Cat's Cradle (2 player card game)

Objective: Cat’s Cradle is a traditional card game typically played with more than two players. However, it can be adapted for two players. The objective is to form sets of cards in your hand and discard them to score points.

Setup: Use a standard deck of 52 cards. Shuffle the deck and deal 7 cards to each player. Place the remaining cards face-down to form the draw pile.

Gameplay:

1. Player 1’s Turn:

   • Player 1 starts by drawing one card from the draw pile or taking the top card of the discard pile.
   • If Player 1 can form a set of three or more cards of the same rank (e.g., three 7s), they lay down the set face-up on the table.
   • Player 1 then discards one card face-up onto the discard pile.

2. Player 2’s Turn:

   • Player 2 follows the same process as Player 1, drawing a card and then either laying down a set or discarding a card.

3. Scoring:

   • Points are scored based on the sets laid down by each player:
     • Each set of 3 cards: 3 points
     • Each set of 4 cards: 6 points
     • Each set of 5 cards: 10 points
   • If a player manages to lay down all the cards in their hand, they earn an additional 10 points.

4. End of Round:

   • The game continues until the draw pile is depleted and one player has emptied their hand.
   • Players count the points earned from their sets and any additional points for going out.
   • The player with the highest total score wins the round.

Adaptation for 2 Players:

• In this adaptation, players take turns drawing cards and forming sets as described above.
• Since there are only two players, the discard pile may become depleted more quickly. In this case, reshuffle the discard pile (excluding the top card) to form a new draw pile.

Summary: Cat’s Cradle has been adapted into a 2 player card game where players take turns drawing cards, forming sets, and discarding cards to score points. By adjusting the rules and gameplay, Cat’s Cradle becomes an enjoyable 2 player experience.