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Download on Google Play- 4 players in partnerships use two decks plus jokers (108 cards).
- Deal 11 cards each; set aside two pots of 11 cards.
- Remaining cards form the stock; one card starts the discard pile.
- Draw from stock or pick up the entire discard pile (if you can meld the top card).
- Lay down sets or runs of 3+ cards; extend existing melds.
- When you empty your hand, pick up a reserve pot and continue.
- Clean canasta (no wilds): 200 points.
- Dirty canasta (with wilds): 100 points.
- Going out: 100 bonus points.
- Card values: Jokers 30, Aces/2s 20, face cards 10, number cards 5.
Rules
Buraco is a rummy-style card game extremely popular in Brazil and Italy, played in partnerships. It features a distinctive mechanic where teams access a reserve pile of cards (called a pot) when one partner runs out of cards, adding a dramatic second-wind element to gameplay.
Objective
Form melds of sets and runs, lay them on the table, and be the first team to deplete your hands and score the most points. Creating 'clean' runs of seven or more cards (canastas) earns large bonuses.
Setup
- Players: 4 players in two partnerships.
- Deck: Two standard 52-card decks plus four jokers (108 cards total).
- Deal: Each player receives 11 cards. Two pots of 11 cards each are set aside face down.
- Stock and discard: Remaining cards form the stock. One card starts the discard pile.
Gameplay
- Drawing: Draw one card from the stock, or pick up the entire discard pile (only if you can immediately meld the top card).
- Melding: Lay down sets of three or more same-rank cards or runs of three or more consecutive same-suit cards.
- Adding to melds: You may extend your team's existing melds with additional cards.
- Picking up the pot: When a player empties their hand, they pick up one of the reserve pots and continue playing.
- Going out: A player can go out only after their team has formed at least one clean canasta (a seven-card run without wild cards).
Scoring
- Clean canasta (no wilds): 200 points bonus.
- Dirty canasta (with wilds): 100 points bonus.
- Going out: 100 points bonus.
- Card values: Aces and 2s are 20 points; face cards are 10; number cards are 5; jokers are 30.
Variations
- Italian Burraco: Features slightly different pot rules and scoring thresholds.
- Open Buraco: Played without partnerships, each player for themselves.
Tips and Strategies
- Coordinate with your partner on when to empty your hand and grab the pot. Timing this correctly gives your team a huge card advantage.
- Prioritize building at least one clean canasta early so your team has the option to go out when advantageous.
Tips & Strategy
The pot mechanic is what makes Buraco unique. Plan with your partner to time pot pickups for maximum advantage, and always keep an eye on building that required clean canasta.
Managing the discard pile is critical. Taking a large discard pile can give you enormous melding power, but be selective—only grab it when the top card fits your strategy.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Buraco is so popular in Italy that it has its own national federation and championship circuit, with tournaments broadcast on Italian television.
What is the name of the reserve pile of cards that a player picks up when they empty their hand in Buraco?
History & Culture
Buraco emerged in South America in the mid-twentieth century, likely evolving from Canasta. It became especially popular in Brazil and was later adopted enthusiastically in Italy, where it is known as Burraco.
Buraco bridges Brazilian and Italian card culture, beloved in both countries as a social partnership game. It is commonly played in clubs, at home, and in competitive tournament settings.
Variations & House Rules
Italian Burraco has minor rule differences in pot handling and requires slightly different scoring. Open Buraco removes partnerships for a more individual competitive experience.
Adjust the clean canasta requirement to make going out easier or harder. Some groups play with three pots instead of two for longer games with more dramatic comebacks.
