Game Rules
ScopaSweeping the table clean

An Italian collecting game. Collect face-up cards strategically – whoever clears the table completely gets a bonus.

Players2 – 4
Duration15 – 25 Min
Deck40 Cards · 1 Deck
DifficultyEasy to Medium
I · Game Concept

Scopa means
Broom

I

Scopa is played with a 40-card deck (without 8s, 9s, 10s). Cards are laid face-up on the table – if you play a hand card with the same value or a sum combination, you capture them.

The name comes from the ultimate achievement: If you clear the ENTIRE table with one capture (a "Scopa," a broom), you get a bonus point.

II · Preparation

Before the
game begins

II
1
Reduce Deck
Use 40 cards: Ace to 7, then Jack (8), Queen (9), King (10).
2
Deal Cards
Each player receives 3 hand cards. 4 cards are placed face-up on the table.
3
Remember Primiera
Certain values (7, 6, Ace, 5, 4) are particularly valuable for Primiera scoring at the end.
Before Starting

Sevens are the most valuable cards for Primiera scoring – especially the Seven of Diamonds ("Settebello") which grants a fixed bonus point.

III · Card Values
How Points are
distributed at the end
III
S
Scopa
1 Point
Clearing the entire table with a single capture: 1 bonus point immediately.
7♦
Settebello
1 Point
The 7 of Diamonds is the most valuable single card – whoever captures it gets 1 point at the end of the round.
C
Carte
1 Point
Whoever has captured the most cards in total gets 1 point.
P
Primiera
1 Point
Whoever has collected the most valuable card per suit (according to Primiera rank) gets 1 point.
IV · Gameplay

Turn by
Turn

IV
1
Play a Card
Play a hand card that allows a capture or simply discard it.
2
Capture
Same value or sum combination of the table cards: collect them.
3
Scopa!
If the capture clears the entire table: note a bonus point.
4
Redeal
All hand cards played: 3 new cards per player, until the draw pile is empty.
5
Count Points
Scopa points plus Settebello plus most cards plus Primiera are added up. Several rounds are played until a target score (usually 11 or 21) is reached.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Scopa is Italy's most popular card game with many regional forms.

S2
Scopone
More strategic variant for four players in fixed teams.
E
Escopa
Spanish variant with adjusted point values.
3
Three Players
With three players: everyone against everyone.
∅
Without Primiera
Simplified scoring without the complex Primiera rule.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

Target the 7 of Diamonds (Settebello) as soon as the opportunity arises – it is the most valuable single card in the entire game.

+

Plan your moves to achieve a Scopa (complete table sweep) when the table is almost clear – a bonus point for each successful Scopa.

+

For Primiera scoring, keep in mind which values (7, 6, Ace, 5, 4) count especially – specifically collect at least one card of each suit with these values.

+

At the end of your last turn, do not play a card that allows your opponent an easy Scopa – that will cost you a point directly.

Common Mistakes
–

Ignoring the Settebello (7 of Diamonds) and inadvertently letting the opponent capture it.

–

Missing a Scopa opportunity because you are only focusing on the card value instead of the table situation.

–

Completely forgetting the Primiera scoring and only focusing on the number of cards and Scopa points.

–

On the last turn of the round, playing a card that gives the opponent a trivial Scopa.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Scopa is Italy's classic – with a reduced deck ready for the next round.

View all designs →
20s Playing Cards – Double Pack For larger rounds and long game nights. To Product Viking Playing Cards – Double Pack Two decks, suitable for 5+ players. To Product
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