three) while also scoring points on numbers your opponent has yet to close. It’s a much more positional game, and experienced players will routinely come out ahead of novices because of it.

Shanghai Darts, in contrast, gives every player a shot at every round; the target number rotates, no one can “block” another player’s scoring, and — most importantly — the Shanghai instant-win means the final result is not really known until the last dart lands. For that reason, it works better in mixed-skill groups and in party settings.

In short: if you want a quick, chaotic, anyone-can-win night at the board, go with shanghai darts. If you're playing head-to-head against someone at a similar skill level and want a game that rewards reading your opponent, cricket darts is the stronger choice. For anyone visiting Shanghai's bar scene and looking to jump into a game with strangers, shanghai darts is the easier entry point — and the one most venues default to. You can find bars across the city that run both formats by checking the full guide to Shanghai bars.

Winning Tips for Improving Throwing Skills

The instinct for most new players is straightforward: aim for the treble every time, maximize points, and hope the scores hold up at the end. In most darts games, that's reasonable advice. In shanghai darts, however, it's only half the picture — and following it blindly can actually cost you the win.

The treble gives you the most points on any single dart. However, the real objective in shanghai darts is not just to outscore everyone else — it's to either outscore them or hit a Shanghai and end the game immediately. Those two goals require different approaches, and the best players keep both in mind simultaneously.

Here is the throw sequence most experienced players recommend for any round where you're attempting a Shanghai:

1. First dart — aim for the treble. Landing it gives you the highest point value and opens the Shanghai attempt.
2. Second dart — aim for the single. If you hit it, you now have two of the three required zones covered.
3. Third dart — aim for the double. Land it and the game is yours. Miss it and you still walk away with solid points from darts one and two.

This sequence is particularly useful in the final round, when point gaps are widest and a Shanghai is the only realistic way to overturn a large deficit. Meanwhile, if you're already leading on points going into the last round, you can afford to be more aggressive on all three darts — but the player in last place will almost certainly be gunning for the instant win, so you want points on the board as insurance.

One practical note: if you're playing under the double-last rule — where the double must be your final dart to trigger a Shanghai win — this sequence already complies. Just make sure you haven't accidentally landed the double on dart one or two, which would leave you unable to complete the winning combination on dart three. In short, in shanghai darts, scoring high and attempting a Shanghai are not competing strategies. With the right throw order, they're the same strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai Darts

Q: What is a Shanghai in darts?

A Shanghai in darts means hitting a single, double, and treble of the same target number in a single three-dart turn. In the game of shanghai darts, pulling off a Shanghai triggers an instant win — your total score at that moment becomes irrelevant, and the game ends immediately. In the standard version, the order of the three zones doesn't matter. However, some competitive venues apply the double-last rule, which requires the double to be the final dart thrown for the Shanghai to count.

Q: Why is the 120 finish called Shanghai?

In professional darts, a "Shanghai" refers to hitting a single, double, and treble of the same number in one visit to the board. The 120 checkout achieves this on the 20 segment: T20 (60 points) + single 20 (20 points) + D20 (40 points) = 120. Because 20 is the highest-value segment on the board, this became the most iconic version of the finish, and the name carried over into the pub game that uses the same mechanic as its win condition.

Q: How many players can play Shanghai darts?

Shanghai darts has no upper player limit — it works equally well with 2 players or 12. In a bar or party setting, 4 to 6 players is the most common range for the 7-round format, as it keeps the game under 25 minutes and maintains energy across all turns. For larger groups of 8 or more, the 7-round version is strongly preferable to the 20-round format, which would push total game time well past an hour.

Q: How is Shanghai darts different from cricket darts?

Cricket darts targets only numbers 15 through 20 plus the bullseye. The goal is to "close" each number by hitting it three times — while simultaneously scoring against opponents who haven't closed those numbers yet. It's a tactical, positional game where experienced players have a consistent structural advantage. Shanghai darts, by contrast, cycles through every number in order, gives every player the same target each round, and includes the instant-win Shanghai mechanic. For mixed-skill groups and casual settings, shanghai darts is significantly more accessible.

Q: Can you play Shanghai darts on an electronic board?

Yes. Most modern e-dart machines include a built-in Shanghai game mode. Apps like DartCounter also offer Shanghai as a digital format, with options to enable the Require Number rule (miss the active number with all three darts and your score is halved) or the Require Treble rule (miss the treble and your score resets to zero). Electronic boards handle all scoring automatically, which makes them particularly useful when learning the game for the first time.

Q: What happens if you miss the target number entirely?

In the standard version of shanghai darts, missing the target number with all three darts simply scores zero for that round — no additional penalty beyond losing the scoring opportunity. However, two common variations add consequences: the Require Number variant halves your accumulated score if you miss completely on a designated mandatory round, while the Elimination variant removes you from the game entirely on a full miss in a specified round. Both variants are worth agreeing on before the game starts, as they significantly change how conservatively players approach risky rounds.

Q: Do I need to book ahead to play darts in Shanghai?

It depends on the venue type. Casual darts bars like SIDE BAR operate on a walk-in basis — you show up, order a drink, and get on a board when one opens up. Multi-sport entertainment venues like PARTY KING and CAGES are also generally walk-in friendly, though weekends and holiday evenings can get busy. Training-oriented venues like the Shanghai Municipal Darts Association facility and Dachi Sports Center are not public entertainment halls — for those, contacting the venue in advance to confirm open-session availability is strongly recommended.