The Play During the First Round

Hand 'n Foot is a card game that can be enjoyed by almost anyone of any age. Hand 'n Foot falls (sort of) under the heading of Canasta. This game can make a dreary rainy or cold day go by much more quickly and it can make the sunniest of days sunnier. This is because Hand 'n Foot is a fast paced card game adventure. There is nothing quite like outwitting your opponent(s) in this game of wit and skill.

Let's discuss how the actual play of the game "plays" itself out. First, the player to the left of the dealer of the "hand" goes first. The play for the rest of the game is done by following a clock-wise pattern from that dealer on. The game play continues like this until someone goes out. Before their first turn, each player must put any red "threes" they have in their hand out on the game play surface. These cards must be face up and an equal number of cards laid out must be picked up from the pile to replace them.

Drawing cards for your first turn would follow this basic guideline for the first round of play:

1. Take the two top cards from the available "stock" pile.
2. The melding of some cards or the addition to your partner's meld.
3. Always discard one card to the top of the discard pile.

If you should happen to pick up a red three, immediately lay it face up on the game surface with the other melds you or your partner have made.

This is a very fun game and once you have the basics down, you will enjoy this game to no end. Thanks to the Millers, we have been introduced to this new favorite pastime!