Mastering Scopone: A Comprehensive Guide to Italy’s Beloved Card Game

Scopone, a captivating trick-taking card game, is a staple in Italian social gatherings. More strategic than its simpler cousin, Scopa, Scopone demands teamwork, sharp card counting skills, and a touch of cunning. This guide will walk you through the rules, gameplay, and winning strategies to help you master this engaging card game.

What You’ll Need to Play Scopone

• A Standard 40-Card Italian Deck: This typically consists of four suits (Cups, Coins, Swords, and Clubs) with cards numbered 1-7, plus three face cards: Jack (8), Knight (9), and King (10).
• Four Players: Scopone is played in two teams of two, with partners sitting opposite each other.
• Paper and Pen: For keeping score.

Understanding the Card Values

Card values are straightforward:

• Number cards (1-7): Their numerical value.
• Jack (8): 8 points
• Knight (9): 9 points
• King (10): 10 points

Setting Up the Game

1. Shuffle the Deck: One player shuffles the deck thoroughly.
2. Deal the Cards: Each player receives 9 cards. The remaining 4 cards are placed face-down in a pile called the ‘mazzo’ which won’t be used until the next deal.
3. No Table Cards: Unlike Scopa, there are no face-up cards on the table at the start of a Scopone hand.

Gameplay: Taking Tricks

The game proceeds in a series of rounds, each involving a trick.

1. The Lead: The player to the dealer’s right leads the first trick by placing any card from their hand face-up in the center of the playing area.
2. Following Suit: Each player, in a clockwise direction, must play a card. If possible, you must follow suit (play a card from the same suit as the lead card). If you do not have a card of the same suit you may play any other card.
3. Winning the Trick: The player who played the highest card in the suit of the lead card wins the trick. Note that in Scopone, suit ranking does not exist and the value of the card of the played suit will determine the winner of the trick.
4. Collecting the Trick: The player who wins the trick collects all the cards played in the trick and places them face-down near them.
5. Next Lead: The player who won the trick leads the next trick.

Capturing Points (Making a Scopa)

A crucial aspect of Scopone is capturing cards to score points. However, you don’t capture cards from the table, all cards go directly in the hand. There are a few ways to get points:

• Primiera: This is the most complex aspect of Scopone and is related to the four 7s and their suit. There are specific points assigned to the 7 based on their suits: 7 of Coins (21 points); 7 of Swords (20 points); 7 of Cups (10 points); 7 of Clubs (10 points). The Primiera winner is the team that scores the highest combination based on the suits of the cards in the tricks they’ve collected. Only the best card in each suit can count. For example if a player has 7 of Coins and 3 of Coins only the 7 counts. If two teams have equal points of primiera no one wins.
• Sets: At the end of the hand each player’s set of collected cards is counted and points are attributed by set: 1 points for the team that wins most cards. 1 point if a team gets 4 cards of 7. 1 point if a team takes the 7 of coins

Scoring and Winning

At the end of each hand of play you calculate all the sets scored during the round and award 1 point per set won by a team. Each round of play is called a ‘mano’. Usually you play a match that consists of several manos until one team reaches 11, 16 or 21 points. Before you start the game it’s decided how many points you need to win a match.

Strategic Tips for Success

• Communicate with your partner: Even without explicitly revealing your hand, use subtle cues and your card plays to help each other.
• Count cards: Keep track of which high-value cards have been played to anticipate your opponents’ remaining cards.
• Think ahead: Plan your moves a few tricks in advance to maximize your points and avoid letting opponents win.
• Balance risk and reward: Don’t be too reckless, but also don’t be too timid. Be selective with your high-value cards.

Conclusion

Scopone is more than just a card game; it’s a social tradition, a battle of wits, and a fun way to connect with friends and family. With a bit of practice and strategic thinking, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time. So gather your team, deal the cards, and get ready to experience the thrill of Scopone!