Swoop

3 to 5 players = 2 decks, including jokers
6 to 8 players = 3 decks, including jokers
9 to 12 players = 4 decks, including jokers
(Or one deck of cards for every two players.)

The object of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards.
Two options: Continue to play hands until one of the players reaches 500 points (or a predetermined score) OR set a time limit.
Whoever has the lowest score at the end of the game wins.

Shuffle the decks of cards using the "wash" or "scrambling" method. (Moving cards face down in a messy, circular motion across the table.)

Set Up:
1. Place four (4) cards face down in front of you - without looking at them. These are the Mystery cards.

2. Place four (4) more cards face up, one on top of each of the face down cards - without looking at them first. These are the Board cards.

3. Each player holds eleven (11) cards. These are the Hand cards.

Choose which player will take the first turn by drawing cards. Each player selects a card from the unused pile, highest card wins. These remaining table cards are set aside.

How to Play:
10s and Jokers are "Swoop" cards. Use them to swoop a pile, in lieu of matching four cards.
Play cards based on the rank of the card, not the suit.
Each player may play cards from their Board and/or from their Hand. A Mystery Card not covered by a Board Card can also be played.

The starting player plays any single card or multiple matching cards from their Hand and/or their Board into the center. Matching cards are those that have the same number value. Any single card, multiple matching cards, or a Swoop card can be played to start the round.

The next player can play any single or multiple matching cards with a number value equal to or less than the card(s) last played into the center pile. Players are not required to play all matching Hand and Board cards.

A "Swoop" occurs when four (4) or more of the same numbered cards are played into the center pile. Or playing a single Swoop card automatically swoops the center pile. Number cards cannot be played with Swoop cards.

Upon a Swoop, the entire center pile is moved from the center of the table. The player can again play any single card or multiple matching Hand and/or Board cards, uncovered Mystery card, or a Swoop card. A player may have multiple Swoops within a single turn.

Taking the Center Pile:
A player must take the center pile if unable to play a card equal to or lower in value to the last card played to the center pile, or unable to play a Swoop card.

When taking the center pile, the player must still "play" exactly one card so that all players can see it. That player then takes the entire center pile, including the card they just played, into their Hand, and their turn is over. The next player now has an empty center pile to which they can play any card or matching cards of their choice. There is no limit to how many cards a player can have in their hand.

Playing a Mystery Card:
You may not look at any Mystery card before you play it. A player may play a Mystery card that is not covered by a Board card at the start of their turn or following a Swoop. When a player turns over a Mystery card, they MUST play it. If the value is higher than the last center pile card played, they must take the center pile. When playing a Mystery card, the player can also play any matching Board or Hand cards.

Going Out:
For each round, the player who goes out gets zero (0) points.
Each of the other players total the points of their remaining Hand, Board or Mystery cards. These points get added to each player's running total score.

Scoring:
In traditional Swoop scoring, number cards each count as their rank value, with face cards and Swoop cards worth more.
Aces = 1 point each
Face cards = 10 points each
All other cards = face value
Tens and Jokers (Swoop cards) = 50 points each

Beginner Scoring
Beginner scoring is the same as traditional scoring, except the Aces and all the number cards are worth 5 points each. This makes it easier to total scores, especially when playing with young children.
Cards 1 to 9 = 5 points each
Cards 10, 11 & 12 = 10 points each
Swoop cards = 50 points each


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