Rules of Escoba

Escoba has its origins in an ancient Italian game originally called Scopa. Just like the original version of this card game, when playing Escoba online players try to take as many cards as possible from the table by forming different combinations with the cards in their hand, in order to score the most points. Here, we present the basic rules of Escoba:

Aim of the game

The main objective of Escoba is to score the most points by capturing cards. You can sweep cards from the table in combinations that add up to 15 between them and one of the cards in your hand. If you get a lot of cards and if some of them are certain special cards, you will get more points.The golden coins cards, sevens and escobas are the key to winning this game because they are the highest scoring cards.

Deck of cards

A Spanish 40-card deck is used.

Number of players

The online version of Escoba can be played by two to four players.

Order and value of the cards

In Escoba, the order of the cards doesn’t matter. Each card has a value which is used to add up the 15 points you need to make combinations.

• The king is worth 10.
• The knight is worth 9.
• The jack is worth 8.
• The rest of the cards are worth the number that appears on them.

Distribution of cards

• The player who starts, the hand, is selected randomly.
• Each player is dealt 3 cards and 4 cards are placed face up on the table.
• The remaining pack of cards will be left on the table (with details of the number of cards remaining).
• In the following games, the cards will be dealt in strict order from left to right.

Development of the game

• The hand is the first to play. They will select one of their cards and also the face-up cards they want to combine it with to make a total of 15.
• If successful, these cards will automatically be placed in their pile, which is placed next to each avatar.
• A player makes an Escoba when the card they play adds up to 15 with all the cards face up in the centre of the table, i.e. they take them away leaving the table empty.
• If a player's cards do not match any of the face-up cards in the centre, he or she must select one of his or her cards and discard it, passing the turn to the next player.
• The game goes from left to right. When it’s their turn, each player must play a card from their hand. After the three turns, when each player's three cards are used up, three more cards are dealt to each player. Play continues in this way until all the cards in the deck are used up.
• The player who has taken the last trick takes all the cards that are left face up in the centre of the table. These cards must add up to 10, 25, 40 or 55 as proof that no mistakes have been made during the game.
• If, by placing the four cards face up in the centre of the table, the dealer adds up to 15 or 15 plus 15, he may pick up those cards for himself, counting one or two Escobas respectively, without having to draw another four cards from the deck. The “hand” starts the game as previously explained.

Points

The game is usually played until 21 points are reached, which can be achieved in one or more partial games. At the end of a partial game, the points scored by each player are counted:

• For each Escoba: 1 point
• For having all golden coins cards: 2 points
• For having the most golden coins cards: 1 point
• For having “guindis” (the 7 of golden coins): 1 point
• For having 4 sevens (including the “guindis”): 3 points
• For having the most sevens: 1 point
• For having the most cards: 1 point
• If your opponent has less than 10 cards: 2 points
• If the opponent hasn’t won any hands, they lose the whole game.

Who wins?

• The player who reaches 21 or the agreed number first is the winner of the game.

Strategies for winning

Here you have some strategies that you can use to increase your chances of winning Escoba:

• Pay attention to the cards that are played: Carefully observe the cards that come out in each turn. This allows you to have an idea of the cards that are still in play and will help you to plan your movements strategically.
• Calculate the possible combinations: Try to calculate the possible combinations with the cards available on the table and in your hand. Look for opportunities to reach 15 cards and capture cards. Remember that Escobas and sevens are especially valuable.
• Prioritise the highest value cards: In general, it is advisable to play the highest value cards first, such as the king, knight and jack. This increases your chances of capturing other cards on the table and helps you score more points.
• Look after your golden coins cards: The golden coins cards are important in Escoba, since they allow you to add additional points. Try to keep most of the golden coins cards in your hand until the time is right to play them strategically.
• Take advantage of opportunities to capture multiple cards: If in one turn you can capture various cards by adding up to 15, its a valuable opportunity. Try to take advantage of these situations to accumulate points and get rid of cards on the table.
• Be cautious about the cards you drop: When you can't add up to 15 with any card in your hand, you must drop a card on the table. Try to drop a card that is less likely to be captured by your opponents and does not give them an advantage.
• Assess the game situation: Keep track of the score and assess the situation of the game at any given moment. This will allow you to adjust your strategy according to your needs and the actions of your opponents.

Remember that practice and experience are essential to improve in Escoba. Have fun exploring different strategies and enjoy the game!