Sevens card game rules

Build rows out from the 7s, one card a turn. The first to play all their cards wins.

How a game goes

Your turn: play a 7 or add to a row

Passing: only when no card fits

Japanese rules: up to 3 passes

In Japan (Shichinarabe), all four 7s go on the table first. The player who had the 7♦ starts.

• Wrap-around (house rule): after the Ace comes the King, and the other way round
• Joker (house rule): put it on an open spot. That card’s holder plays it and takes the Joker

Tips: open the way for your own cards

• When you have a choice, play the card that lets your other cards follow
• Cards near the Ace and King come last, so open their rows early
• Hold back 7s that only help others. When a 7 is your only play, you must play it

FAQ

Is Sevens the same as Fan Tan or Parliament?

Yes. It’s often called Fan Tan in the US and Parliament in the UK. Domino is another name.

How many players?

3 to 8. 4 to 6 works best. This site plays with 3 to 5.

Can two people play?

Yes, but you’ll know all your opponent’s cards.

How many cards does each player get?

All 52 are dealt: 13 each with 4 players, 17 or 18 with 3, and 10 or 11 with 5.

Who goes first?

Here, the 7♦ holder. Some start with the 7♥, or with the player left of the dealer.

Is the Ace high or low?

Low here: each row runs from the Ace up to the King. Some rules put the Ace above the King.

Can I pass when a card fits?

Not in the standard rules. Japanese rules allow it, up to 3 times a game.

Do I have to play a 7 when I have one?

No. If another card fits, you may play it instead.

Can I play two cards at once?

No. Always one card a turn.

Can the game get stuck?

No. Every card not yet played is in someone’s hand, so someone can always play.

Do you keep playing after someone wins?

Here, yes, for 2nd, 3rd and so on. Some groups stop there and count the cards left.

Are jokers used?

Not in the standard rules. A Japanese house rule adds one. You can’t win with it as your last card.

What rules does this site use?

Standard: 7♦ first, Ace low, play if you can. Settings offer Japanese rules too.