31 card game is popular in America and Britain. It is a fun card game. Two to seven people come together to achieve a hand value of 31 with a single deck of cards. The play to reach the score forms the crux of 31 card game rules.
Like in every card game, you must know the card values and how to handle your turn and make your way to the win. For beginners, the rules are relatively simple. However, the scope of the game lies in its strategy and skill to observe your opponents. Let’s first start with learning how to play thirty one card game.
Thirty-One Game Rules
- If a player reaches 31, it ends the game immediately. There is no additional round for players.
- But if a player knocks, all other players can get an additional round to improve their hand.
- It costs two lives for a knocking player if they have the lowest total score.
- If a player has no chips, they can play the game. But if they lose a round without any chips, they must leave the game.
- You can either draw from a discard or stockpile. But discarding a card is mandatory as per the thirty one game rules.
- If two low-scoring, non-knocking players have a tie, they both lose a life.
- Suit matters when calculating the hand point total. However, 3 of a kind is an exception, which is worth 30 points.
- If a player knocks and ties for the lowest score, they don’t lose a life. However, the non-knocking player with the same low score does lose a life.
How to Play 31 Card Game
The thirty one card game starts with a single deck of cards. Players sit around a table or in a circle to start the game. They must know the gameplay, strategies, rules, and how to win.
What You Would Need
- Deck: A standard deck of 52 cards (For kids, consider card holders and themed decks like Pokémon or Minecraft.)
- Markers: Three markers per player (e.g., poker chips) to represent lives.
- Players: 2+ players
- Age: 5+. Great for teaching math to kindergarten and first graders.
- Skills: Basic Math, Probability, Memory, and Social Skills
Other Card Games: How to Play Baccarat – Step-by-Step Guide To Baccarat Rules & Gameplay
Objective
The objective of the 31 game is to achieve a hand value close to 31 than at least one opponent. The player farthest from 31 hand total at the end of a round loses a chip.
Card Values
| Card Type | Points | Details |
| Aces (e.g., | 11 points | Each Ace (♠A, ♥A, ♦A, ♣A) is worth 11 points. |
| Face Cards | 10 points | Includes Kings (♠K), Queens (♥Q), and Jacks (♦J, ♣J) of all suits. |
| Number Cards | Face value | Each number card scores its face value (e.g., ♠7 = 7 points). |
| Same Suit Cards | Sum of values | Points are totaled for cards of the same suit in a hand (e.g., ♠A + ♠7 = 18). |
| Three of a Kind | 30 points | Three cards of the same rank (e.g., ♠7, ♥7, ♦7) score 30 points. |
Dealing
A dealer is chosen through any of the usual methods. For example, each player draws a card and the highest card holder will be the dealer. You can use any other method or choose randomly.
Each player is dealt three cards in face down position. While players can look at their own cards, they must not show them to the other players.
The remaining cards are put face down in the middle to form the stockpile. One card from the stock pile is turned over to start a discard pile.
Gameplay
If you’re familiar with card games like Gin Rummy or Poker, learning the thirty one card game rules should be easy for you. Otherwise, it can take a bit more time. But it takes less than five minutes to play a single round.
The play begins with the player to the dealer’s left. Here’s how a player’s turn can go:
Every player seeks to improve their hand during their turn to get as close to 31 as possible. They must also avoid being the only player with the lowest score. So, they may also try to end the game early if there’s a chance.
They can make three types of decisions:
- Pick a card from the Discard Pile or,
- Pick a card from the stock pile or,
- Go for Knock.
- Taking from Discard Pile: If a player finds that a face-up card from the discard pile can improve their hand, they may pick it. In turn, they must discard a card from their hand into the discard pile. He/She then exhausts their turn, and the play continues clockwise.
- Taking from Stock Pile: But if they find a random card is the best for their hand at the moment, they can pick a top card from the stockpile. They have to discard either their own card or the one they just picked. The turn is over. The player to the left takes the turn.
- Knocking: If a player finds that they don’t have the lowest hand, they can knock without picking a card. If the player knocks, all the remaining players will get one more turn to improve their hand. Then, all players must reveal their hands. The player with the lowest score loses a life.
However, if a player holds a 31, they declare it instantly. The round ends,, and all other players lose a life.
The game continues in a clockwise direction. Each player must take one of the three decisions.
If a player has reached 31 points, they can announce. The game ends immediately without any additional turn. Or, one of the players can choose to knock.
If the player who knocks has the lowest-scoring hand, they shall remove two markers.
In a tie for the lowest score:
- Non-knocking players who tie each lose a marker.
- If the knocking player ties with others, they keep their marker. Non-knocking players with the same score still lose a marker.
Winning in 31 Card Game
The thirty-one game rules go through multiple rounds until one player remains. Players with no markers left are still in the game. But they are eliminated if they lose another round.
According to the 31 card game rules, the last player to stand wins!
Strategies and Tips to Win the 31 Card Game
There are some aspects of the game of 31 for beginners. Assimilating them makes their learning curve faster.
Watch the discard pile
Cards in the discard pile are an indicator of the remaining suits in the deck. If you find that a lot of hearts and diamonds have been discarded, the chances of drawing a spade or club have just increased. It is all in your capacity to observe the discard pile.
Notice what others pick
What are other players picking from the discard pile? Whatever. But they leave ample clues there. If someone picks a low card from the discard pile (e.g., the 5 of spades), they’re likely building a hand in that suit. They’re possibly completing a set.
Track opponents’ discards
Say your opponents have discarded an 8 of hearts. Now, you can see that they’re not aiming for eights. Mostly, they’re not going for hearts, either. If they discard a lower number like 3, it gives less information. But you can still hope to get some clues. Yes, we’re talking about observing and analyzing the opponent’s discards.
Stay flexible in your strategy
Play the thirty one game rules two ways. It means holding a pair along with a suited card matching one of the pairs.
For example, ♣7, ♠7, and ♠J give you 17 points. It also lets you score 30 if you draw another 7. You could score higher by drawing another ♠. This strategy works well early in the game.
It’s especially strong if the pair or suited card is high-scoring, like a face card. But don’t ever hesitate to drop the pair if a third matching suit becomes available.
Don’t focus only on three-of-a-kinds
Three cards of the same rank score 30 points.
But it’s a risky strategy since only two matching cards remain. If you start with a pair, chasing the third card can backfire, as mixed-suit pairs don’t combine to score (e.g., 6 of clubs, 6 of diamonds, and 5 of hearts only score six).
However, if the third card matches one suit, you can maximize your score by playing it both ways. , Especially if it’s a high card,
Discard carefully
Adjust your discards based on the player clockwise from you. If they pick a 5 of spades, avoid discarding higher spades. If they discard an 8 of hearts, hearts or eights are likely safe to discard.
Knock early with a strong hand
If you have a strong hand, knocking early is a good practice to turn odds in your favor in the 31 card game. The goal itself is to avoid the lowest hand, Not go closest to 31. If you have two face cards of the same suit and one low card, your total is 20. This is likely higher than others. Knocking is a smart move.
Delay play with a weak hand
If you have a weak hand, delay the game instead of knocking. Or make it difficult for your opponents.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid spreading your cards across multiple suits when learning how to play 31 card game. It could reduce your overall score.
- Poor decisions about picking up or discarding cards can weaken your hand. Observe the discard pile to track which cards are in play.
- Wait to knock until you have a strong hand. Unless your hand is stronger than your opponents’, don’t attempt.
Common Variations
| Variation | Description |
| Banking | Players ante a token before each round. The dealer creates a “widow” pile with three cards. Players may exchange cards with the widow. The highest-valued hand or a blitz wins all tokens. |
| Dollar Bill | Players use a five-dollar note to track lives by folding corners. After folding all corners, they play on a “free ride.” Losing again eliminates the player. The winner takes all the bills. |
| Three-of-a-Kind | Three cards of the same value but different suits count as 30.5 points. |
| West Lansing Cut Throat | Players buy three tokens (or poker chips) before the game. The last player with tokens wins the pot. Knocking and not beating another player costs two tokens. No “free ride” is allowed. |
| Switch | Players exchange cards with one of two hands on the table. Options include swapping cards, switching entire hands, renewing a table hand, or knocking. The highest hand at the end wins. |
| No-Elimination Variant | Players earn points instead of losing tokens or money. Points are assigned based on round results. Blitz earns 6 points. Ties are given the highest score possible. |
| Stop the Bus | Uses hand rankings from three-card brag instead of scoring closest to 31. Players swap cards with three face-up cards on the table. A “prial” (three of a kind) is the best hand, followed by running flush and other rankings. |
Alternate Scoring: Some groups play with 32 points as the highest possible score when using Jokers.
House Rules: Some play with “stealing” rules where players can take a card directly from an opponent’s hand under certain conditions.
Math Learning: The game is often used to teach addition and probability to children.
Other Names for 31 Game
Did you know, the 31 game of cards has many names in different regions? In southern Louisiana and Mississippi, it is called Blitz. In the same areas, it is also known as Scat and Cadillac.
In Pennsylvania, people call it Cad. Central Indiana refers to it as Whammy!. In Oklahoma and Kansas, it is called Juble. Other names include Kitty, High Hat, Ride the Bus, and Geronimo. In Hawaii, it is famously known as Nickle Knock.
However, it should not be confused with the Greek banking game of 31 or Schwimmen.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the rules of an exciting card game, do you know it is a great family game? Unlike complex card games that can intimidate newcomers, the game goes well with family game nights.
Grandparents can teach youngsters basic math while teenagers develop advanced strategies. The natural pauses between rounds offer storytelling and family bonding moments. Perhaps that’s how the game has sustained its popularity.
Other Card Games: Beginner’s guide on how to play Speed will help you start this fast-paced game with ease!
FAQs
What if you get three aces in 31 card game?
In the 31 card game, three aces give you the highest score. This totals 33 points. It surpasses the usual 30 ½ points for matching three cards.
Can I play the game of 31 cards with more than four players?
Yes, you can play the game of 31 cards with more than four players. However, the game is best enjoyed in small groups. You also need multiple decks of cards when there 4+ players.
What is the value of a 3-of-a-kind in 31 card game?
In the 31 card game, three of a kind is worth 30.5 points. It happens when a player holds three cards of different suits but the same value.
Is it difficult to learn the game of 31 cards for beginners?
The 31 card game rules are simple for beginners. Players focus on card values and suits, just like in most card games. The secret is regular practice.
