Escoba Grande (2 player card game)

Objective: The objective of “Escoba Grande” is to score points by capturing cards from the table.

Adaptation for 2 Players: In the 2 player version of “Escoba Grande,” the game is played similarly to the standard version, but with slight modifications to accommodate only two players.

Scoring: Scoring in “Escoba Grande” is based on capturing specific cards and combinations of cards. Points are awarded as follows:

• Each ace captured is worth 1 point.
• The player who captures the most cards in total earns 1 point.
• The player who captures the most sevens earns 1 point.
• The player who captures the most cards in the last trick earns 1 point.
• If a player captures all the cards on the table (a “scopa”), they earn 1 point.

Setup:

1. Use a standard 40-card Italian deck, removing all cards from 8 to King in each suit.
2. Determine the starting player. This can be done by any agreed-upon method, such as flipping a coin or drawing cards from the shuffled deck.
3. Shuffle the deck and deal 3 cards to each player. Then, deal 4 cards face-up to the center of the table.

Gameplay:

1. The starting player begins by playing a card from their hand face-up onto the table.
2. The other player then plays a card from their hand face-up onto the table.
3. Players take turns playing one card at a time until all cards from both players’ hands have been played.
4. After all cards have been played, each player takes turns capturing cards from the table by playing a card from their hand that matches the rank of one or more cards on the table. If a player captures all the cards on the table with one play, it is called a “scopa.”
5. If there are cards left on the table after all players’ hands have been exhausted, the remaining cards are left on the table for the next round.
6. The round ends when both players have played all their cards.
7. Count the points earned by each player based on the scoring rules mentioned above.
8. Shuffle the deck and deal a new hand to start the next round.
9. The game continues until a predetermined number of rounds have been played, or until one player reaches a predetermined winning score, typically 11 points.

Differentiation between Turns:

• Player 1’s Turn: Player 1 starts the game and plays the first card onto the table. They continue to alternate turns with Player 2 until all cards have been played.
• Player 2’s Turn: After Player 1 plays the first card, Player 2 follows with their card. They continue to alternate turns with Player 1 until all cards have been played.

Summary: “Escoba Grande” is an exciting 2 player card game where players aim to score points by capturing specific cards and combinations of cards from the table. With its simple yet strategic gameplay, it provides enjoyable entertainment for 2 players, even though it’s typically played with more participants.