Shanghai Masters

Shanghai Masters is an advanced training game that tests complete segment mastery across the high-scoring numbers of the dartboard. The objective is to accumulate the highest possible score across three distinct parts — Shanghai rounds on numbers 10–15, a dedicated doubles round covering every double on the board, and Shanghai rounds on numbers 15–20. The ultimate goal is to hit a full Shanghai (single, double, and treble of the same number in a single round) for each number from 20 down to 15, demonstrating command of every segment within the most critical scoring areas of the board.

Shanghai Masters requires a standard bristle or electronic dartboard, a set of three darts per player, and a scoreboard capable of tracking scores across three separate parts. One or more players may participate. Throwing order is determined in the customary fashion — each player throws one dart at the bullseye, and the player closest to the inner bull throws first.

The game is divided into three distinct parts, played in sequence:

• Part 1 – Shanghai 10–15: Three darts thrown at each number from 10 through 15, in ascending order (six rounds).
• Part 2 – Doubles Round: One dart thrown at each double from D1 through D20, followed by one dart at the bullseye (twenty-one darts total).
• Part 3 – Shanghai 15–20: Three darts thrown at each number from 15 through 20, in ascending order (six rounds).

The scoreboard should display each player's running total for each part, as well as a cumulative grand total. It is helpful to note Shanghai bonuses separately so they can be verified during or after play.

Part 1 – Shanghai 10–15

Players take turns throwing three darts per round. In the first round, the target number is 10; in the second round, 11; and so on through 15. Only darts that land in a segment of the current target number score points. Darts landing in any other number score zero for that throw.

• A single of the target number scores its face value.
• A double of the target number scores 2× face value.
• A treble of the target number scores 3× face value.

If a player hits all three segment types of the target number within a single round — a single, a double, and a treble (in any order) — this constitutes a Shanghai, and the player earns a 100-point bonus on top of the standard points scored by those three darts.

For example, if the target number is 12 and a player hits single 12 (12), double 12 (24), and treble 12 (36), the standard score for that round is 72, plus the 100-point Shanghai bonus, for a round total of 172.

Part 2 – Doubles Round

Each player throws one dart at each double in sequence, beginning with double 1 (D1) and proceeding through double 20 (D20), followed by one dart at the bullseye. This part therefore consists of 21 individual throws.

• Each successfully hit double scores 50 points, regardless of which double it is.
• A successful hit on the bullseye (inner bull) scores a 50-point bonus.
• A miss on any throw scores zero for that throw.

The maximum possible score for Part 2 is 1,050 points (20 doubles × 50, plus 50 for the bullseye).

Part 3 – Shanghai 15–20

This part follows the same rules as Part 1, but the target numbers are 15 through 20, played in ascending order. Three darts are thrown per round, and only darts in the current target number's segments score. The Shanghai bonus of 100 points applies identically when a player hits the single, double, and treble of the target number in a single round.

Note that numbers 15 through 15 appear in both Part 1 and Part 3, meaning players have two opportunities to attempt a Shanghai on the number 15. Similarly, numbers 15–15 overlap, but the primary design intent is that the high-value numbers 15–20 receive focused attention in the final part of the game.

Completion Requirement: To officially finish the game, a player must hit a Shanghai (single + double + treble in one round) for each number from 20 down to 15. If a player completes all three parts without achieving Shanghai on one or more of these numbers, their score still stands, but the game is not considered formally completed. In a training context, this encourages players to replay until full mastery is demonstrated.

Scoring is tracked cumulatively across all three parts:

Parts 1 and 3 – Shanghai Rounds:

• Single: Face value of the target number (e.g., single 18 = 18 points).
• Double: 2× face value (e.g., double 18 = 36 points).
• Treble: 3× face value (e.g., treble 18 = 54 points).
• Shanghai bonus: An additional 100 points if all three segment types (single, double, and treble) of the target number are hit in a single three-dart round.

For example, hitting single 20 (20), double 20 (40), and treble 20 (60) in one round scores 120 + 100 = 220 points for that round. Conversely, hitting three single 20s scores only 60 points with no bonus.

Part 2 – Doubles Round:

• 50 points for each double successfully hit (D1 through D20).
• 50 points for hitting the bullseye.

A player who hits 12 out of 20 doubles plus the bullseye would score (12 × 50) + 50 = 650 points for Part 2.

Grand Total: The player's final score is the sum of all points from Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. In a multiplayer game, all players' grand totals are compared to determine the winner.

The player with the highest cumulative score across all three parts is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, players may replay Part 3 (Shanghai 15–20) as a tiebreaker, with the higher score in the replayed part deciding the match.

To achieve an official completion of Shanghai Masters, a player must have recorded a Shanghai (single + double + treble in a single round) for each of the numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, and 15 across Parts 1 and 3. While a player who fails this requirement still receives a final score, the game is considered incomplete until all six Shanghais are achieved — making full completion a mark of advanced skill.

Standard Shanghai: The parent game from which Shanghai Masters derives. In standard Shanghai, players throw three darts at each number from 1 through 20 (or a subset thereof) in ascending order, with standard segment scoring and the Shanghai instant-win rule. Shanghai Masters replaces the instant-win mechanic with a cumulative scoring format and adds the dedicated doubles round.

Progressive Shanghai: A variant in which hitting the target number with your first dart advances your second dart to the next number in the sequence, and hitting that advances the third dart again. This rewards accuracy with an opportunity to cover more numbers in fewer rounds.

Mandatory Hit (Penalty) Shanghai: A high-stakes variant where failing to hit a specified segment — for example, the treble of the target number — costs the player their entire accumulated score. This variant dramatically raises the pressure on each round and is suited to highly skilled players seeking an extreme challenge.

Exploit the 15–20 overlap: Numbers 15 through 15 appear in both Part 1 and Part 3, giving you two separate chances to land a Shanghai on the number 15. If you miss the Shanghai in Part 1, you know exactly what segment you need to focus on when the number comes around again in Part 3. Use your Part 1 attempt as a scouting round — note which segment gave you trouble and adjust your aim accordingly.

Build confidence in the Doubles Round with your strengths: Although you must throw at each double in sequence from D1 to D20, mentally prepare by identifying your most reliable doubles. When you reach a double you favour (such as D16 or D20), use the confidence from that hit to carry momentum into the next throw. A steady rhythm in this round can yield enormous point totals — every hit is worth 50 points regardless of the number.

Prioritise Shanghai on 18, 19, and 20: The Shanghai bonus is a flat 100 points, but the base value of hitting single + double + treble scales with the number. A Shanghai on 20 scores 20 + 40 + 60 + 100 = 220 points, compared to 10 + 20 + 30 + 100 = 160 points on number 10. Invest extra focus and composure on the high-value numbers where the scoring payoff is greatest.

Treat Part 2 as a doubles practice routine: The Doubles Round is not merely a scoring opportunity — it is a structured diagnostic of your doubling ability across the entire board. Track which doubles you consistently hit and which you miss. Over multiple sessions, this data reveals weaknesses to address in focused practice, making Shanghai Masters a genuinely effective training tool.

Plan your three-dart grouping for Shanghai attempts: When chasing a Shanghai, consider throwing at the treble first. If you hit it, your remaining two darts only need to find the single and double — both larger targets. If you start with the single (the easiest segment), you still face the treble and double with only two darts, and the pressure compounds. Leading with the hardest segment reduces the risk of needing a high-difficulty shot on your final dart.