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- Deal 4 cards to each player and 4 face-up on the table.
- Re-deal 4 cards each when all hands are empty (no new table cards).
- Play a card to capture table cards matching its value.
- Capture multiple cards whose values sum to your card.
- Build by placing a card on a table card and announcing the total.
- Trail (place a card on the table) if you cannot or choose not to capture.
- Most cards captured: 3 points.
- Most spades: 1 point.
- 10 of Diamonds (Big Cassino): 2 points.
- 2 of Spades (Little Cassino): 1 point; each Ace: 1 point.
Rules
Cassino is a classic fishing card game where players capture table cards by matching or combining their values with cards played from hand. It rewards careful arithmetic and strategic planning, offering more depth than its simple rules suggest.
Objective
Score the most points by capturing cards from the table, earning bonuses for the most cards, the most spades, specific high-value cards, and sweeps.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 4 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Each player receives 4 cards. Place 4 cards face-up on the table. When all hands are empty, deal 4 more cards each (but no more table cards).
Gameplay
- Capturing: Play a card from your hand that matches the value of one or more table cards. Capture all matching cards plus your played card.
- Combining: You may capture multiple table cards whose values add up to your played card's value. For example, play a 9 to capture a 4 and a 5.
- Building: Place a card on a table card to create a 'build' announcing the total. For example, place a 3 on a 5 and announce 'building 8.' On a future turn, capture the build with an 8.
- Trailing: If you cannot or choose not to capture, place a card on the table (trailing).
- Aces: Aces are worth 1 for capturing purposes but earn a bonus point when scored.
Scoring
- Most Cards: 3 points for capturing the most cards overall.
- Most Spades: 1 point for capturing the most spades.
- Big Cassino: 2 points for capturing the 10 of Diamonds.
- Little Cassino: 1 point for capturing the 2 of Spades.
- Aces: 1 point each for captured Aces.
- Sweep: 1 point each time you capture all remaining table cards in one play.
Tips and Strategies
- Prioritize capturing the 10 of Diamonds and 2 of Spades for their bonus points.
- Build strategically — a well-timed build can capture multiple cards at once.
- Count spades and total cards throughout the game to contest those bonus categories.
Tips & Strategy
The building mechanic is the key to advanced play. Building lets you set up future captures of multiple cards, dramatically increasing your card count and scoring potential.
Trail wisely. Every card you trail becomes available for opponents to capture. Avoid trailing high-value cards unless you have a plan to capture them back.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The spelling 'Cassino' (with double S) is traditional and distinguishes the card game from the gambling establishment 'Casino.'
In Cassino, which specific card is called 'Big Cassino' and is worth 2 bonus points?
History & Culture
Cassino has been played since at least the 18th century and was once one of the most popular card games in English-speaking countries before being supplanted by Rummy variants.
Cassino has a long tradition as a parlor game in Europe and America. Its fishing mechanic influenced many subsequent games including Scopa and its variants.
Variations & House Rules
Royal Cassino assigns values to face cards (J=11, Q=12, K=13), making them capturable by arithmetic. Spade Cassino awards points for every spade captured.
Try Royal Cassino rules to make face cards more interesting. Play to 21 points for a shorter game or 31 for a longer one.
