31, also known as Scat or Blitz, is a fast-paced card game that’s enjoyed by players of all ages. Simple to learn but challenging enough for experienced players, it’s a great choice for your next game night. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of how to play 31.

What You Need:

– A standard deck of 52 cards (Jokers removed)

– 2 to 9 players

– Tokens or chips (one per player)

Game Objective:

The main goal in the game of 31 is to end a round with the highest sum of cards in one suit, aiming for a total value closest or equal to 31.

Understanding Card Values:

In the game of 31, all face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) have a value of 10. Aces are valued at 11 points, and cards from 2 to 10 retain their face values.

Setting Up the Game:

1. Decide on an initial dealer through any preferred method.

2. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals three cards to each player facedown.

3. Place one token or chip from each player into the center pot.

4. The dealer places the remainder of the deck facedown on the table as a draw pile and turns over the top card next to it creating a discard pile.

Gameplay:

1. Beginning with the player to the left of the dealer and proceeding clockwise, players take turns drawing one card from either the draw pile or discard pile.

2. After drawing, players must discard one card into the discard pile.

3. Each turn aims to improve their hand by aiming for a higher sum within a single suit.

4. Players must end their turn with only three cards in hand.

Knocking:

1. If a player believes they have a high-scoring hand, they can “knock” instead of drawing a card. This action concludes their turn.

2. Each remaining player, starting from the knocker’s left, has one more turn to try to improve their hand.

3. Players reveal their hands after the final turn to determine the winner of the round.

Scoring and Winning:

1. Each player, excluding the knocker, adds up the total value of cards within their highest-scoring suit.

2. If the knocker has the highest (or tied for highest) score, they win and all other players must contribute an additional token to the pot.

3. If another player has a higher score than the knocker, that player wins, and the knocker must provide an extra token to the pot.

4. A perfect hand scores 31 points and is an automatic win.

Ending the Game:

The game continues with multiple rounds until only one player remains with tokens. That player is declared the overall winner.

With these rules in mind, you’re now ready to play 31. Gather a group of friends or family members and enjoy this fast-paced card game at your next game night!