Rules for Myllymatti

Myllymatti is a popular Swedish card game best suited for 3 players, though playable with 2-5. The game has two phases: first, players collect cards by winning tricks, then they try to get rid of their cards as quickly as possible. The last player holding cards loses and becomes the "skitgubbe" (dirty old man).

The game likely originated from the Finnish game Myllymatti from the early 1800s. In Norway, a similar variant called Mattis is played, and in Finland they play Koira ("dog"). The loser sometimes has to make goat noises as punishment!

You need a standard 52-card deck (no jokers). Cards rank as usual: Ace (high), K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 (low).

Choose a random dealer who deals 3 cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down as a stock pile in the center of the table.

Play proceeds clockwise, and the dealer rotates after each round. The loser (skitgubbe) from the previous round typically becomes the dealer for the next round.

In phase 1, players collect cards through tricks. There are two main variants:

Variant 1 - Two-player tricks: The player left of dealer starts. Only two players compete for each trick. The winner continues playing against the next player clockwise.

Variant 2 - Everyone plays (most common): All players participate in each trick. In case of ties, the tied players play again.

Trick rules:

• Suit doesn't matter - highest card wins
• After playing, draw a new card from stock (always maintain 3 cards)
• Equal cards ("bounce") require playing again
• Players can "take a chance" by playing the top card from stock directly

In variant 2, players can "slough" cards after a trick is decided:

• Cards matching ranks already in the trick can be sloughed
• This doesn't affect who wins the trick
• Draw equal number of new cards from stock
• Some play that you can only slough cards matching the rank you played

The player who draws the last card from stock places it face down without looking. This card determines the trump suit for phase 2.

Phase 1 continues until the player whose turn it is has no cards to play. Players keep their hand cards and pick up the cards they've won in tricks.

Rubbish cards rule (optional): If anyone has fewer than 5-6 cards, all cards from 2-5 (including trumps) are collected and dealt to these players. The required number of cards varies.

The player who drew the last stock card turns it over - this suit becomes trump in phase 2, and this player leads first.

The goal is now to get rid of cards as quickly as possible. You can play single cards or sequences (consecutive cards of the same suit).

Rules:

• You must beat the previous card/sequence with a higher one of the same suit
• Trumps beat all non-trump cards
• If you can't/won't beat, you must pick up the top card/sequence
• A trick is complete when as many have played as there were players when it started
• Whoever completes the trick sets it aside and leads the next

Important: When players run out of cards, play continues with fewer participants.

Sequences are consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., ♥️7-♥️8-♥️9). Length doesn't matter - a short sequence can beat a long one.

Picking up: Several variants exist:

• Standard: Pick up the top card/sequence
• Connected sequences: Pick up all cards forming an unbroken sequence, even if played by different players
• From bottom: Pick up the bottom card/sequence (common in USA)

Example: A plays ♣️3, B plays ♣️6-♣️7, C plays ♣️8-♣️9-♣️10. If D can't beat, D picks up the entire sequence 6-10.

Players who get rid of all cards are safe. Play continues until only one player has cards remaining - this player loses and becomes the "skitgubbe".

Traditional punishments for the skitgubbe:

• Must deal the next round
• Must make goat noises
• Must wear an ugly hat (in Mattis variant)
• Make tea or coffee for others

Remember: There's no winner in Myllymatti, only a loser!

Anti-trump: Besides trumps, there's an "anti-trump" suit that can't be beaten by trumps. Usually the opposite suit of the same color as trump.

Two players: Set aside 12 cards as a draw pile. When a trick is completed in phase 2, both players draw one card from it.

Forced pickup: If one player picks up, all following players must also pick up until the trick is empty.

Many players (4-5): Everyone plays in each trick in phase 1. The rubbish cards rule is often used.

Useful tips to avoid becoming the skitgubbe:

• Phase 1: Collect high cards and aces - they're invaluable in phase 2
• Don't always win tricks in phase 1 - sometimes it's better to give away low cards
• Keep sequences if possible - they provide flexibility
• Remember which cards have been played, especially high cards and trumps
• Phase 2: Timing is everything - sometimes it pays to wait before beating
• Watch how many cards opponents have
• Use trumps strategically - don't waste them early