Read this out first

Scopa

Italy's classic card game. Play one card at a time to capture cards from the table: one that matches its value, or several that add up to it. Clear the table in one move and you've made a scopa, a sweep, worth a bonus point. After each hand, score points for most cards, most diamonds and more. First to 11 wins.

first round is practice. stop and ask anytime.

Set up · 1 of 3

Take out the 8s, 9s and 10s. You'll play with 40 cards.

Set up · 2 of 3

Learn the values: aces are 1, number cards are their number, jacks are 8, queens are 9 and kings are 10.

Set up · 3 of 3

Deal three cards each, then four face up in the middle of the table.

How to play · 1 of 6

Play a card

On your turn, play one card from your hand.

How to play · 2 of 6

Capture

If it matches the value of a card on the table, take both. If it equals two or more table cards added together, take those. If a single card matches, you have to take that one.

How to play · 3 of 6

Lay it down

If your card can't capture anything, it stays face up on the table.

How to play · 4 of 6

Sweep for a scopa

If your capture clears the table, that's a scopa. Turn one of the cards face up in your pile so it gets counted.

How to play · 5 of 6

Deal again

When both hands are empty, deal three more each. When the deck runs out, whoever captured last takes whatever is left on the table.

How to play · 6 of 6

Score the hand

One point each for the most cards, the most diamonds, the 7 of diamonds and the most 7s. Plus one point for every scopa.

How to win

The first player to 11 points wins.