Objective of the Game

Coon Can, a traditional card game regarded as a precursor to modern Gin Rummy, aims to be the first player to lay down all of their cards in valid melds such as sets or runs.

Required Materials

• A Spanish deck of 40 cards or a Standard deck (52 cards) stripped of the eights, nines, and tens.

Gameplay

Setup

• Number of Players: 2 players
• Each player receives ten cards.
• Remaining cards are placed face down in the center as the draw pile, with the top card turned face up to start the discard pile.

Basic Rules

1. Start of Turn: The non-dealing player may choose to draw the top card from the discard pile or the draw deck.
2. Laying Down Cards: Players can lay down cards in sets (three or four of a kind) or runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit).
3. End of Turn: Conclude your turn by discarding one card onto the discard pile.
4. Winning the Round: The first player to lay down all cards or hold only one card is the winner of the round.

Special Rules

• Taking: A player can pick up the last discarded card to lay it down immediately in a valid meld.
• Adding On: Players can add cards to existing sets or runs laid down by both players.

Strategy Tips

• Maintain Flexibility: Aim to collect a variety of potential melds to keep your gameplay flexible.
• Observe Your Opponent: Keep track of which cards your opponent picks up and discards to understand and counter their strategy.
• Create Uncertainty: Don't always lay down your cards immediately to keep your intentions hidden from your opponent.

End of the Game

The game concludes when one player successfully lays down all his or her cards in valid combinations. The overall score is typically tallied over several rounds.