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Download on Google Play- Deal all 52 cards evenly.
- First player leads any card.
- Match ranks with announcements.
- Play a matching rank with the correct call.
- Pass if no match.
- Complete the set of four to lead next.
- First to empty hand wins.
- Penalties for forgotten announcements.
Rules
Earl of Coventry is a historical English shedding game where players take turns playing cards of the same rank, with humorous announcements required for each card played.
Objective
Be the first player to get rid of all your cards by playing matching ranks and making the required verbal announcements.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 8 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal the entire deck as evenly as possible among all players.
Gameplay
- Step 1: The first player leads any card and announces 'There's as good as [rank] can be.'
- Step 2: The second match is called 'There's a [rank] as good as he.' The third: 'There's the best of all the three.' The fourth: 'And there's the Earl of Coventry.'
- Step 3: Whoever completes the set of four leads the next card. Players who cannot match simply pass.
Scoring
- The first player to play all their cards wins the round.
- Players who forget the correct announcement may be penalized.
Variations
- Silent Earl: Drop the verbal announcements for simpler play.
- Forfeits: Traditional rules included fines for incorrect announcements.
Tips and Strategies
- Remember your announcements to avoid penalties.
- Hold ranks where you have multiple cards so you can play them consecutively.
Tips & Strategy
Memorize the four announcement phrases to avoid penalties. Hold back ranks you have duplicates of to play them quickly.
With limited strategic depth, the game is primarily about entertainment and memory.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The game is named after a real English title, and the traditional announcements give it a theatrical flair.
What phrase does the fourth player say when completing a set in Earl of Coventry?
History & Culture
Earl of Coventry dates back to at least the 17th century and is referenced in many early English card game compendiums.
Earl of Coventry represents an important piece of English card game history.
Variations & House Rules
A silent version removes the announcements for simpler play, while traditional rules included forfeits for players who stumbled.
Create your own custom announcements for each position to personalize the game.
