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Download on Google Play- Deal all 52 cards evenly to all players.
- Each player antes one chip to the pot.
- Player left of dealer starts.
- Play a 7 to start a suit row, or extend a row by one rank up or down.
- Cards must match the suit of the row they are added to.
- If you cannot play, pass and pay one chip to the pot.
- First player to empty their hand wins the pot.
- Remaining players may pay one chip per card left to the winner.
Rules
Fan Tan is a classic Chinese card shedding game where players take turns playing cards in sequence, building out from sevens. The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards.
Objective
Be the first player to play all of your cards by adding them to the layout sequences that build outward from the sevens.
Setup
- Players: 3-8 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal all cards out as evenly as possible. Some players may have one extra card.
- Ante: Each player places an equal ante into the pot before play begins.
Gameplay
- Step 1: The player to the left of the dealer goes first. If they have a seven, they must play it to the center of the table to start a foundation row.
- Step 2: On each turn, a player may play a seven to start a new row, play a card one rank higher on the right side of a row, or play a card one rank lower on the left side of a row. Cards must match the suit of the row.
- Step 3: If a player cannot play, they must pass and add one chip to the pot.
- Step 4: Sequences build up from 7 to King on the right side and down from 7 to Ace on the left side for each suit.
- Step 5: Play continues clockwise until one player has played all their cards.
Scoring
- The first player to empty their hand wins the pot.
- In some versions, remaining players pay one chip per card still in hand to the winner.
Variations
- Domino: A similar game where play can only extend in one direction per suit rather than both.
- Parliament: A variant where players can choose to hold back sevens strategically, but face a penalty if caught at the end.
- Play or Pay: Players must play if able, and pay a chip to the pot if they cannot.
Tips and Strategies
- Hold back sevens to block opponents from playing cards in that suit.
- Pay attention to which cards opponents are unable to play, revealing what they are missing.
- Try to play cards that give you the most future options while limiting your opponents.
Tips & Strategy
Strategically hold sevens to block opponents, and track which suits others are struggling with to maintain control of the layout.
The key to Fan Tan is controlling when sevens hit the table. By delaying a seven, you can bottleneck opponents who need that suit while building out suits where you hold long runs.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Despite sharing the same name, the card game Fan Tan and the Chinese counting game Fan Tan played in gambling houses are completely different games.
In Fan Tan, which rank of card is used to start each suit's sequence on the table?
History & Culture
Fan Tan has roots in Chinese gaming culture and became popular in Western card rooms during the 19th century. The card game shares its name with, but is unrelated to, the Chinese bead game also called Fan Tan.
Fan Tan has been a popular parlor game across Asia and Europe for centuries, valued for its simplicity and accessibility to players of all ages.
Variations & House Rules
Variations include Domino, where sequences only build in one direction, and Parliament, which adds penalties for holding sevens too long.
Try increasing the ante for a higher-stakes game, or allow players to play cards from both ends of a sequence on the same turn for faster play.
