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- 2-4 players use a 40-card Spanish deck.
- Deal 3 cards to each player.
- Place 4 cards face up on the table.
- Play one card from your hand to the table.
- If your card plus table cards total exactly 15, capture them.
- Clearing the entire table scores an escoba.
- If no capture is possible, your card stays on the table.
- Most cards captured: 1 point.
- Most gold suit cards: 1 point.
- Seven of Golds: 1 point.
- Each escoba (table sweep): 1 point.
Rules
Escoba is a popular Spanish and Italian fishing card game where players capture cards from a central layout by matching them to values in their hand. The name means 'broom' in Spanish, referring to the prized achievement of sweeping all cards from the table in a single play.
Objective
Capture cards from the table by playing cards from your hand that add up to 15 with one or more table cards. Score points for specific achievements like having the most cards, the most golds, and making escobas.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 4 players (partnerships of two for 4 players).
- Deck: A 40-card Spanish deck with values 1 through 10.
- Deal: Each player receives 3 cards. Four cards are placed face up on the table.
- Rounds: After all hands are played, 3 more cards are dealt to each player until the deck is exhausted.
Gameplay
- Playing a card: On your turn, play one card from your hand to the table.
- Capturing: If your played card plus one or more table cards total exactly 15, you capture those cards and place them in your score pile.
- Escoba: If your capture clears every card from the table, you score an escoba (marked by placing a card face up in your score pile).
- No capture: If you cannot make 15, your card remains on the table for future captures.
Scoring
- Most cards captured: 1 point.
- Most gold suit cards: 1 point.
- Seven of golds (Siete de velo): 1 point.
- Highest primiera score: 1 point (based on specific card values).
- Each escoba: 1 point.
Variations
- Escoba del 15: The standard version described here.
- Escoba de la mesa: Allows capturing the entire table regardless of the total, under certain conditions.
Tips and Strategies
- Prioritize capturing gold suit cards and especially the Seven of Golds, as these contribute to multiple scoring categories.
- Try to leave table totals that make it difficult for the next player to make 15, denying them captures.
Tips & Strategy
Focus on gold suit cards for maximum scoring potential. When you cannot capture, leave card totals on the table that are awkward for your opponents to combine to 15.
Arithmetic awareness is key. Always scan the table for multiple possible captures before committing, as some captures leave better or worse positions for your opponents.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The name 'escoba' (broom) comes from the satisfying act of sweeping every card off the table in a single capture, leaving opponents with nothing to work with.
What number must the combined card values total to make a capture in Escoba?
History & Culture
Escoba belongs to the ancient family of fishing card games and has been played across the Mediterranean for centuries. Its Italian cousin Scopa uses nearly identical rules.
Escoba and its Italian twin Scopa are among the most widely played card games in the Mediterranean world, serving as daily pastimes in countless homes and public gathering places.
Variations & House Rules
The Italian version Scopa is virtually identical but uses Italian-suited cards. Some regional variants change the target capture number from 15 to other values.
Play to different point targets (11, 15, or 21) to adjust game length. Some groups add extra bonus points for capturing specific card combinations.
