Learn How to Play Rubamazzo: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Are you looking for a new card game to learn? If you enjoy strategic gameplay and love Italian culture, then Rubamazzo might be the perfect game for you. In this simple guide, we will walk you through the rules and strategies of Rubamazzo, so you can start playing and enjoying this exciting card game.

What is Rubamazzo?

Rubamazzo, also known as Robamazzi or Rubamazzetto, is a popular Italian card game that is played with a deck of Italian playing cards. The objective of the game is to collect sets of cards and score points based on the value of those sets. It is a fun and challenging game that can be played with 2 to 6 players.

How to Set Up the Game

Setting up the game of Rubamazzo is quick and easy. Here's what you need to do:

• Shuffle the deck of Italian playing cards thoroughly.
• Deal 9 cards to each player, face down.
• Place the remaining cards in the center of the table to create the draw pile.

Understanding the Card Values

Each card in Rubamazzo holds a certain point value. Understanding these values is crucial to playing the game strategically. The points assigned to the cards are as follows:

• Aces: 1 point
• 3s: 3 points
• King: 10 points
• Queens: 10 points
• Horsemen: 10 points
• Knights: 10 points
• 7s, 6s, 5s, 4s, and 2s: no points

How to Play Rubamazzo

Now that you understand the card values, it's time to learn how to play the game:

1. The player to the left of the dealer goes first.
2. The active player must draw a card from the draw pile.
3. The active player can then decide to use this card to create a set with cards from their hand.
4. If the active player forms a set, they must show it to the other players and then place it face up in front of them.
5. If the active player cannot form a set, they must discard a card face up in a separate pile.
6. The turn passes to the next player in a clockwise direction.

Scoring in Rubamazzo

The scoring in Rubamazzo is straightforward. After a player forms a set, the value of the set is calculated by summing up the points of the cards within the set. The player adds these points to their score. The game continues until all the cards have been drawn.

Tips and Strategies for Winning

Here are some essential tips and strategies to help you improve your chances of winning at Rubamazzo:

• Always try to form sets with high-value cards to maximize your score.
• Keep track of the cards discarded by other players to plan your moves.
• Pay attention to the cards picked by other players to understand their strategies.
• Try to maintain a good balance between drawing cards and discarding cards.
• Don't be afraid to take risks and adapt your strategy based on the cards available.

Now that you have a solid understanding of how to play Rubamazzo, grab a deck of Italian playing cards and gather your friends for a fun and exciting game night!