Sevens Card Game Rules

The Sevens card game, also known as Layoff or Fan Tan, is a popular card game that involves strategy and luck. The game is simple to learn, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. In this article, we will delve into the rules of the Sevens card game, exploring its history, gameplay, and strategies.
Key Points
- The Sevens card game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards.
- The objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards.
- Players must play cards in sequential order, either ascending or descending.
- Sevens are wild cards and can be played on any suit.
- Strategy and luck are essential components of the game.
Number of Players and Deck

The Sevens card game can be played with 2-8 players. A standard deck of 52 cards is used, without jokers. The deck consists of four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades, each with 13 cards: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King.
Dealing the Cards
To start the game, the deck is shuffled, and each player is dealt 7 cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The top card from the draw pile is turned over and placed beside the draw pile to start the discard pile.
Gameplay

The player to the left of the dealer goes first, and then play moves clockwise. To play a card, it must be in sequential order, either ascending or descending, to the card on top of the discard pile. For example, if the top card is a 5 of hearts, the player can play a 4 or 6 of hearts, or any suit that is one number higher or lower than the 5.
Sevens as Wild Cards
Sevens are wild cards and can be played on any suit. When a player plays a 7, they can change the suit to any suit they choose. For example, if a player plays a 7 of spades, they can change the suit to hearts, and the next player must play a card in the hearts suit.
Strategies and Tips
While luck plays a significant role in the Sevens card game, strategy is also important. Players can increase their chances of winning by paying attention to the cards that have been played and trying to remember which cards are left in the deck. Another strategy is to try to get rid of high-numbered cards early in the game, as they are harder to play.
Card | Sequential Order |
---|---|
Ace | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King |
2 | Ace, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King |
3 | 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King |
4 | 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King |
5 | 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King |
6 | 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King |
7 | Any suit |
8 | 7, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King |
9 | 8, 10, Jack, Queen, King |
10 | 9, Jack, Queen, King |
Jack | 10, Queen, King |
Queen | Jack, King |
King | Queen |

Winning the Game
The game continues until one player has played all their cards. That player is the winner. If the draw pile runs out of cards, the discard pile can be shuffled and turned over to create a new draw pile.
How many players can play the Sevens card game?
+The Sevens card game can be played with 2-8 players.
What is the objective of the Sevens card game?
+The objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards.
Can Sevens be played on any suit?
+Yes, Sevens are wild cards and can be played on any suit.
How many cards are dealt to each player?
+Each player is dealt 7 cards.
What happens if the draw pile runs out of cards?
+If the draw pile runs out of cards, the discard pile can be shuffled and turned over to create a new draw pile.
In conclusion, the Sevens card game is a fun and challenging game that requires strategy and luck. By understanding the rules and gameplay, players can increase their chances of winning and enjoy hours of entertainment with friends and family.