31 Card game - How to Play, Rules & Strategies

Introduction

The 31-card game is a classic card game known for its simplicity. Although its origins are unclear, it has emerged from games involving point accumulation. Its easy-to-understand rules and engaging gameplay have led to its widespread popularity.

Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic card game.

What is the 31 Card Game?

The 31-card game, known as ‘Scat’, ‘Blitz’, or ‘Cadillac’, is popular and fast-paced. The goal is to obtain the highest sum of points within a single suit—hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades. Achieving an Ace and two face cards (King, Queen, or Jack) in one particular suit grants a perfect hand worth 31 points.

Objective

The game’s objective is to get 31 cards of one suit. Or you should have a hand at a showdown whose count is one suit higher than the rest.

How to Play 31 Card Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

Players and Setup

• Players: The game is usually played with 2 to 9 players.
• Deck: A standard 52-card deck is used (no jokers).
• Starting Tokens/Lives: Each player starts with three tokens or lives, represented by chips, coins, or other markers.

Card Values

• Aces are worth 11 points.
• Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10 points each.
• Number cards are worth their face value (2 through 10).

Card Dealing

• Each player is dealt three cards face down.
• One card is placed face up in the centre of the table to start the discard pile.
• The remaining deck is placed face down next to the discard pile as the draw pile.
• Starting the Game
• The player to the left of the dealer goes first. The play continues clockwise.
• On a player's turn, they can either:

1. Draw a card from the top of the draw pile.
2.  Take the top card from the discard pile.

Forming a Hand

• After drawing a card, the player must discard one card from their hand face up onto the discard pile. The goal is to improve the hand's total value in a single suit.
• A player's hand consists of three cards; the goal is to achieve the highest point total in one suit.

Knocking

• If players believe they have a hand that is likely to win, they can ‘knock’ on their turn instead of drawing a card.
• When a player knocks, all other players get one final turn. After this round, all players reveal their hands, and the scores are compared.

Scoring

• The player with the highest total in a single suit wins the round.
• If a player has 31 points, they reveal their hand immediately, and the round ends (called ‘Blitz’).
• Players who do not have the highest total lose one life or token.

Ending the Game

• The game continues until only one player remains with lives or tokens. This player is declared the winner.

Example of a 31-Card Game

• Player 1 has 8♦, Q♦, and 4♠ (18 points in diamonds).
• Player 2 has 10♠, 7♠, and 9♣ (17 points in spades).
• Player 3 has A♥, J♥, and 5♥ (26 points in hearts).

If Player 3 knocks, Players 1 and 2 get one more turn to improve their hands. After the final turn, they reveal their cards. Since Player 3 has 26 points in hearts, they win the round. Player 1 and Player 2 each lose a life.

31 Card Game Rules

• 31 Rule: If a player has a perfect 31 in a suit, he can declare ‘31’ and win the round immediately.
• Three-of-a-Kind Rule: Some variations allow a hand with three cards of the same rank (e.g., three Queens) to be worth 30.5 points.
• Elimination: When a player loses all their life, he is eliminated from the game. However, in some versions, he gets one final chance called ‘going on his honour’ (a single life) before being completely out.
• The cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value, and aces are with 11.
• If two players with low-scoring cards are tied, both lose a life.
• Once a player knocks, the others get another turn to improve their hands.

Common variations

Here are some common variations of 31 card game:

Banking Version

In this variation, everyone puts one token or coin in the middle before the game starts. Once the cards are dealt, the dealer places a face-down pile of three cards called the widow. On your turn, you can swap your card with the widow. At the end, the player with the best hand takes the token.

Dollar Bill

You use a $5 bill to track lives. If one corner of the card is folded, you lose one life. Once all four corners are folded, you get one last chance called a free ride. If you lose again, you are out of the game. The last player standing wins the $5.

Three of a kind

The player with three cards of the same number but different suits wins and gets 30.5 points.

West Lansing Cut Throat

• The game starts when you buy three tokens with real money, and the last player left with tokens wins the pot.
• There’s no free ride; you lose two tokens if you knock and don’t beat anyone.
• Three of a kind are worth 30.5 points.
• You can even make a side bet on who will go the farthest.

Switch

• Instead of picking cards from the pile, you switch cards with an extra hand on the table.
• The dealer starts with two hands and picks one to play. The other is left face-up next to the third face-down hand.
• On your turn, you can swap one card from your hand with one on the table, swap your whale hand with one on the table, and replace one table hand with a new one or knock.

No Elimination

Instead of using coins or money, you earn points:

• Lowest score - 1 point.
• Middle score - 2 points.
• Highest score - 3 points.
• Blitz(31) - 6 points.

Stop the Bus (UK Version)

The game uses hand rankings like Three card Brag:

• Three-of-a-kind (best)
• Straight flush
• Straight
• Flush
• Pair
• High card

You will start with three face-up cards on the table, and in your turn, you can swap one or all three cards from your hand,

Strategies to Win in 31 Card Game

Focus on High-Value Cards in One Suit

Focusing on one suit to maximise the points is crucial for succeeding in 31. Gathering cards from that same suit is best, particularly with high values like 10, J, Q, K or A. The goal must be aiming for exactly 31 or getting as close as possible.

Know When to Knock

If you think your hand is strong but imperfect, you should knock early, especially if you have around 27-30 points. Knocking forces other players to reveal their hands, and if none of them can beat your hand, you win the round.

Observe Other Players

Pay attention to the cards your opponents are picking and discarding. This can give you clues about their hand. For example, if a player discards a card of a particular suit, they may not be focusing on that suit.

Be Cautious with Drawing from the Discard Pile

Drawing from the discard pile can signal the suit you focus on to other players. Try to draw from the deck whenever possible to keep your strategy concealed.

Bluff When Needed

Sometimes, discarding a high-value card in a suit you are not focusing on can throw off your opponents. They might assume you're not building a hand in that suit, giving you an advantage.

Keep Track of the Deck

Mentally keep track of the cards that have been played. This can help you decide which cards to keep or discard.

Manage Risk When Going for 31

While going for a perfect 31 is tempting, don’t hold out too long. If you are close to 31 but not quite there, it might be better to knock than risk your opponents improving their hands.

Use the ‘Draw and Discard’ Tactic Wisely

If you are holding a card that is unlikely to help you or improve your hand, discard it early to cycle through more cards. This increases your chances of finding the cards you need.

Avoid Risky Plays with Low Hands

If your hand is particularly weak and you are far from 31, fold to avoid losing more chips or points. Save your resources for stronger hands.

Stay Calm and Adapt

The game is fast-paced, and staying calm helps you adapt to changing situations. If your initial strategy is not working, be prepared to switch tactics quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the goal of the 31-card game?

To win the 31-card game, aim for a hand in one suit with points as close to 31 as possible. Every player receives three cards and must draw or discard them to obtain the highest score possible within that single suit. Ace equals eleven while face cards equal ten, but numbered ones retain their numerical value. The round concludes that the lowest-scoring participant will lose one life if a player knocks on, declaring they possess an unbeatable hand.

How do you calculate points in the 31-card game?

The 31-card game scores points by considering the single suit's card value. Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are valued at ten points each, and Aces are worth eleven points. Numbered cards from two to ten earn their face values as score points. Players must concentrate on gathering a set of same-suited cards while adding up the sum of these card values for scoring purposes.

What is a perfect 31 in the game?

In the game of 31, a player achieves a perfect score when they hold three cards with identical suits that add up to precisely 31 points. Achieving this feat awards them the maximum possible score and guarantees victory for that round.

Conclusion

The 31-card game provides more than just entertainment. Its gameplay allows individuals to refine their decision-making abilities, assess their opponent's strategies, and perfect their time management. This enduring game spans generations by bringing people closer with its simple rules and rapid pace.