Sevens, also known as Fan Tan or Parliament, is a shedding card game that’s as straightforward as it is fun. You won’t need a PhD in rocket surgery to pick it up, making it perfect for players of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned card shark or a newbie looking for a good time, Sevens delivers a satisfying blend of strategy and luck.
This blog post is for anyone who’s googled “how to play Sevens” only to be bombarded with poorly-written instructions or overly complicated jargon. We’re breaking down the classic card game of Sevens into easy-to-understand steps, from setup to strategy. We’ll even throw in some fun variations to spice up your next game night. What sets us apart? Crystal-clear explanations, a dash of humor, and a genuine love for this ridiculously fun card game.
I. What You Need to Play Sevens
You need two things to play the card game Sevens: a standard deck of 52 cards (no Jokers) and 3-8 players. This player count provides the best balance of chaos and enjoyment.
II. Setting Up the Game
To start Sevens, choose a dealer (the player who draws the highest card). The dealer shuffles the deck and deals the cards clockwise, aiming for an equal number per player. Arrange your hand by suit and numerical order for easier gameplay.
III. Sevens Card Game Rules
The name of the game is simple: be the first to ditch all your cards. Sounds easy, right? Well, hold your horses, buckaroo. The game kicks off with the player holding the illustrious seven of diamonds. They slap it down on the table like a winning lottery ticket. From there, the action zips around the table clockwise, with each player taking their turn to build onto the emerging tableau. But here’s the catch – you can only play a card if it’s one higher or one lower than a seven that’s already on the table and matches the suit. If you’re stuck with a hand full of face cards and deuces, well, you’re gonna be doing a lot of knocking (that’s how you pass when you can’t play a card). First player to play their last card is crowned the winner, but be warned, there are whispers of scoring systems that add an extra layer of, dare I say it, complexity.
Simple Point System
While the basic game ends when someone plays all their cards, you can add a scoring system for longer games or tournaments. Here’s a simple version:
- First player out: 0 points
- Each card in hand: 1 point
Keep track of points across multiple rounds. The player with the lowest score at the end wins!
Card Value Points
For a more strategic scoring system, consider this:
- Ace: 1 point
- 2-10: Face value
- Jack: 11 points
- Queen: 12 points
- King: 13 points
At the end of each round, players add up the values of the cards left in their hands. The player with the lowest total score after a set number of rounds wins. This variation makes holding onto those high-value cards a riskier proposition!
Bonus Points and Penalties
Want to crank up the competition? Try these variations:
- Bonus for going out first: Award bonus points (e.g., -10) to the player who empties their hand first.
- Penalty for specific cards: Assign a higher point penalty to certain cards, like Kings or Queens, to make holding onto them more risky.
Get creative and experiment with different scoring rules to find what your group enjoys most!
IV. Strategies for Winning Sevens
Now, I’m not saying I’m a Sevens savant, but I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years.
1. Holding Back Key Cards: The 8-6-7 Combo
Let’s say you’re holding the 8, 6, and 7 of Hearts. It’s tempting to play the 7 immediately and kickstart the sequence. But hold on! Those 8 and 6 are powerful tools. By keeping them back, you prevent anyone else from building on the Hearts suit until you decide it’s time. This control can be crucial in the later stages of the game.
2. Observing Your Opponents: The Case of the Missing Queen
Imagine you’ve noticed your opponent Sarah passing (knocking) several turns in a row when the Queen of Spades is still up for grabs. What does this tell you? She might be holding onto a low Spade, waiting for the right moment to play. Use this knowledge! If you have the King of Spades, consider holding onto it. Let Sarah sweat it out a little longer – you might force her to pass with valuable cards later.
3. Playing Extremes: The Ace Up Your Sleeve
It’s early in the game, and you’ve got a couple of Aces clogging up your hand. While those high cards might seem powerful, they can also become a liability later on. Don’t be afraid to play your Aces and Deuces early! This opens up more potential plays for you as the game progresses and prevents you from getting stuck with a hand full of high cards near the end.
4. Adapting to the Game: The Unexpected Block
You’ve been carefully nurturing a plan to go out with a glorious run of Clubs. But suddenly, another player lays down a card that blocks your entire sequence! Don’t panic. This is Sevens – expect the unexpected. Take a deep breath, reassess your hand, and adjust your strategy. Can you shift your focus to a different suit? Or maybe it’s time to embrace those pesky high cards and play defensively?
V. Fun Variations of Sevens
Now, once you’ve mastered the basics, why not spice things up with some variations?
Sevens Wild: Unleash the Joker!
Ready to add a dose of unpredictability? Shuffle those Jokers back into the deck and watch the chaos unfold! In Sevens Wild, a Joker acts as a wildcard, meaning it can represent any card you need.
- Game Changer: Use a Joker to complete a crucial sequence, block an opponent at a critical moment, or even sneakily get rid of that pesky King that’s been clogging up your hand.
- Strategic Twist: Holding onto a Joker can give you a powerful advantage, but don’t wait too long to play it! The game could end suddenly, leaving you with a useless grin.
Double Deck Sevens
Got a crowd itching for a card-slinging challenge? Double (or even triple) the deck for a game of epic proportions! This variation is perfect for larger groups or when you’re looking for a longer, more strategic Sevens experience.
- Building Bonanza: With more cards in play, expect to see sprawling card layouts and a wider array of strategic possibilities.
- Cutthroat Competition: Be prepared for intense blocking battles as players vie for control of key sequences.
- Pro Tip: Consider adding a rule where players can lay down multiple cards in a sequence at once to speed up the gameplay.
VI. FAQs
1. Can you play multiple cards in a single turn?
Sadly, no. One card per turn, my friend – gotta give others a chance to shine.
2. What if two people have the seven of diamonds?
Well, someone’s gotta be first, right? Decide based on seating order or have a thumb war – your call
3. Should you always play a card if you can?
It’s tempting to empty your hand quickly, but sometimes, holding back a key card can be the ultimate power move.
