This is a simple "trick" game, and it's fun - and a great way to teach children about trick-taking games. All the kids we have played it with have loved it.
Players: 2-7
Age: 6 up
Cards: A standard deck, minus the jokers
Extra equipment: Pen and paper if you choose to score
Instructions
The object of the game is to get rid of your hand. Aces are low.
Choose a dealer. Deal 7 cards to each player and put the remainder, face down, in the centre of the table.
The player to the left of the dealer puts down any card in their hand. The next player then puts down a card that matches the suit or the rank of the first card. If he can't put down a card, he takes cards from the top of the draw pile until he can. Play continues until all players have put down one card.
The player who has put down the highest card wins "the trick" and takes the cards, taking them and putting them aside. She then puts down any card in her hand to start the next round.
Continue until one player has put down all their cards and calls "Boom!" Declare them the winner!
Variation
You may choose to score this game to extend it. The winner receives points for all cards left in other players' hands; 5 points for Ace through 9 and 10 points for 10, J, Q and K. The first player to win 200 points is the overall winner.
