31 is easy to play and fun for all ages.Depending on the group, competition can be light and friendly.The game gives room for both gambling and gloating rights.If you follow the steps below, you can make this a new game for your group.
Step 1: Two or more friends are ready to play.
You can add as many players as you like, though playing groups are recommended at a range of 2 to 9 people.Experts suggest 3 players to be the perfect amount, however this number is subject to your group's preferences.Some people focus on having a good time with their friends, while others are more interested in the competition.
Step 2: Pick up a deck of cards.
Move the cards up and out of the way.
Step 3: There is some space with a flat surface.
A comfortable space for people to sit around a central location is what you really need, even though a table is ideal for card games.The communal cards will be placed in the center of the group so be sure to choose a location where everyone can see them.
Step 4: Explain the game goal of collecting a hand of 31 points.
The totals are determined by adding together cards of the same suit.The goal of the game is for the hand to be as close to 31 as possible.
Step 5: Agree on values and scoring.
It is important that your group agrees with the card game rules as they are often spread by word of mouth.Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as 10 and number cards are worth their face value, according to official 31 rules.If they are from the same suit, cards can be added together.Your hand may consist of 3 diamonds, an ace of spades and a king.The hand's total would be 21.The diamonds are not a spade.It can't be added with the King and Ace.Any hand with 3-of-a-kind is worth 30 points.This means a hand of 3 fives, 3 deuces or 3 Kings is all worth 30 points and will beat any other hand that has the same suit.
Step 6: You can choose a dealer by cutting the deck.
A section of the deck of cards is grabbed by each player.The players reveal their cut.The dealer is who has the lowest card value.The person to the left of the previous dealer takes over their position during a game.
Step 7: Receive 3 live births.
Some people prefer to play 31 with "lives" represented by 3 chips, 3 pennies, or 3 markers the group chooses.A loser is determined at the end of each round.The loser has to place one of their lives in the middle.A player can't move on after losing 3 lives.The game goes on until one player is eliminated.
Step 8: In a clockwise rotation, place 1 card face down in front of every player.
Each player can look at their hand after receiving 3 cards.Any other player should not be allowed to see the player's hand.
Step 9: The window can be created by placing 3 cards face up in the middle.
The 3 cards will be replaced by players throughout the game.
Step 10: Evaluate your cards.
Look at the cards in your hand and the ones in the window.In your hand and in the window, decide which cards will push you closer to a hand totaling 31.You can only add cards of the same suit.This is something to keep in mind.
Step 11: If you want, place bets.
Even though betting is not necessary, it can heighten the stakes.Before anyone takes a turn, every player should put an equal amount of chips into the center.
Step 12: Go to the left of the dealer to play with the player.
The player can exchange one of their own cards for a card in the window.As long as it's their turn, players can switch out as many cards as they want.If a player picks up a new card, they have to put one of their old cards in a discard pile.New cards can be drawn from the window or discard pile.
Step 13: In a clockwise fashion, play continues.
Players are adding value to their hands.Make sure you have at least 3 cards in your hand.
Step 14: Your opponent's emotions as you play.
Keep an eye on your opponents as you try to reach a hand of 31.Determine if they are happy or upset by their gestures, facial expressions, and voices.It can be difficult to score exactly 31.Sometimes a player has to decide if they are close or not.If your hand has a good chance of winning, use your knowledge of the other players.The game has been lagging even though you only have a score of 23.You might be the winner.
Step 15: When you think your hand has the potential to be great, knock.
If you believe you can, knock on the table.The other players have one last chance to play with the window.If you have 31 in your hand, knock and say so.You show your cards to the group when you don't get another turn.Everyone else gives up a life.Even after another player has knocked to begin the final round, this can happen at any time.
Step 16: Your cards will be revealed to the group.
The player with the cards closest to totaling 31 wins the game.The player with the highest-ranking cards wins.The combination of King, Queen, and 5 equals 25.The King has a lower rank than the ace.Jack, 4 hand, beats the King, Queen, 5 hand.If the tie continues, the second highest cards are compared, and so on until a winner is determined.
Step 17: The lowest scorer should be the loser.
The player with the lowest total loses their life.A player who loses all 3 lives is eliminated from the game and cannot move on to the next hand.If one player knocks but another ends up with the highest score in the final round, the knocker dies.
Step 18: The winner must be the highest scorer.
Winning is always fun, whether the prize is money, bragging rights, a personal favor, or a boost in self-esteem.Continue the steps above until all but 1 have been eliminated.
Step 19: The winner of the game should be declared.
Depending on how many people are playing, the number of rounds will change.There are more lives to be lost as more players increase game length.