Scopa (Classic Italian Card Game)

Basics

Objective

The goal of Scopa is to collect the most points by capturing cards from the table. Points are awarded for specific achievements during the game, and players take turns making plays that capture cards.

Cards and Setup

• Deck: Scopa is played with a 40-card Italian deck, which has four suits: Coins (Denari), Cups (Coppe), Swords (Spade), and Clubs (Bastoni). Each suit has cards numbered from 1 to 7 and three face cards (Knave, Knight, and King).

  • Alternative: You can use a regular 52-card deck by removing the 8s, 9s, and 10s.

• Players: 2 to 4 players, individually or in teams.

• Deal: Each player is dealt 3 cards, and 4 cards are placed face-up on the table. The rest of the deck is set aside to be dealt later in rounds.

Gameplay

1. Play a Card: Players take turns playing one card from their hand. A card can capture one or more cards from the table.

2. Capturing Cards:

   • Match the Number: If a card from your hand matches the value of a card on the table, you capture it.
   • Sum to the Number: If the value of your card equals the sum of two or more cards on the table, you capture them.

3. No Capture: If you cannot capture a card, you must place one of your cards on the table.

4. Scopa: If you capture all the cards on the table, it's called a Scopa, which earns you a bonus point. This is marked on the score.

5. Round Ends: After all players play their 3 cards, the dealer deals 3 more cards to each player. The game continues until all cards from the deck are played.

6. Final Sweep: At the end of the game, any cards left on the table go to the player who made the last capture.

Scoring

• 1 point for most cards: The player with the most cards.
• 1 point for most Coins (Denari): The player with the most cards in the Coins suit.
• **1 point for the Sette Bello: The player who captured the 7 of Coins.
• **1 point for Primiera: This is a special point awarded based on the highest-value cards of each suit, typically calculated by adding up the values of the best cards in each suit (7s, 6s, Aces, etc.).
• 1 point for each Scopa: For each Scopa during the game.

Winning

The game usually continues until a player or team reaches 11 points, but this can be adjusted depending on your preferences.

You can play Scopa online over at Solitare Paradise.

If you like to try with friends you can purchase a deck of cards.  You can use the more traditional cards here or here, or a regular deck of cards.

Quick 156 Second Basics

Full Play Through - 2 Full Rounds