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Download on Google Play- Use a special 80-card deck with 4 colors numbered 1-20.
- Deal cards to each player (20 each for 2-3 players).
- Place the four 11 cards as starting points for each color row.
- Play one or more cards that extend any row outward from 11 (up or down).
- You may choose not to play even if you can, to block opponents.
- Draw one card from the stock if you cannot or choose not to play.
- First player to empty their hand wins the round.
- Other players score penalty points for cards remaining in hand.
Rules
Elfer Raus is a German sequential card game where players extend number rows from the middle (11) outward in each of four colors. It combines accessibility with strategic timing as players decide when to play and when to hold back.
Objective
Be the first player to play all your cards by adding them to growing number sequences.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 6 players.
- Deck: Special deck of 80 cards in 4 colors, numbered 1-20 in each.
- Deal: 20 cards each (2-3 players) or adjusted for more players.
- Starting: The four 11 cards are placed as starting points for each color row.
Gameplay
- Playing: On your turn, play one or more cards that extend any row. Rows build outward from 11 — upward (12, 13, 14...) and downward (10, 9, 8...).
- Blocking: You can choose not to play a card even if you can, strategically blocking opponents.
- Drawing: If you cannot or choose not to play, draw one card from the stock.
- Multiple Plays: You may play as many legal cards as you wish on your turn.
Tips and Strategies
- Holding back key cards (especially 11s and cards near the middle) can block opponents effectively.
- Balance blocking with playing — holding too many cards risks getting stuck.
- Watch which colors opponents are collecting to guess their needs.
Tips & Strategy
Control the tempo by holding cards that would open new sections of a row. This forces opponents to draw while you play at your own pace.
The ability to choose not to play is the most powerful strategic element. Expert players block opponents while maintaining their own flexibility.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Elfer Raus is one of the best-selling card games in Germany, consistently among the top 10 family games sold each year.
In Elfer Raus, what number do all four rows start from?
History & Culture
Elfer Raus was first published in Germany in 1925 and has remained a family game staple in German-speaking countries for nearly a century.
Elfer Raus is a cornerstone of German family gaming culture, played across generations and ubiquitous in households throughout central Europe.
Variations & House Rules
Junior versions use smaller number ranges. Advanced versions add action cards or special powers.
For younger players, reduce the number range to 5-15 for shorter games. For more strategy, allow only one card played per turn.
