How to play Scopa card game
Start with forty cards
Each suit has values 1 through 10. Coins use the diamond symbol. You and the computer receive three cards each, with four face-up cards on the table. A starting table with three or more tens is redealt.
Choose your capture
- Select a hand card.
- If the table has an equal value, select one equal card. This takes priority over sums.
- Otherwise select a group whose values add up to your card. If no capture exists, leave your card on the table.
- Press the play button. The computer replies, then it is your turn.
For example, a 7 can capture a table 7. Without a 7 on the table, it can take a 3 and a 4. You must capture when your selected card allows it.
Deal again, then score
Once both hands are empty, three more cards are dealt to each player. No extra cards are dealt to the table. Starting players alternate each round. After the stock and hands are empty, the last capturer takes the table leftovers.
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Most captured cards | 1, no point for a tie |
| Most coins | 1, no point for a tie |
| Seven of coins · settebello | 1 |
| Best primiera | 1, no point for a tie |
| Each sweep | 1, except the last move of a round |
Understand primiera
Use the best captured card in each suit. Primiera values are: 7 = 21, 6 = 18, 1 = 16, 5 = 15, 4 = 14, 3 = 13, 2 = 12, and 8–10 = 10. A missing suit makes your primiera ineligible. The higher eligible total receives one point.
Win the match
At a round end, reach at least 11 points and have more points than your opponent. If both reach the target with equal totals, play another round.
Look beyond the biggest capture
The seven of coins scores its own point and helps two other categories. A smaller capture that takes it can be more valuable than several ordinary cards. Keep an eye on the cards you leave for the computer.
Questions at the table
Can I choose a sum instead of an equal card?
An equal-value single card has priority. If several equal cards are on the table, choose one of them.
What if my card cannot capture anything?
Play it onto the table. If that card can capture, taking a legal capture is required.
How is a round scored?
Most cards, most coins, the seven of coins and best primiera are worth one point each. Ties receive no point. Every sweep adds one.
Does the last capture earn a sweep?
The last move of a round does not earn a sweep. The last player to capture also receives leftover table cards, without an extra sweep.