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Download on Google Play- Remove 8s, 9s, and 10s to create a 40-card deck.
- Deal 5 cards to each player with no initial table cards.
- Keep remaining cards for redealing after each round of play.
- Play one card from your hand to the table.
- Capture matching cards or groups that sum to your card's value.
- Score bonuses for Caidas (immediate recaptures) and Limpias (sweeps).
- 20+ cards captured = 6 points, plus 1 per extra card.
- Each Caida = 2 points, each Limpia = 2 points.
Rules
Cuarenta (meaning 'Forty') is the national card game of Ecuador. It is a fishing and capture game for 2 or 4 players using a 40-card deck, where players score by capturing table cards, forming sequences, and reaching exactly 40 points.
Objective
The objective is to be the first player or team to reach exactly 40 points by capturing cards from the table through matching, sequences, and special bonus plays.
Setup
- Players: 2 or 4 players (4 players in partnerships).
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck with 8s, 9s, and 10s removed, leaving 40 cards.
- Deal: Deal 5 cards to each player. No cards are placed on the table initially. The remaining cards form the stock for redealing.
Gameplay
- Playing a Card: On your turn, play one card from your hand to the table.
- Capturing by Matching: If your played card matches the value of a table card, you capture both cards. You may capture multiple cards if several table cards share that value.
- Capturing by Sum: You may capture a group of consecutive table cards whose values sum to the value of your played card.
- Caida: If you capture a card that was just placed on the table by the previous player, this is a 'Caida' and scores 2 bonus points.
- Limpia (Sweep): If you capture all cards from the table, this is a Limpia and scores 2 bonus points.
- Redealing: When all players have played their 5 cards, deal 5 more to each player. Continue until the deck is empty. Any remaining table cards go to the last player who made a capture.
Scoring
- Capturing 20 or more of the 40 cards earns 6 points. Each additional card beyond 20 earns 1 extra point.
- Each Caida (immediate recapture) = 2 points.
- Each Limpia (table sweep) = 2 points.
- The game is won by reaching exactly 40 points. If a player exceeds 40, their score resets to 39 and they must earn the final point precisely.
Variations
- Cuarenta with Jokers: Some groups add Jokers as wild cards that can match any value on the table.
- Periquito Rule: If the same card value appears three times on the table, the fourth card of that value captures all three for bonus points.
Tips and Strategies
- Set up Caidas by playing cards that your partner can immediately recapture on their turn for easy bonus points.
- Avoid leaving cards on the table that make it easy for opponents to sweep or score Caidas.
- Count captured cards carefully, as the 6-point bonus for majority is often the difference between winning and losing a round.
Tips & Strategy
Focus on card majority since 20+ captures score 6 points. Set up Caidas with your partner and avoid leaving the table vulnerable to opponent sweeps.
The Caida mechanic makes turn order critical. In partnerships, coordinating plays so your partner can recapture immediately is a reliable way to accumulate bonus points without relying on card majority.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Cuarenta is so integral to Ecuadorian culture that national tournaments are held regularly, and the game is commonly taught in schools as part of cultural education.
In Cuarenta, what happens to your score if you exceed 40 points instead of landing on exactly 40?
History & Culture
Cuarenta has been played in Ecuador for over two centuries and is recognized as the country's national card game. Its origins likely trace to Spanish colonial-era card games that were adapted with local rules.
Cuarenta is a symbol of Ecuadorian national identity and a beloved pastime that crosses all social boundaries. It is played in homes, parks, and festivals throughout the country.
Variations & House Rules
The Joker variation adds wild cards for more capture options. The Periquito rule rewards collecting all four cards of a value with bonus points.
For a shorter game, play to 20 points instead of 40. For younger players, simplify by removing the sum-capture rule and only allowing same-value matches.
