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Thirty-One Rules

Thirty-One is a quick draw-and-discard game where players build a same-suit hand totaling 31 — or as close as possible.

👥 2–9 players ⏱ 20–40 min 🎯 Difficulty ●●○○○ 🃏 Shedding Games

Setup

Deal 3 cards each and 3 to the center as a discard pool, plus a draw pile. Each player starts with 3 lives.

How to Play

On your turn, swap one card from your hand with one from the discard pool or draw pile. Aces are 11, face cards 10, others face value — all in the same suit count.

Knocking

When you think you have the highest hand, knock; everyone gets one more turn, then hands are revealed. The lowest hand loses a life.

Winning

A hand of exactly 31 wins immediately. Otherwise the last player with lives remaining wins the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is an ace worth in Thirty-One?

11 points, and face cards are worth 10.

What does knocking do in 31?

It ends the round after one final turn each; the lowest-scoring hand loses a life.

▶ Play Thirty-One online — free