Game Rules
CassinoCatching instead of just discarding

A classic collecting game. Catch face-up cards and score points across multiple categories.

Players2 – 4
Duration15 – 25 Min
Deck52 Cards · 1 Deck
LevelMedium
I · Game Idea

Catching Cards
from the Table

I

Cassino is one of the oldest collecting games. Cards are face-up on the table – players catch them by playing a hand card of the same value or a combination that adds up to that value.

Points are awarded not only for caught cards, but also for certain bonus cards and for catching the most cards overall.

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
Remaining Deck
Leave face-down – will be dealt in multiple rounds.
3
Starting Player
The player to the dealer's left starts.
Before Starting

Aces and the 10 (Diamonds) are bonus cards – plan to catch them strategically rather than just forming value combinations.

III · Card Values
How to
Catch Cards
III
=
Same Value
Catch Directly
A hand card with the same value as a table card catches it directly.
+
Combination
Add Values
Multiple table cards whose sum matches the value of the hand card are caught together.
B
Building
Prepare
Combine a card with a table card to catch it later with a higher value.
10♦
Bonus Card
2 Points
The 10 of Diamonds ("Big Cassino") is worth 2 bonus points, the Ace of Spades 1 extra point.
IV · Gameplay

Turn by
Turn

IV
1
Play a Card
Play a hand card: catch, build, or simply discard.
2
Catch
Collect matching table cards with your own card of the same value or sum.
3
Build
Prepare a combination on the table that you intend to catch yourself later.
4
Redeal
Once all hand cards are played: deal 4 new cards per player from the deck.
5
Count Points
Most cards = 3 points, most Spades = 1 point, each Ace = 1 point, 10 of Diamonds = 2 points, 2 of Spades = 1 point. The first to reach 21 points wins.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Cassino is played in many countries with its own names.

R
Royal Cassino
Face cards can also be caught – with their own values.
3
Three Players
With three players: slightly adjusted card distribution.
D
Diecimila
Italian variant with different bonus points.
∅
No Building
Simplified variant without the building mechanic.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

Target Aces and the 10 of Diamonds whenever the opportunity arises – they bring bonus points regardless of the total card count.

+

Only build if you are certain you can catch the combination yourself later – otherwise, your opponent might take your build.

+

Keep an eye on the most-cards scoring – in the end, the sheer number of caught cards also counts, not just bonus points.

+

Only discard cards if neither catching nor building is possible – unused opportunities forfeit valuable points.

Common Mistakes
–

Revealing a build combination too early without considering that the opponent might catch it themselves.

–

Ignoring bonus cards (Aces, 10 of Diamonds) and focusing solely on the pure card count.

–

Forgetting that when catching, you can collect multiple table cards simultaneously if their sum matches.

–

Discarding too early instead of building, even though a preparatory combination would have brought more value.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Cassino requires a clear overview of face-up table cards – with cards that remain easy to read.

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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
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