Game Rules
Fan TanCalm and consistent
A quiet lay-down game where cards are built up in rows around the sevens.
Players3 – 7
Duration10 – 20 min
Deck52 cards
LevelEasy
I · The idea
Rows around
the seven
I
Fan Tan is a sequential lay-down game with the seven at the centre of every suit row. Cards are added step by step upward and downward.
Whoever can't play a matching card sits out or pays a chip, depending on the variant. The game stays pleasantly calm and strategic throughout.
II · Preparation
Before the
game begins
II
1
Deal the cards
Deal all 52 cards as evenly as possible to all players.
2
Starting player
Whoever holds the seven of clubs starts and plays it as the first card.
3
Build the rows
Each suit gradually forms its own row from Ace to King.
III · Card values
What you can do
on your turn
on your turn
III
7
Seven
Starter card
Every seven of a suit opens the row for that suit.
↑
Higher
Play up
Play the next higher card to the right of the row.
↓
Lower
Play down
Play the next lower card to the left of the row.
∅
Pass
No obligation
Anyone who can't or won't play simply passes — no penalty card required.
IV · Gameplay
Round by
round
IV
1
Play a card
Add a matching card to an existing row.
2
Start a new row
Play a seven of a new suit if that row hasn't been opened yet.
3
Pass
If you can't or tactically won't play, simply pass.
4
Winner
Whoever gets rid of all their hand cards first wins the round.
V · Variants
Variants
V
Fan Tan is played in many countries under different names.
S
Stake
Anyone who can't play pays a small chip stake into the pot.
D
Dominoes
Also known as “Card Dominoes” — identical rules.
J
Free jokers
Jokers may stand in for any missing card.
S
Stricter
Passing when you could have played costs a penalty.
Berlin Hold'em · Matching decks
Get the right deck
Fan Tan is a relaxed game for quiet rounds with a good deck.
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