Queen City Rum (2 player card game)

Objective: The objective of the card game “Queen City Rum” is to be the first player to collect a set number of points by forming melds and going out.

Adaptation for 2 Players: “Queen City Rum” is typically played with multiple players, but it can be adapted for 2 players. Each player will be dealt a hand of cards, and they will take turns drawing and discarding cards to form melds and go out.

Setup:

1. Use a standard 52-card deck.
2. Shuffle the deck thoroughly and determine who will start as player 1 and player 2.
3. Deal 10 cards to each player, one at a time, face-down.
4. Place the remaining deck face-down in the center of the table as the draw pile.
5. Flip the top card of the draw pile face-up next to it to start the discard pile.

Scoring:

• Aces are worth 15 points, face cards (Kings, Queens, Jacks) are worth 10 points, and numbered cards are worth their face value.
• Players score points for the cards in their melds.
• The first player to go out receives a bonus of 25 points.
• The player who goes out also scores points for the cards left in their opponent’s hand:
  • Numbered cards: face value
  • Face cards: 10 points each
  • Aces: 15 points each
• The game typically ends when one player reaches 101 points, but you can adjust the target score for a shorter or longer game.

Gameplay:

1. Starting Player:
   • Player 1 begins the game.
2. Taking Turns:
   • On their turn, a player must start by drawing a card.
   • They can draw either the top card from the draw pile or the top card from the discard pile.
   • After drawing, the player may choose to form melds and/or lay off cards onto their own or their opponent’s melds.
   • Finally, the player must discard one card onto the discard pile to end their turn.
3. Forming Melds:
   • A meld consists of three or more cards of the same rank (e.g., three 7s or four Queens).
   • Aces can be either high or low, but cannot be used in the same meld (e.g., A-2-3 or Q-K-A, but not K-A-2).
   • Players can also form runs, which are three or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 5-6-7 of hearts).
4. Laying Off Cards:
   • During their turn, a player can lay off cards onto their own or their opponent’s melds.
   • Laying off involves adding cards to existing melds to score additional points.
   • Players can only lay off cards onto melds that have already been laid down, either by themselves or their opponent.
5. Going Out:
   • To go out, a player must have formed at least one meld and laid down all their remaining cards in melds or as lay-offs onto their own or their opponent’s melds.
   • After going out, the player scores points for their melds and the cards left in their opponent’s hand.
6. End of the Game:
   • The game ends when one player reaches the predetermined target score (e.g., 101 points).
   • The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

Differentiating Turns:

• Player 1’s Turn: Player 1 starts the game and takes the first turn, drawing, forming melds, laying off cards, and discarding.
• Player 2’s Turn: Player 2 follows after Player 1’s turn, taking subsequent turns in the same manner.

Summary: “Queen City Rum” is an engaging 2 player card game where players aim to score points by forming melds, laying off cards, and ultimately going out. Adapted for 2 players, the game retains its strategic elements and scoring mechanics, providing an enjoyable experience for two participants. With a blend of luck and skill, players compete to reach the target score and emerge victorious in this entertaining 2 player card game.