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Download on Google Play- Form two teams of two, seated alternately.
- Deal 6 cards to each player.
- Place 4 cards face up on the table.
- Play one card from your hand.
- Capture all table cards that match its value.
- If no match, leave the card on the table.
- 1 point per ten, 1 point per two, 1 point per sweep.
- 3 bonus points for the team with the most captured cards.
Rules
Diloti is a Greek partnership fishing card game played by four players in two teams. Players capture cards from the table by matching values, with special emphasis on collecting tens and twos.
Objective
Working with your partner, capture cards to score the most points, focusing on tens, twos, and sweeps of the table.
Setup
- Players: 4 players in two partnerships, seated alternately.
- Deck: A standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 6 cards to each player and place 4 cards face up in the center of the table.
Gameplay
- Step 1: On your turn, play one card from your hand to the table.
- Step 2: If your played card matches the value of a table card, capture both cards. If multiple cards share that value, you must capture all of them.
- Step 3: If no capture is possible, leave your card face up on the table.
- Step 4: After all hands are exhausted, deal another round of 6 cards each. The last player to make a capture takes all remaining table cards at the end.
Scoring
- 1 point for each ten captured (4 available).
- 1 point for each two captured (4 available).
- 1 point for each sweep (called a diloti, taking all table cards).
- The team with the majority of cards gets 3 bonus points.
- Games are played to an agreed target, often 61 points.
Variations
- Open Diloti: Partners may show each other one card at the start of each round to aid coordination.
- Speed Diloti: Played with a timer on each turn to add urgency and excitement.
Tips and Strategies
- Coordinate with your partner by paying attention to which suits and values they seem to be collecting.
- Prioritize capturing tens and twos, as these form the bulk of the scoring.
- Try to set up sweeps by leaving the table with only cards your partner can easily capture.
Tips & Strategy
Focus on capturing tens and twos, as they carry the most points. Work with your partner to set up sweeps and deny the opposing team key captures.
Expert Diloti players track which tens and twos remain in play and time their captures to deny the opposition. Communication through play patterns with your partner is essential.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The name 'diloti' refers to the exciting moment of sweeping all cards from the table, and players often announce it loudly during the game.
In Diloti, how many total points are available from capturing all four tens and all four twos?
History & Culture
Diloti has deep roots in Greek card-playing culture and is thought to share ancestry with other Mediterranean fishing games like Scopa and Casino.
Diloti is a fixture at Greek family gatherings and taverna evenings, serving as a beloved pastime that strengthens social bonds across generations.
Variations & House Rules
Open Diloti allows limited hand-sharing between partners, while Speed Diloti introduces time pressure to each turn for a faster-paced experience.
For a shorter game, lower the target score to 31 points. For beginners, consider playing open-handed so new players can learn from their partner's decisions.
