31 Card Rules

31 Card is a card game that is also known as Blitz, Scat or Ride The Bus. The players start with three cards each. The goal is to complete units of cards that are worth 31 points or as close to 31 points as possible. This game is most popular in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Players

The minimum number of players needed is two. However, many suggest that playing with at least three people is best. You can play with as many people as you want. However, if you are playing with a several people, you might need to use two or more decks of cards. Each player has the same goal: collect cards that make units equal to 31 points or as close as possible.

Card Value

In most games, a standard 52-card deck is required. Aces are worth 11 points. Kings, queens and jacks are worth 10 points, as is the 10 card. All other cards are worth their face value. For example, the three is worth three points.

Calculating Units

To get the value of each hand you add up the value of each card in one suit. If all three cards that you are dealt are the same suit you can use all three cards. If two of the cards are the same you use the value of those two cards, unless the sum of the odd card is worth more than the sum of the two. The maximum value of each hand can be no more than 31 points.

Dealer

Using any manner you choose, a dealer should be chosen. Dealers rotate clockwise after each hand is played. First, the dealer shuffles the cards and then passes them out singly starting with the player sitting to the left of the dealer. The cards are passed out clockwise until each player has three cards. Next, a card is turned face up, indicating the discard pile. The discard pile should be kept neatly so that only the top card is available to be chosen.

Playing

The first player draws a card from the stock or the discard pile. After each turn, the player must discard one card. If you take a card from the discard pile, you cannot discard the same card. If you feel your hand is as high or higher than the other players you can "knock" instead of drawing another card. If you have 31 you must declare that you have 31. Each player will get one last turn to draw and discard. After that, everyone's cards are revealed. Each player picks a suit and totals their points up in that one suit. Each player starts with three lives. After each round, the player with the lowest score loses a life. If there is a tie, both players lose a life.

Scoring

Each player uses three pennies. When players lose a life, their penny goes into the center of the table. If you knock and lose with the lowest hand, you put two pennies in the center. If someone gets 31, all the other players put a penny in the center of the table. If you lose all three lives you are "on the county" or "floating." If you lose while you are floating then you are out of the game. The game continues until one person has not been eliminated.