Get the full experience in CardRules+
300+ games with text-to-speech, game night planner, quick reference cards, and offline access.
Download on Google Play- 2-4 players each playing individually.
- Use two decks plus jokers.
- Deal 12 cards each, turn one card up to start the discard pile.
- Draw from stock or take the top discard.
- Lay down your contract melds when complete.
- Discard one card to end your turn.
- Leftover cards count as penalty points.
- Lowest total penalty points after all rounds wins.
Rules
Carioca is a popular Latin American rummy game featuring progressive contracts that change each round. Players must complete specific meld requirements before they can lay down cards, making each round a unique challenge.
Objective
Complete the required contract for each round by forming the specified combination of sets and runs. The player with the lowest total penalty points after all rounds wins.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 4 players, each playing individually.
- Deck: Two standard 52-card decks plus jokers (108 cards total). Jokers and twos serve as wild cards.
- Deal: Each player receives 12 cards. The remaining cards form the stock pile with one card turned up to start the discard pile.
Gameplay
- Step 1: Draw one card from the stock pile or take the top card of the discard pile.
- Step 2: Once you have the required contract melds in hand, lay them down on the table all at once.
- Step 3: After laying down your contract, you may add cards to any melds on the table (yours or opponents').
- Step 4: Discard one card to end your turn. The round ends when a player empties their hand.
Scoring
- Cards left in hand at the end of a round count as penalty points. Number cards are face value, face cards are 10, Aces are 15, and jokers are 50.
- The player with the fewest total penalty points after all rounds is the winner.
Variations
- Chilean Carioca: Features 7 rounds with specific contracts ranging from two trios to a full run of 12 cards.
- Speed Carioca: Reduces the number of rounds to 4, using only the most challenging contracts for a faster game.
Tips and Strategies
- Focus on completing your contract quickly, even if it means using wild cards, to start shedding extra cards.
- Hold onto cards that fit later-round contracts while working on the current one.
- Watch opponents' discards carefully to avoid giving them the cards they need.
Tips & Strategy
Completing contracts early lets you offload cards to reduce penalties. Always plan one round ahead by keeping versatile cards that work in future contracts.
Wild cards are precious for completing tough contracts, but they carry high penalty points if you get stuck with them. Use them early and strategically.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Despite sharing its name with residents of Rio de Janeiro, Carioca the card game is most strongly associated with Chilean card-playing traditions.
In Carioca, what must a player complete before they can lay down any cards on the table?
History & Culture
Carioca originated in Chile and spread across Latin America during the mid-20th century, becoming a favorite family card game throughout the region.
Carioca is a cherished family card game across Chile and Latin America, often played during holidays, gatherings, and long weekend afternoons.
Variations & House Rules
Chilean Carioca follows a strict 7-round structure with escalating difficulty. Speed Carioca shortens the game to only the hardest contracts.
Reduce the number of rounds for a quicker game session. Allow beginners to peek at the next round's contract requirements to help them plan ahead.
