Top thumbs is a fun and engaging card game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. Here's how to play:
The Basics
- Gather Players: Top thumbs is typically played with 2-4 players.
- Shuffle and Deal: A standard deck of 52 cards is shuffled and dealt to each player. The number of cards dealt depends on the number of players:
- 2 players: 26 cards each
- 3 players: 17 cards each (one card left over)
- 4 players: 13 cards each
- The Goal: The goal of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all of your cards.
Gameplay
- Starting the Game: The player to the left of the dealer starts the game by placing any card face up on the table.
- Matching Cards: Each player in turn must play a card that matches either the rank or suit of the card on top of the discard pile.
- Rank: If the top card is a 7 of hearts, you can play any 7 (7 of spades, 7 of diamonds, etc.).
- Suit: If the top card is a 7 of hearts, you can play any heart (2 of hearts, queen of hearts, etc.).
- Playing Cards: If you can't play a matching card, you must draw a card from the draw pile. If you can now play a card, you may do so.
- Top Thumbs: If you can play a card that matches the top card of the discard pile and you have the same rank card in your hand, you can play both cards at once and say "Top Thumbs!" This lets you get rid of two cards in one turn.
- Going Out: When a player has no cards left in their hand, they yell "Top Thumbs!" and the game is over.
Tips for Playing Top Thumbs
- Keep an Eye on the Discard Pile: Pay attention to the cards that have been discarded. This will help you anticipate what cards your opponents might have.
- Don't Be Afraid to Draw: Sometimes it's better to draw a card and wait for a chance to play a matching card.
- Use "Top Thumbs" Strategically: If you have a pair of cards that match the top card of the discard pile, use "Top Thumbs!" to quickly get rid of them.
