Card Dominoes
Card Dominoes also called Sevens, Parliament and Fan Tan is simple to learn card game that is quick and fun for players of all ages. With a standard deck of cards and two or more players you're ready to play. In a good game of Card Dominoes some pretty fierce strategizing occurs.
Object of the Game
The object of the game is to be the first player to be rid of all their cards.
What You'll Need
- A standard deck of playing cards.
- A table or flat surface with seating for all players.
- Two or more players ages 4+.
Setting up Card Dominoes
Each player picks a card from the deck. Whoever has the highest ranking card is the dealer. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals out all the cards, one of the time, face down to the players. Depending on the number of players some may end up with more cards than others. All cards are needed for play, so this does not matter. Players pick up their cards and arrange them by suit and rank with aces been highest.
The player holding the seven of diamonds goes first.
Playing the Game
Play is started when the player holding the seven of diamonds lays that card face up in the middle of the table. Everyone must build on that card, in either direction, to create a stack of all the diamonds in order of rank.
The player to the left of the player who played the seven of diamonds goes next. If they have the eight of diamonds they place it on top of the seven of diamonds. If they have the six of diamonds they slide it under the seven of diamonds.
In the event that the player does not have either card they have one more option, they can start a new stack with the seven from another suit. If they do not have any sevens they must pass their turn and the player immediately to their left continues play.
Once the game is truly underway, players can add to the top or bottom of any stack with the goal of getting rid of all their cards.
Tip
Strategy can be the key to success. It is a good idea for a player to hold onto
sixes, sevens and eights for as long as they can. Any other cards that can be played should be played first. Sevens especially should be saved as long as possible. Holding on to sixes and eights is also good strategy as it prevents anyone else from adding to columns in either direction.
If a player is holding the eight as well as the nine and ten of the same suit, or they have a six, five and four, they should not hold back on playing these cards.
Winning the Game
The first player to successfully play all their cards is the winner of Card Dominoes, but play can continue on with the remaining players if desired.
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