Objective
The goal of Spitz (also known as 31) is to get the highest score in a round, ideally achieving a score of 31, which is the maximum possible score. The score is calculated from cards of the same suit.
Cards and Setup
Spitz is played with a standard 52-card poker deck. A dealer is chosen before the game starts. Each player is dealt three cards face down, and the remaining cards form a draw pile with the top card turned face up to form the discard pile.
Game Flow
- Starting the Round:
- The player to the left of the dealer begins.
- Each player has the opportunity to draw one card and discard one card.
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A player can draw either from the draw pile or take the top card from the discard pile.
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Scoring Cards:
- Cards are valued as follows: Ace (11 points), King (10 points), Queen (10 points), Jack (10 points), and numbered cards are worth their face value.
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Suits (hearts, diamonds, spades, clubs) are crucial, as only cards of the same suit can be combined to increase the score.
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Knocking:
- If a player is satisfied with their hand, they may knock instead of drawing a card. Knocking indicates they believe they have the highest score.
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After knocking, one final round occurs where other players may draw and discard.
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Round Evaluation:
- At the end of the round, all players reveal their cards.
- The point values of cards of the same suit are totaled, and the players' scores are compared.
- The player with the highest score wins the round. If a player achieves a score of 31, they win immediately.
Strategic Tips
- Aim to collect cards of the same suit to maximize your score.
- Observe other players' discards for clues about their strategy.
- Knock when you think your hand is strong enough to win the round, even if you don't have precisely 31 points.
Game End
The game can be played over several rounds. Players may set a specific score target (e.g., 100 points), and the first player to reach it wins the overall game.
Spitz is a straightforward game with a nice blend of strategy and luck, making it ideal for casual game nights.
