When To Dip Into The Discard Stack

With so many cards in play in games of Hand 'n Foot, there are plenty of ways to increase your score so that you can blow the other team out of the water.  Consider the hefty 2000 points that can be gained by completing a group made up completely of wild cards.  While on most occasions you are looking to get rid of the cards in your hand, and keeping in mind that you will have a foot to play too, there are times when 22 cards just aren't enough.

A great way to make some amazing groups and to pick up some extra points is to dip into the discard stack.  There might be a plenitude of sevens that will complete your group, or several Lord cards which are just what you need to finish off your other group.  What's more, when you pick up the discard stack, that means that those cards are no longer available to the other team for use in their melds and groups.  

However, like most strategy when it comes to Hand 'n Foot you will want to be aware of what you are risking by tapping into the discard stack.  There are several reasons why this is a little bit of a gamble.  Some of the most popular cards to discard are Ladies and Villains, which can be difficult cards to play.  Because these cards can come back to haunt you later, many people will pawn them off in short order in the discard stack.  This means that when you pick up the stack for all of those handy sevens, you are also getting more than your fair share of these other dangerous cards.  Also, keep in mind that once you add extra cards to your hand you will have to find a way to play them too. With 22 cards to start with, this might be easier said than done.