Game Rules
BasraCatch cards directly, score clearly

A variant close to Cassino with more direct card catching and clear special scoring.

Players2 – 4
Duration10 – 20 Min
Deck52 Cards · 1 Deck
LevelEasy to medium
I · Game Idea

Cassino,
simplified

I

Basra is popular in the Middle East and similar to Cassino, but without the more complex building mechanic. Cards are caught directly by matching value or sum combination.

Special feature: Certain cards such as the 10 of Diamonds and all four Aces automatically bring additional points when caught.

II · Preparation

Before the
game begins

II
1
Deal cards
Each player receives 4 hand cards. 4 cards are placed face up on the table.
2
Note bonus cards
The 10 of Diamonds and all Aces are automatically worth bonus points.
3
Remaining stack
Face down for later deal rounds.
Before starting

Keep track of which bonus cards (Aces, 10 of Diamonds) are still in play – they often decide a close points race.

III · Card Values
What sets Basra
apart from Cassino
III
=
Direct Catch
Same value
A hand card of the same value immediately catches a table card – no building needed.
+
Sum Catch
Combination
Multiple table cards whose sum matches the hand card's value: catch them together.
10♦
10 of Diamonds
3 Points
The most valuable single card in the game – 3 bonus points when caught.
A
Aces
1 point each
Each Ace caught brings 1 additional bonus point.
IV · Gameplay

Turn by
turn

IV
1
Play a card
Play a hand card to catch or discard.
2
Catch
Collect table cards of the same value or a matching sum.
3
Last cards
Whoever catches cards in the last turn of the round gets all remaining table cards.
4
Redealing
All hand cards played: new 4 cards per player from the stack.
5
Count points
Most cards = 2 points, each Ace = 1 point, 10 of Diamonds = 3 points. The first to reach a target score (usually 11) wins.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Basra is particularly popular in Iraq and the Gulf States.

∅
Without Building
The standard form – already without the Cassino building mechanic.
4
Four Players
In two fixed teams instead of independently.
J
With Jack Bonus
Jacks catch all table cards at once, like in Pishti.
S
Fast Version
With fewer hand cards per round.
Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Basra is quick to explain and straightforward – playable immediately with a normal deck.

View all designs →
20s Playing Cards – Double Pack For larger groups and long game nights. To the product Viking Playing Cards – Double Pack Two decks, suitable for 5+ players. To the product
← Back to Game Overview Berlin Hold'em