Hand and Foot is a fast-paced, exciting card game that combines elements of rummy and canasta. While the basic concept is relatively simple, mastering the strategies and nuances takes time and practice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the rules, from setup to winning the game.
Getting Started: The Basics
What you'll need: Two standard 52-card decks plus four Jokers (108 cards total). Players typically play in teams of two, though variations exist for solo play or different team sizes.
Goal of the Game: To be the first team to reach a predetermined score, usually 500 or 1000 points, depending on the players' preference. Points are earned by melding cards (grouping them according to certain rules) and going out (discarding all your cards).
Card Values:
- Ace: 1 point
- 2-10: Face value
- Jack, Queen, King: 10 points each
- Joker: 50 points
Gameplay: Melding and Going Out
The game unfolds in several phases:
1. Dealing the Cards: Each player receives 11 cards. The remaining cards form the stock pile. The top card of the stock is turned face up to start the discard pile.
2. Melding: Players must meld cards to score points. Melds consist of:
- Sets: Three or four cards of the same rank (e.g., three 7s, four Jacks).
- Runs: Three or more cards of the same suit in sequence (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8 of hearts).
3. Hand and Foot: This is where the game gets its name. Cards in your hand must be melded before you can create a "foot." Once you've melded all cards in your hand, you can then meld cards from your foot. The Foot represents additional melds you can make using cards that go beyond your initial hand melds.
4. Drawing Cards: On your turn, you begin by drawing either the top card from the stock pile or the top card from the discard pile.
5. Discarding Cards: After drawing and melding, you must discard one card face up onto the discard pile.
6. Going Out: To go out, you must meld all your cards, either in your hand or your foot, leaving no cards remaining in your hand. Once you go out, you score the points from your melds and any bonus points (like going out with wild cards).
Key Rules and Variations: Addressing Common Questions
H2: What are Wild Cards and how do they work?
Jokers and the twos of any suit act as wild cards. They can be used to complete sets or runs.
H2: How do bonus points work?
Various bonus points are awarded for different achievements, including:
- Going out: Points earned for the melds in your hand and foot.
- Canasta: Melding at least seven cards of the same rank. A canasta is worth additional points.
- Bonus for using wild cards in Canasta: Additional points are awarded for using jokers or twos in a canasta.
H2: What happens if the discard pile runs out?
If the discard pile is exhausted, the remaining stock pile is reshuffled to start a new discard pile.
H2: Can I draw multiple cards from the discard pile?
You can usually only draw one card at a time, unless specific rules allow drawing multiple cards under certain conditions, often related to matching cards in the discard pile.
H2: What if I can’t meld any cards?
If you cannot meld any cards on your turn, you must still draw a card and discard.
H2: How is the game won?
The first team to reach the predetermined score wins the game.
Strategies and Tips for Success
- Pay attention to the discard pile: Look for opportunities to draw cards that will help you meld.
- Plan your melds: Think ahead about what cards you need to complete sets and runs.
- Don't be afraid to discard high-value cards: If discarding a high-value card helps you meld, it might be worth it.
- Learn to count cards: Keep track of what cards have been played and which ones are still in the stock.
- Communicate with your partner: If you’re playing as a team, discuss strategies and share information.
Hand and Foot is a game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. By mastering these rules and utilizing strategic thinking, you'll significantly improve your chances of winning. Remember to check with your specific group's rules and variations, as some house rules may differ slightly. Good luck, and have fun!
