Casino
Capture table cards by matching values or building combinations.
Setup
Deal 4 cards to each player and 4 face-up cards to the table.
How to Play
- Play one card to capture matching table cards, build values, or trail a card.
- Captured cards go to your score pile.
- A sweep clears the table for a bonus.
- Deal more cards until the deck is gone.
How to Win
Score for most cards, most spades, big casino, little casino, aces, and sweeps.
Do not leave easy captures unless you gain a stronger build.
Is Casino Right for You?
Casino is the underrated fishing-and-capturing game for two to four players, where you play cards from hand to capture matching cards and number combinations off the table. Reach for it when two players want something with more thinking than rummy filler but a quick learning curve.
Maybe skip it if: Players expecting fast turns; building and capturing combinations rewards patience and forethought.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting that a build you create must be capturable on a later turn by a card you actually hold.
- Overlooking that the ten of diamonds (big casino) and two of spades (little casino) carry special bonus points beyond the usual scoring.
Strategy Tips
- Capture or trail cards to deny opponents an easy sweep of the table.
- Build numbers only when you are confident you can capture the build before an opponent steals it with the same total.
Popular Variations
Royal Casino
Face cards gain numeric values (jack 11, queen 12, king 13, ace 1 or 14) so they can be built and captured rather than only matched.
Spade Casino
Each spade scores a point individually, dramatically raising the value of capturing that suit.
Our Take
We think Casino is one of the most overlooked classic card games, with capturing and building decisions that feel a step above typical fishing games. It deserves far more players than it currently has.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you score in Casino?
Most cards captured, most spades, the ten of diamonds, the two of spades, and each ace all score points, with a sweep often worth a bonus, usually played to twenty-one.
What is a build in Casino?
A build is combining table cards into a single total, like placing a three on a four to build seven, which you then capture later with a seven from your hand.