Learn to Play Kings in the Corner: Rules & Tips

Players	2-4 Players
Difficulty	4/10
Recommended Age	8+
Game Category	Shedding

Kings in the Corner is a fun, classic card game that combines elements from solitaire and involves a bit of strategy. It’s perfect for family get-togethers or a casual game night with friends.

Object of the Game

Your main goal in Kings in the Corner is to be the first to play all of your cards. Gameplay resembles solitaire but with a twist. You do this by creating stacks in descending order, alternating between red and black cards, and strategically using the kings to open up new stacking possibilities in the corners of your play area.

Number of Players

This game scales well for a small group, ideally involving 2 to 4 players. With more players, the game tends to be more dynamic and entertaining, but it remains engaging and competitive even with fewer participants.

Setting up the Game

Before dealing out the excitement of Kings in the Corner, ensure you have a standard 52-card deck. The dealer plays a crucial role, so decide who’s going to be in charge of dealing those lucky seven cards to each player.

Shuffling the Deck

First things first, grab your deck of cards and give it a good shuffle. This isn’t just to show off your fancy handwork; it’s to make sure the cards are mixed well and the game is fair. It’s typical for the chosen dealer to do the shuffling, but if you want to pass the deck around for everyone to shuffle—go for it!

Dealing the Cards

Once the deck is shuffled, the dealer gets down to business by dealing seven cards to each player. Make sure to deal the cards one at a time in a clockwise direction—the same direction you’ll be playing in. You’ll end up with your own little stash of seven cards, and that’s what you’ll use to start claiming your spots in the corners of the game. A card should then be placed face up in the center to start the stockpile, and the remaining cards are left as the stock to draw from as the game progresses. Getting your cards in order first is always a wise move, so take a moment to sort your hand by suit or number to plan your strategy.

The game kick-starts with the person to the left of the dealer. In addition to the seven cards to each player, lay four cards face up in the center, forming the foundation piles, where play will build.

Game Rules and Mechanics

Before you dive into your first game of Kings in the Corner, it’s essential to get to grips with the basic rules and mechanics. Your goal is to be the first to play all of your cards, strategically using the draw pile and playing cards in descending order and alternating colors.

Valid Moves

A valid move consists of placing any one of your cards onto one of the foundation piles. The card must follow two rules: it must be in descending sequence (e.g., you can place a 10 on a Jack) and in alternating colors (e.g., a red nine on a black ten).

Playing Kings

If you have a King, you can play it in an empty space around the foundation piles to create a new king’s corner. Think of this as starting a new solitaire game in the middle of Kings in the Corner.

Alternate Colors Rule

Always remember that only cards of the opposite color can be played on each other. This is crucial for building your sequences correctly and eventually being able to discard more of your hand faster.

Sequencing Cards

Building sequences is key. For example, if you have a Q-J-10 sequence in hand and a Queen is the top card on a foundation pile, you can move the entire sequence onto that pile, keeping the game moving swiftly.

Ending Your Turn

When you’ve played as many cards as you can (or wish to), you’ll end your turn by drawing one card from the draw pile. This card can be played immediately if it fits into a sequence or works as a playable card.

Using the Draw Pile

The draw pile is your go-to spot when you can’t make a move. Drawing from it can provide new opportunities to discard cards onto foundation piles or potentially give you a King to start a new corner.

Remember that the interaction between the rules, the way you leverage your turn, and how you sequence and discard cards all contribute to your success in defeating your opponents and mastering Kings in the Corner.

Winning the Game

When you’re playing Kings in the Corner, clinching the victory involves strategic scoring and knowing when the game wraps up. Here’s a breakdown of how you keep track of points, determine the game’s end, and understand the target score along with any penalties.

Scoring Points

In Kings in the Corner, the aim is to offload all your cards onto the layout as swiftly as possible. Each card you manage to play onto the foundation piles scores you points. Typically, lower numbers mean better scores; for instance, an ace holds 1 point and other cards are worth their face value up to kings, which are valued at 13 points. Keep a tally; these points will determine how well you’re doing.

Ending the Game

You’re angling to end the game when you can play all your cards before anyone else can. When you lay down your last card and have none in hand, you’ve essentially triggered the end of the game. At this juncture, other players will count the remaining cards in their hands and add those as penalty points to their score.

Target Score and Penalties

To win a series of games, you’ll need to hit the agreed-upon target score, which is typically set at 100 points. If you can’t empty your hand by the game’s end, the cards left will net you penalty points equal to their face values, which, of course, you’d prefer to avoid. For added stakes, some games include a chip pot where players add chips based on the penalty points they rack up, turning the game into a bit of a gamble. Stay focused on the object of the game, keeping your score low and aiming for the target.

Variations and House Rules

When you’re playing Kings in the Corner, the fun really ramps up with different variations and house rules that shake things up. Whether you’re adding strategic twists or upping the stakes with chips, these tweaks can turn a classic card game into a totally new experience.

Common Variations

One popular twist is the inclusion of jokers as wild cards. They can be a game-changer, allowing you to fill in any gaps in your layout. This simple addition can significantly alter the game’s dynamics.

Another common variation is the “four kings, faces up” rule, where you start with all four kings placed in the corners, face up. It sets the stage right from the get-go and adds a layer of strategy as you plan your moves around these pre-laid cornerstones.

Adding Chips to the Game

Adding chips to the mix brings a whole new layer of competitiveness. Here’s a quick rundown on how you can incorporate chips into your game:

• Starting Out: Each player contributes a set number of chips—let’s say, 10—into a pot at the beginning of the game.
• Playing Chips: During the game, if you manage to play a “king in the corner,” you can claim chips from the pot. Decide on a fixed number, perhaps 5 chips, for this reward.
• Penalties: If you pass your turn because you can’t or choose not to play any cards, you might drop a chip into the pot as a penalty. It keeps the pressure on and the game moving!

Also, don’t forget you can use almost anything as chips—pennies, small buttons, or if you’re feeling fancy, a set of 80 playing chips to keep the game flowing and the stakes high.

Strategy Tips

Get ready to sharpen your Kings in the Corner game with these strategy tips. We’re going to focus on controlling those elusive corners, managing your hand effectively, and keeping a watchful eye on your opponents.

Control the Corners

King’s Corner is all about those corners! It’s crucial to play a king when you get the chance, as it opens up new foundation piles for you. By doing so, you’re not only claiming real estate but also giving yourself more options for future moves. Remember, kings in the corners can be a game-changer.

Card Management

Be smart about the cards you play and the ones you hold back. You want a good mix of high and low cards in your hand. When discarding, think ahead; it might be tempting to get rid of a high card, but ask yourself if it could be a key piece in a valid move soon. Strategically holding onto a card is just as important as playing one.

Observing Opponents

Keep your eyes peeled on the others around the table. Track which cards have been played and try to anticipate what they might do next. If you can guess a player’s move, you can counter it by setting up the board to limit their valid moves. Remember, Kings in the Corner isn’t just about the luck of the draw; it’s a battle of wits against your fellow players.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you deal in Kings in the Corner?
At the start of the game, shuffle the deck and deal seven cards to each player. Place the remaining cards in the center as a draw pile, with the top card turned up next to the pile to start the foundation piles.

What is the basic turn sequence?
On your turn, you draw one card from the draw pile. You then try to play cards on the foundation piles, where cards must be placed in descending order and alternating colors. If you can’t make a play or choose not to, your turn ends.

Can you shuffle the discard pile in Kings in the Corner?
No, in Kings in the Corner you do not shuffle the discard pile. Once the draw pile is depleted, the game continues with the remaining cards in players’ hands.

Get Ready to Play!

Kings in the Corner is a fun and engaging card game that combines elements of solitaire and luck. Your main goal is to get rid of all your cards by playing them in a sequence on the kings or on the piles in the corners. Just remember these quick tips:

• Act fast: The quicker you play your cards, the better chance you have to win.
• Stay alert: Keep an eye on the kings and corner piles; they’re your key to dropping more cards.
• Adapt quickly: If your initial strategy doesn’t work out, don’t worry. The game can change quickly, and flexibility can give you an edge.

Don’t forget, a bit of strategy can help you preempt your opponents’ moves, but part of the fun is in the unpredictability.

So, gather your friends or family, shuffle that deck, and start laying down your cards with the hope of becoming the king of ‘Kings in the Corner’. The game’s simple yet strategic nature makes it perfect for all ages and a delight for game nights. Enjoy the play and may the best strategist win!

Related Card Games

If you enjoy playing Kings in the Corner, you may also enjoy these similar card games:

• Rummy
• Crazy Eights
• Spit