Following The Rules

When you set out to learn a new card game you discover that every game has a learning curve.  It can take a little bit of practice to sort of settle into the groove of how to play well and how to really enjoy the game.  This is especially true of a game like Hand n Foot because it is more complicated than some other card games, involves a higher number of cards, hands being played by each participant, and the rules can vary from household to household.  However, it is precisely these same qualities that make the game fresh and new every time you sit down to play.

When you are first beginning to play the game it is important to remember that every play has three basic options.  Understanding this point will make the game seem much simpler as you learn it.   The first option for your turn would be to draw two cards from the deck and then discard one card onto the discard pile.  This would end your turn.  Your second option would be to pick up the entire discard stack, if you can play the top card on the board.  This option is limited to certain circumstances, however.  For instance, you can’t pick up the discard stack if no meld has been created yet, or if the top card is a lady, a joker, or a jester.  The third option is tied to the second; if you have chosen to pick up the discard stack then you are free to play the top card and any other cards that you wish, before you discard and end your turn.

Keeping in mind these three simple steps, you will be less confused by the details of the Hand n Foot game, and find that you are able to quickly learn and enjoy the game.