How to Play Sevens (Fan Tan)
Striking the perfect balance between simplicity and fun isn’t always easy—especially for busy adults looking for a quick, entertaining card game. Sevens, also known as Fan Tan, does just that. This timeless classic is easy to learn, budget-friendly, and tons of fun. Let’s dive right in!
Brief Game Overview
Sevens (Fan Tan) is a straightforward card game where players race to get rid of their cards by creating sequences starting from the seven of each suit. Its rules are simple enough for beginners, yet the gameplay remains engaging for everyone at the table.
Getting Started – What You’ll Need
Essential Materials:
- Standard Deck: 52 playing cards (no Jokers).
- Players: 3 to 8 is ideal (though 2 can play, it’s more fun with more people).
Budget Tip: If you don’t own cards yet, they’re inexpensive and widely available at dollar stores or online.
Budget Considerations:
If you don’t already own a deck of cards, they’re widely available at affordable prices. Look for budget-friendly options at dollar stores or online retailers.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Play the Game
Setup
- Shuffle the deck thoroughly.
- Deal out all the cards to players as evenly as possible.
- Note: Some players might have one extra card if the deck doesn’t divide evenly.
- Decide who goes first—or follow the tradition that the person holding the 7 of Diamonds starts.
Gameplay:
- Objective: Be the first to get rid of all your cards.
- Starting the Game: The player with the 7 of Diamonds places it in the center of the table.
- Turns: Play moves clockwise around the table. On your turn, you must:
- Start a new sequence: If you have a 7 from another suit, place it down to begin that suit’s sequence.
- Continue a sequence: If a sequence is already started, you can lay down the next higher or lower card of that suit (e.g., 6 of Diamonds or 8 of Diamonds goes next to the 7 of Diamonds).
- Pass: If you can’t play, you say “pass” and wait until your next turn.
- Ending a Turn: After you play a card (or pass), the turn moves to the next player.
Scoring & Winning
- Winning: As soon as a player discards their final card, that player is declared the winner.
- No More Moves? If all players pass consecutively and nobody can make a valid move, the game ends. The winner is whoever has the fewest cards left.
Secrets to Win Sevens
- Look Ahead: Keep an eye on the suits on the table to anticipate which cards you’ll be able to play soon.
- Holding Key Cards: Sometimes, it pays to hold onto a 7 until you’re sure you can start your own sequence without letting others play off it too easily.
Variations & House Rules
- Two-Player Variant: It’s possible but usually less dynamic. You can deal fewer cards or remove certain suits to speed things up.
- Multiple Rounds: Some groups like to keep a running tally of how many cards each player has left over several rounds. The lowest total at the end wins overall.
Troubleshooting:
-
Issue: A player forgets their turn order.
Solution: Gently remind everyone to keep track of the clockwise rotation. -
Issue: Uncertainty about whether a move is valid.
Solution: Refer to the rule that only the next higher or lower card in a suit can be played after the initial 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical game of Sevens last?
Most games take 15-30 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules.
What happens if a player runs out of cards before others?
That player is declared the winner, and the game continues if the group decides to play for second or third place.
Can Sevens be played with two players?
While it’s possible, the game is more enjoyable with three or more players.
What if no one can play any cards?
The game ends, and the winner is the player with the fewest cards remaining.
The Final Shuffle
Sevens is a fantastic card game for casual fun, offering just the right balance of strategy and simplicity. With a bit of practice, you’ll master the rules and be ready to teach others. Once you’ve got the hang of it, consider exploring other classic card games like Crazy Eights or Rummy for even more variety.
If you’d rather see Sevens in action, check out the quick video tutorial below. We’ll show you the setup, first turns, and key rules to help you master this game fast!
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