Rules for Sevens

Sevens is a classic card game that has entertained players for generations. Also known as Sevens, Parliament, or Domino, this simple yet strategic game involves getting rid of all your cards by playing them in sequence. The game is perfect for 3-8 players (best with 4-6) and typically takes 15-30 minutes. All you need is a standard deck of 52 cards.

The game builds on the principle of laying cards in ascending and descending order from the sevens, creating an exciting game where strategy and timing are crucial to winning!

Setting up Sevens is straightforward:

• Use a standard 52-card deck (no jokers)
• Deal all cards to the players, one at a time clockwise
• Some players may get one more card than others if it doesn't divide evenly - this balances out as the dealer rotates
• Players sort their cards by suit and sequence
• If playing for stakes, each player antes one chip to the pot before dealing

The player holding the 7 of diamonds starts the game (in some variants, the player left of the dealer starts with any seven).

In Sevens, cards are ranked as follows:

• King is highest in each suit
• Then follows: Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2
• Ace is lowest in each suit

Sevens are especially important as they start each row on the table. Cards are laid in ascending order up from 7 (8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King) and descending order down from 7 (6, 5, 4, 3, 2, Ace).

The game proceeds as follows:

1. The holder of the 7 of diamonds (or in some variants: the player left of the dealer) plays the first card - a seven
2. Play continues clockwise
3. On your turn, you must play one card if possible. You can play:
   • A seven of any suit (starts a new row)
   • A card that is one rank higher or lower than a card already on the table (in the same suit)
4. If you cannot play, you must say "pass"
5. Cards are laid face-up on the table in four rows (one for each suit)
6. Each row has the seven in the center, with lower cards to the left and higher cards to the right

Play continues until one player has played all their cards.

The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the round!

There are several scoring methods:

• Simple variant: The winner gets 1 point, and you play an agreed number of rounds
• Points variant: All other players get penalty points equal to the number of cards remaining in their hands
• Chips variant: Each time you pass, you pay a chip to the pot. The winner takes the entire pot plus one chip per remaining card from each opponent

Remember these important rules:

• You MUST play a card if you can - it's illegal to pass if you have a playable card
• If you break this rule (caught with a playable card after passing), you receive penalties:
  • 3 chips to the pot for a regular violation
  • 5 additional chips if you had a seven (paid to players holding the 6 and 8 of that suit)
• Cards must always be played in direct sequence - you cannot play a 5 before the 6 is played
• New rows can only be started with sevens

To become skilled at Sevens, try these strategies:

• Hold back sevens: By controlling when you play sevens, you can block opponents
• Block key cards: Hold back 6s and 8s to limit others' options
• Plan ahead: See which cards you need to get rid of high and low cards
• Watch opponents: Notice which suits they pass on - it shows what they're missing
• Prioritize "dead" cards: Get rid of cards far from sevens first

Sevens has many exciting variations:

• Diamond Seven: The 7 of diamonds must always be played first
• Ristiseiska: Finnish variant where the 7 of clubs is played first, and players who can't play must receive a card from the previous player
• Stricter sequence: In some variants, both 6 and 8 must be played before other cards in the suit
• Pass limits: Number of allowed passes can vary (often 3 passes before you're out)
• Domino (French): First player can start with any card, and new rows start with the same rank
• Scoring: Face cards = 10 points, ace = 1 point, other cards = face value

Sevens has a fascinating history:

• The name likely comes from the Chinese gambling game Fan-Tan, though the card game has little in common with the original
• The game became very popular among Chinese immigrants in the USA during the 19th century
• In Britain it's often called Parliament, possibly because players "build" rows like parliament members
• The game belongs to the "stops" family of card games, where players are blocked from playing
• Today there are digital versions and apps that make it easy to play against computer opponents

Whatever you call it - Sevens, Sevens, or Parliament - this is a timeless game that continues to entertain new generations!