top of page

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.

Official The Game Card Game Rules

The Game is a cooperative card game that requires teamwork, strategy, and a bit of luck. Here's how to play:

Objective

Play all 98 cards to four piles, following the rules, without breaking the sequence.

Setup

1. Shuffle the deck of 98 numbered cards.


2. Place the four start cards in the center of the table:Two piles will start with the "1" cards (ascending piles). Two piles will start with the "100" cards (descending piles).


3. Deal a hand of cards to each player:

2-3 players: 7 cards each. 

4-5 players: 6 cards each.

Gameplay

  1. Players take turns in a clockwise direction.

  2. On a player's turn:

    • They must play at least two cards from their hand to the piles (increasing for ascending piles, decreasing for descending piles).

    • They may play more than two cards if desired.

    • Cards are placed on top of the appropriate start card or the last played card in the sequence.

  3. After playing their cards, the player draws cards to replenish their hand to the initial hand size (7 or 6 cards).

  4. The turn passes to the next player.

Special Rules:

  1. Backward Jump Rule:

    • On an ascending pile, a card can be played that is exactly 10 less than the current top card (e.g., if the top card is 23, a 13 can be played).

    • On a descending pile, a card can be played that is exactly 10 more than the current top card (e.g., if the top card is 77, an 87 can be played).

  2. End of Deck:

    • When the draw deck is exhausted, players no longer draw cards.

    • Players must continue to play at least one card per turn until all cards are played or no more legal moves are possible.

Strategy Tips:

  • Communicate: Work with your fellow players to strategize about which cards to play and when.

  • Backward Jumps: Utilize the backward jump rule to create opportunities for future plays.

  • Card Management: Keep an eye on the cards in your hand and try to maintain a balance of low and high cards for flexibility.

Winning the Game

  • The game is won if all 98 cards are successfully played to the piles.

  • The game is lost if a player cannot play the required number of cards (at least two before the deck is exhausted, at least one after the deck is exhausted).

Notes/Variations

  • Solo Play: The game can also be played solo, following the same rules and objectives.

  • Advanced Rules: Try playing with a rule that requires playing exactly two cards per turn, even after the deck is exhausted.

The Game is a simple yet challenging game that encourages teamwork and strategic thinking.

Browse Related Games!

bottom of page