Palace

2 to 5 players.

Use one or more standard 52-card decks.

The goal of Palace is to be the first player to empty their hand by playing all their cards onto the discard pile.

1. Determine Dealer and Starting Player: Players randomly select cards to determine the dealer and the starting player. The dealer shuffles the deck thoroughly.
2. Dealing Cards: Deal 3 cards face-down to each player, followed by an additional 6 cards face-down to each player. Players may examine these 6 cards secretly.
3. Arranging Cards: Players select 3 cards from their hand to place face-up on top of their face-down cards, keeping the rest hidden. This creates each player's "palace."
4. Preparing the Draw Pile: The remaining cards are placed face-down on the draw pile in the center of the table.

1. Starting the Game: The dealer reveals the top card from the draw pile to start the discard pile. The player to the left of the dealer begins.
2. Playing Cards: Players must play cards in ascending order on the start card. The starting player plays a card that matches or exceeds the rank of the starting card. Players can play multiple cards of the same rank in a single turn. Card ranks follow the hierarchy with the ace as the highest and the 3 as the lowest. The 2 is a special card that resets the deck.
3. Drawing Cards: After playing, players draw cards from the draw pile to replenish their hand up to 3 cards. If unable to play, players must draw from the discard pile.
4. Picking up the Discard Pile: If unable to play a card, players must pick up the entire discard pile. Play then continues to the next player.
5. Special Cards: A 2 resets the discard pile, so the new starting card is 2. A 10 removes the discard pile from the game. The player who put the 10 down then draws up to 3 and plays any card. You can play any card after you play a 2 or 10.
6. Clearing the Pile: If four of the same number are played consecutively (by one or multiple players), the discard pile is cleared. After this, the player can play any card. In some variations, any player may intervene to complete a set of four.

1. Depleting the Draw Pile: Play continues until the draw pile is depleted. Players then rely solely on their hand.
2. Playing Out Your Hand: Players continue playing cards from their hand until they are out of cards. If unable to play, players must draw from the discard pile.
3. Using Face-up and Face-down Cards: Once the hand is empty, players utilize their face-up cards. Subsequently, players play their face-down cards. If unable to play, you must pick up the discard pile and play all of those cards before playing from the table.
4. Winning the Game: When it's your turn and you've played all face-up cards, choose a face-down card and flip it without looking. If it matches or exceeds the current card's rank, play it. If not, pick up the discard pile. The first player to play all their face-down cards wins!

• Manage Your Hand Wisely: Strategically choose which cards to play and when to avoid getting stuck with the discard pile.
• Observe Opponents' Actions: Pay attention to what cards your opponents play and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Utilize Special Cards Effectively: Understand the effects of special cards like 2s and 10s, and use them to your advantage.
• Plan Ahead: Anticipate future moves and plan your plays accordingly to maximize your chances of winning.