Objective of the Game
The objective of the game Thirty-One is to get as close as possible to a total of 31 points in a round without exceeding it. The player with the highest total at the end of the round wins.
Number of Players
Minimum 2, maximum 8 players.
Deck Used
A standard 32-card French deck (cards from 7 to Ace in each suit) is used.
Rules
- Dealing and Setup:
- Each player is dealt three cards, which they hold privately.
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A draw pile is placed in the center with the remaining cards, and the top card is turned over to start the discard pile.
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Card Exchange:
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The player to the dealer's left begins and may perform one of the following actions:
- Swap one card from their hand with the top card from the discard pile.
- Swap all three cards for three new ones from the draw pile.
- Draw a card from the draw pile and optionally swap one card from their hand.
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Calling and Moves:
- If a player is satisfied with their hand and believes they have a high score, they can "knock."
- This means that the other players get one more turn before the hands are revealed.
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A player can also choose to skip their turn voluntarily.
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Scoring:
- Card values are as follows: 7, 8, 9, 10 (each their number value), Jack, Queen, King (each 10 points), Ace (11 points).
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Only cards of the same suit count towards the scoring.
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Ending the Round:
- After the final round, all players reveal their cards and their totals are calculated.
- The player with the highest score, up to 31, is the winner.
Strategy
- Focus on one suit for the highest possible total.
- Knock only if you feel confident with your total.
- Observe which cards other players discard or draw for insight.
Special Considerations
- A player who reaches 31 points automatically wins, ending the round immediately.
- Watch for players who often knock and what cards they swap to anticipate their strategies.
Variants
- Some variations feature special rules for hitting 31 points, such as doubled points or bonuses.
This game is particularly suitable for social gatherings and requires less strategic thinking but a good sense of probability and luck.
