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Download on Google Play- Deal 4 cards to each player.
- Place 4 cards face up on the table.
- Redeal 4 cards each time hands are empty.
- Play one card from your hand.
- Capture matching or summing table cards.
- Mark a sweep if you clear the table entirely.
- 1 point each for card majority, spade majority, Ace of spades, and each sweep.
- First to 10 points wins.
Rules
Sweep is a popular Sri Lankan fishing card game where players capture cards from the table by matching or combining values. Clearing the table in a single play earns a bonus sweep, making the game exciting and strategic.
Objective
Capture the most cards and score the most points by matching card values and performing sweeps. Points come from specific cards, majority of cards, and table sweeps.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 4 players.
- Deck: A standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 4 cards to each player and place 4 cards face up in the center. Continue dealing 4 cards at a time when hands are empty.
Gameplay
- Step 1: On your turn, play one card from your hand to the table.
- Step 2: Capture a table card of the same value, or capture a combination of table cards whose values sum to your played card's value.
- Step 3: If you capture all cards on the table in one play, this is a sweep. Turn the capturing card face up in your pile to mark it.
- Step 4: If no capture is possible, trail your card by leaving it face up on the table. When hands are empty, deal 4 more cards to each player.
Scoring
- 1 point for the majority of cards (27 or more).
- 1 point for the majority of spades.
- 1 point for the Ace of spades.
- 1 point for each sweep.
- Games are commonly played to 10 points.
Variations
- Partnership Sweep: With 4 players, form two teams and combine captured cards for scoring.
- No-sweep Sweep: A gentler version where sweeps do not score extra points, reducing the comeback factor.
Tips and Strategies
- Count spades carefully since the spade majority point is often decisive.
- Build combinations on the table to set up multi-card captures on your next turn.
- Avoid leaving a table state where your opponent can easily sweep.
Tips & Strategy
Pay close attention to spades since the spade majority point can swing the game. Set up multi-card captures and avoid leaving easy sweep opportunities for your opponent.
Controlling the number of cards on the table is crucial, as fewer cards mean higher sweep risk for both players. Timing your big captures to coincide with low table counts maximizes sweep chances.
Trivia & Fun Facts
In Sri Lanka, Sweep is so popular that competitive tournaments are held, and skilled players are well known in their communities.
In the Sri Lankan game Sweep, which single card is worth one point on its own?
History & Culture
Sweep evolved from the Casino family of card games and became a national pastime in Sri Lanka, where it is played at home, in clubs, and at social gatherings.
Sweep holds a cherished place in Sri Lankan social life, often played during family gatherings and festive occasions as a way to bring people together.
Variations & House Rules
Partnership Sweep adds a cooperative team dynamic for four players, while No-sweep Sweep removes the sweep bonus for a more balanced experience.
Adjust the winning score from 10 to 15 for a longer game. You can also add a bonus point for collecting all four Aces to reward aggressive play.
