Game Rules
Beggar My NeighbourBeggar My Neighbour
A classic British children's game. Face cards force penalty cards – the player with all the cards wins.
Players2
Duration10 – 20 Min
Deck52 Cards
DifficultyEasy
I · Game Idea
Penalty cards from
face cards
I
Beggar My Neighbour is a classic British game where no decisions are made. Face cards (Ace, King, Queen, Jack) force the opponent to pay penalty cards.
The player with all the cards at the end wins. The game can be very long, like War – or end after a few rounds.
II · Preparation
Before the
game begins
II
1
Divide cards
Deal 52 cards evenly: 26 cards face down each.
2
No Looking
Do not look at the cards – hold them face down in a stack in front of you.
3
Starting Player
Player to the dealer's left begins.
III · Card Values
What face cards
do
do
III
A
Ace
4 Cards
If an Ace is played: opponent must place 4 cards on the discard pile.
K
King
3 Cards
King played: opponent pays 3 penalty cards.
Q
Queen
2 Cards
Queen played: opponent pays 2 penalty cards.
J
Jack
1 Card
Jack played: opponent pays 1 penalty card.
IV · Gameplay
Round by
Round
IV
1
Flip card
Place top card on the discard pile.
2
Face card played
Opponent must pay penalty cards. If a face card appears: swap roles.
3
Penalty cards complete
All penalty cards without a new face card: the player who played the face card takes the discard pile.
4
Stack depleted
Whoever has no cards left loses.
5
Won
Whoever has all 52 cards wins. If there's a time limit: whoever has more cards after the set time.
V · Variants
Variants
V
Beggar My Neighbour is known by many names.
S
Strip Jack Naked
Alternative British name – identical rules.
B
Beat Your Neighbour
North American name.
3
Three Players
With three players: 17 cards each, one remains.
D
Double Deck
With two decks for longer games.
Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck
A perfect beginner's game without rules – you just need a good deck.
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