Also known as Card Dominoes, Fan Tan and Parliament, Sevens is a simple to learn card game that is quick and fun for players of all ages. With two or more players and a standard deck of playing cards you're ready to play. A little luck and some strategic playing will be key.
Object of the Game.
The object of the game is to be the first player to play all of their cards.
What You Will Need.
A standard deck of 52 playing cards.
A flat surface or table with seating for all players.
Two or more players ages 4+.
Setting up the Game.
The
dealer shuffles the deck and deals out all the cards, one of
the time, face down to the players. Depending on the number of players
some may end up with more cards than others. This will not matter as
all cards are needed for play. Once dealt the players pick up their
cards and arrange them by suit and rank with aces
been highest.
Example: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A.
The player holding the seven of diamonds goes first.
Playing the Game.
Play
is started when the player holding the seven of diamonds lays that card
face up in the middle of the table. This is the card everyone must build upon,
in either direction, to create a stack of all the diamonds in order of
rank.
Play continues with the player to the left of the player who played the seven of diamonds. If they have the eight of diamonds they place it on top of the seven of diamonds. If they have the six of diamonds they slide it under the seven of diamonds.
If the player does not have either card they have one more option, they can start a new stack with the seven from another suit. If they do not have any sevens they must pass their turn and the player immediately to their left plays.
Once the game is underway, players can add to the top or bottom of any stack with the goal of playing all of their cards.
Tip
Strategy can be the key to success. It is a good idea for a player to
hold
onto
sixes, sevens and eights for as long as they can. Any other cards that can be played should be played first. Sevens especially should be saved as long as possible. Holding on to sixes and eights is also good strategy as it prevents anyone else from adding to columns in either direction.
If a player is holding the eight as well as the nine and ten of the same suit, or they have a six, five and four, they should not hold back on playing these cards.
Winning the Game.
The
first player to successfully play all their cards is the winner, but play can continue on with the remaining players if
desired.
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