Learn to Play Thirteen: Rules & Tips

Understanding the Basics

Thirteen is a trick-taking card game that requires a standard 52-card deck. The game is typically played with four players, and the goal is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards by playing them in specific combinations.

Card Rankings

To play Thirteen, you’ll need a standard deck of 52 cards. The deck consists of four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit has 13 cards, and 2s are considered high. The cards are ranked as follows:

• 2 (highest)
• Ace
• King
• Queen
• Jack
• 10
• 9
• 8
• 7
• 6
• 5
• 4
• 3 (lowest)

In Thirteen the suits are also ranked.

1. Hearts
2. Diamonds
3. Clubs
4. Spades

A higher single card beats a lower single card. For instance, a queen of hearts beats a jack of hearts. A higher double – two cards – beats a lower double. Triples and runs can also be played.

Gameplay

Dealing

To start the game, the dealer shuffles the deck and deals out all the cards evenly to the players. If there are any leftover cards, they are placed in a pile in the center of the table, which is called the “stockpile.” The top card of the stockpile is then turned over and placed face up next to the stockpile, which is called the “discard pile.”

Playing Each Hand

The player who has the 3 of spades card goes first and play continues clockwise. The player must play a combination of cards that beats the previous combination played. For example, if the previous player played a pair of 4s, you must play a higher pair or a combination of cards that beats a pair of 4s.

If a player cannot beat the previous combination played, they must pass and play moves on to the next player. If all players pass, the discard pile is cleared, and the last player to play a combination starts a new round with their lowest ranking card.

Here are the possible plays you can make in the game Thirteen:

1. Single Cards:
   • Any card can be played as a single, but only a card of a higher rank or the same rank but of a higher suit can beat a previously played card.
   • The suits, in ascending order, are Hearts (highest), Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades (lowest). For example, a 5 of Clubs beats a 5 of Spades, but a 5 of Hearts would beat the 5 of Clubs.
2. Pairs:
   • Two cards of the same rank, e.g., 8-8 or 10-10.
   • Can only be beaten by a higher pair, following the same suit hierarchy if pairs are of the same rank.
3. Three of a Kind:
   • Three cards of the same rank, e.g., J-J-J or 7-7-7.
   • A higher-ranked Three of a Kind beats a lower one. There’s no need to consider suits in this play because it’s impossible to have three cards of the same rank and suit.
4. Straights:
   • At least three consecutive ranked cards, regardless of suit, such as 4-5-6 or 8-9-10.
   • The length and the highest card of the straight determine its strength. For instance, a 4-5-6-7 straight beats a 3-4-5 straight, and a 10-J-Q beats a 7-8-9.
   • The highest card in a sequence or straight determines its suit.
5. Bombs:
   • Four cards of the same rank, like 4-4-4-4 or Q-Q-Q-Q.
   • A straight of at least three pairs, like 3-3-4-4-5-5.
   • A double sequence of 6 cards straight
   • Bombs can beat any combination, except for higher-ranked bombs. The length and the highest pair of the bomb determine its strength.

It’s essential to remember that each round (or “trick”) of the game typically only allows one type of combination to be played, starting with the lead player’s choice. The subsequent players must play the same type of combination but of a higher rank/suit or pass their turn.

Winning

The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the game. If all players pass in a round, the player who played the last combination wins that round and starts the next round.

That’s the basics of playing Thirteen. Now that you know the rules, it’s time to gather some friends and start playing!

Setting Up the Game

To play Thirteen, you’ll need a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The game can be played by 2-4 players, and the objective is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Here’s how to set up the game:

1. Select a dealer. Before game play can begin, you’ll need to choose a dealer. Each player draws one card from a shuffled deck. The player with the lowest card becomes the dealer.
2. Shuffle the deck and deal. The dealer shuffles the deck and passes out thirteen cards to each player, one at a time.
3. Organize your cards. Once you have your cards, organize them by suit and rank. The suits are clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades. The ranks, in order from lowest to highest, are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A, 2.
4. Determine the first player. To determine which player leads the first round, the players look at their cards and search for the three of spades, which is the lowest card in the entire game.
5. Begin playing. The player who goes first can play any combination of cards that follow the rules of the game. The game continues clockwise around the table until one player has gotten rid of all their cards.

That’s it! Setting up the game is simple and quick, so you can get right into the action.

Strategies and Tips

To increase your chances of winning at Thirteen, here are some strategies and tips you can use:

• Keep track of the cards played: This is essential to know which cards are still in play and which have already been played. Keeping track of the cards can also help you predict which cards your opponents might have.
• Play your cards in groups whenever possible: Playing your cards in matches or straights early in the game can help you get rid of them much more quickly and avoid being stuck with them at the end of the game. It can also intimidate your opponents.
• Pay attention to your opponents’ patterns: Observing your opponents’ patterns and tendencies can help you predict what cards they might have and how they might play them. This can give you an advantage in the game.
• Don’t be afraid to pass: Passing can be a strategic move, especially if you don’t have any strong cards to play. This can also help you get rid of unwanted cards and potentially set yourself up for a stronger hand in the next round.

Remember, Thirteen is a game of strategy and skill. By keeping these tips in mind and practicing your gameplay, you can improve your chances of winning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thirteen is a fun and exciting card game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. However, there are a few common mistakes that players make that can ruin the game experience for everyone. Here are some things to keep in mind to avoid making these mistakes:

1. Not Clarifying the Rules

Before starting the game, make sure everyone is clear on the rules. Thirteen has many variations, and it’s important to agree on the rules before the game begins. If you’re playing with new players, take the time to explain the rules and answer any questions they may have.

2. Not Paying Attention to the Cards Played

If you’re not paying attention, you may miss important information that can help you win the game. Make sure to keep track of the cards played and the order in which they were played. This is especially important if you’re playing with points.

5. Not Paying Attention to the Score

In Thirteen, the goal is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. However, it’s important to pay attention to the score as well. If you’re not keeping track of the score, you may not realize that you’re falling behind until it’s too late. Keep track of the score and adjust your strategy accordingly.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enjoy a fun and exciting game of Thirteen with your friends and family. Remember to clarify the rules, pay attention to the cards played, play the right cards, use strategy, and keep track of the score.

Variations of Thirteen

Thirteen is a fun and simple card game that can be played with a standard deck of 52 cards. While the basic rules of the game remain the same, there are several variations that can make the game more challenging and exciting. Here are some popular variations of Thirteen that you can try out:

Scoring

In some versions, people play simply until one player runs out of cards and they are the winner of the round. Other versions include a points system that can be accumulated over multiple rounds to determine an overall winner.

Points are earned by playing certain combinations of cards, such as pairs, three of a kind, or a straight. The player who wins the round earns points based on the cards played. The first player to reach the target number of points (usually 200) wins the game.

Here is a breakdown of the point system:

Combination of Cards	Points
Single card	1
Pair	2
Three of a kind	3
Four of a kind	4
Straight	5
Double straight	10

Progressive Thirteen

In Progressive Thirteen, the game is played in rounds, with each round introducing a new rule or variation. The first round is played with the basic rules of Thirteen, and each subsequent round adds a new rule. For example, in the second round, pairs are introduced, and in the third round, the player with the lowest card is forced to lead. This variation can be a lot of fun, as it keeps the game fresh and exciting.

Double Thirteen

In Double Thirteen, two decks of cards are used, and each player is dealt 26 cards instead of 13. The game is played with the same rules as Thirteen, but with twice as many cards, it can be more challenging and strategic.

Ties

In some variations of Thirteen, ties are allowed. This means that if two or more players play the same combination of cards, the player who played the combination first wins. This can add an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must be quick to play their cards in order to win ties.

Four-Player Teams

In this variation, players are divided into teams of two, and each team works together to get rid of their cards. The game is played with the same rules as Thirteen, but with the added element of teamwork. This variation can be a lot of fun, as players must communicate and work together to win.

Betting

In some variations of Thirteen, players can bet on the outcome of the game. For example, players can bet on who will win the game, or on how many points each player will score. This can add an extra element of excitement to the game, and can make it more competitive. However, it’s important to remember to gamble responsibly and within your means.

Thirteen is a versatile and entertaining card game that can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a more challenging game or a more social one, there’s a variation of Thirteen that’s perfect for you.

Related Card Games

If you enjoy playing Thirteen, you may also enjoy these similar card games:

• Rummy
• Canasta
• Bridge