How to Play Thirty-One: A Card Game of 31 Points

What is Thirty-One?

Also known as Scat, Thirty-One is a casino style card game where players try to reach 31 points or get as close to it as possible.

Learn how to play the game in simple steps.

Number of players	2 to 8
Game length	15 minutes
Game difficulty	Medium
What you need to play	A standard deck of playing cards

If you enjoy Thirty-One, check out this list of the top games to play with a deck of cards.

Object of the game

The objective of the game is to be the last remaining player with chips. Players aim to collect cards of the same suit or value to achieve the highest score possible.

Setting up the game

1. Give each player three chips.
2. Shuffle the deck of cards and deal three face-down to each player.
3. Place three cards face-up in the center of the table.

Playing the game

1. The player to the dealer’s left starts the game and takes their turn.

2. On a player’s turn, they can choose one of the following three actions:
   A) Exchange: The player can exchange one or all of their cards with the face-up cards in the center of the table. The player takes the chosen face-up card(s) and replaces them with their own cards from their hand.

3. B) Pass: The player can choose not to take any action and pass their turn.
   C) Knock: The player can knock, indicating that they are ready for the round to end. After a player knocks, all other players get one more turn before the round ends.

4. After each round, players calculate the total value of cards they have of any one suit. Aces count as 11, picture cards count as 10, and numbered cards have their marked value. For instance, if a player has an ace of diamonds, a 4 of hearts, and an 8 of hearts, their total value would be 12 (4 + 8).

5. If a player manages to have three cards of the same value (three of a kind), they score 30 1/2 points.

6. The player with the lowest score loses a chip. In case of a tie for the lowest score, all tied players lose a chip. If a player loses all three chips, they can continue for one more round. If they lose again, they are eliminated from the game.

Special Rules

• Blitz: If a player’s hand totals 31 points at any point in the game, the round ends immediately, and all other players lose a chip.
• Knock Penalty: If a player who has knocked has the lowest score (even if tied), or if there is a blitz following the knock, they lose two chips instead of one.
• Round End: A round also ends if all players pass, but there are fewer than three cards remaining in the deck.

Winning the game

The game continues until there is only one player left, who is declared the winner.

Frequently asked questions