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Download on Google Play- Use one standard 52-card deck.
- Deal 7 cards to each player.
- Flip one card to start the discard pile.
- Draw from stock or discard pile.
- Lay down sets or runs.
- Discard one card to end your turn.
- Face cards 10, Aces 1, number cards face value as penalties.
- Bonus for going out all at once or holding all four sevens.
Rules
Seven Bridge is a popular Japanese rummy game where players form melds of sets and runs. The name comes from the bonus awarded for holding all sevens, which acts as a 'bridge' to victory.
Objective
Empty your hand by forming sets and runs before your opponents. Bonus points are awarded for going out quickly or holding special combinations.
Setup
- Players: 3-4 players.
- Deck: One standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 7 cards to each player. Place the remaining cards as the stock pile and flip one card to start the discard pile.
Gameplay
- Step 1: Draw one card from the stock pile or pick up the top card of the discard pile.
- Step 2: Form melds of sets (three or four of a kind) or runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit).
- Step 3: Lay down completed melds and optionally lay off cards onto your own existing melds.
- Step 4: Discard one card to end your turn. The round ends when a player empties their hand or the stock is exhausted.
Scoring
- Players score penalty points for cards left in hand: face cards are 10 points, Aces are 1, and number cards are face value.
- A player who goes out with all cards melded at once (tsumo) receives a bonus. Holding all four sevens earns a special 'Seven Bridge' bonus.
Variations
- Open Meld Variant: Players must lay down melds immediately rather than holding them in hand.
- Point Target: Play to a set target score (e.g., 100 penalty points) where the player with the fewest penalties wins.
Tips and Strategies
- Try to go out all at once for the bonus rather than laying down melds piecemeal.
- Keep sevens when possible, as collecting all four is extremely rewarding.
- Watch discards carefully to avoid giving opponents the cards they need.
Tips & Strategy
Balance between going out quickly and holding cards for a complete hand or Seven Bridge bonus. Keep track of sevens played by other players.
Going out all at once is risky but highly rewarding. Weigh the bonus against the danger of being caught with a full hand if an opponent goes out first.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The game's name comes from the four sevens acting as a 'bridge' between suits, and collecting all four is considered the ultimate achievement.
What special bonus do you earn in Seven Bridge for holding all four sevens?
History & Culture
Seven Bridge became one of Japan's most popular card games in the post-war era and remains widely played in homes and gaming circles.
Seven Bridge is one of Japan's most iconic card games and has been a family and social gaming staple for decades.
Variations & House Rules
Some groups play with open melds on the table, while others set a penalty point threshold to determine the overall winner.
Adjust the target penalty score or add house rules for additional bonus combinations beyond the Seven Bridge.
