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Download on Google Play- Deal 3 cards to each player.
- Place remaining cards as stock with one face-up discard.
- Each player starts with 3 tokens (lives).
- Draw one card from stock or discard pile.
- Discard one card to keep exactly 3 in hand.
- Optionally knock instead of drawing to end the round.
- After a knock, all other players get one final turn.
- Aces: 11, face cards: 10, number cards: face value.
- Score is the sum of cards in your best single suit.
- Three of a kind scores 30.5 points.
- Lowest scorer loses one token; lose all 3 and you are out.
Rules
Thirty-One is a quick draw-and-discard game where players try to assemble a hand totaling as close to 31 as possible in a single suit. With simple rules and fast rounds, it is ideal for casual play with groups of varying skill levels.
Objective
Collect cards in a single suit that total as close to 31 as possible. Aces count as 11, face cards as 10, and number cards at face value.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 7 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Each player receives 3 cards. Place the remainder as a stock pile with one card turned face-up to start the discard pile.
- Tokens: Each player starts with 3 tokens (coins, chips, or lives).
Gameplay
- Drawing: On your turn, draw one card from either the stock pile or the discard pile.
- Discarding: Discard one card to the discard pile, keeping exactly 3 cards in hand.
- Knocking: Instead of drawing, you may knock on the table to signal that you are satisfied with your hand. All other players get one final turn.
- Scoring: After a knock, all players reveal their hands. Your score is the sum of cards in your highest single suit.
- Special Hand: Three of a kind (any rank) scores 30.5 points.
Elimination
The player with the lowest score each round loses one token. When a player loses all three tokens, they are eliminated. The last player standing wins.
Tips and Strategies
- Commit to one suit early rather than splitting between two.
- Knock when you have a strong hand to catch opponents off guard.
- Watch what others discard to judge whether they are close to a high total.
Tips & Strategy
Focus on one suit and grab high-value cards. Aces and face cards are your best friends. Knock early if you have 27 or more to pressure opponents.
Knowing when to knock is the most important skill. A hand of 28+ is usually safe, but if you suspect opponents are struggling, even 25 may be enough.
Trivia & Fun Facts
A hand of three Aces in the same suit scores a perfect 33, which is impossible — so the theoretical maximum is 31 (Ace + face card + 10 of the same suit).
In Thirty-One, how many points is an Ace worth?
History & Culture
Thirty-One dates back to at least the 15th century and has been played across Europe in various forms. It is one of the oldest known card games still widely played today.
Thirty-One remains popular at pubs, family gatherings, and casual game nights across Europe and North America as a low-stakes, high-fun card game.
Variations & House Rules
Blitz and Scat are common alternative names with slightly different scoring or elimination rules. Some versions award bonus points for a hand of all one suit regardless of total.
Increase starting tokens for longer games, or allow players who have been eliminated to buy back in once for a small penalty.
