Fifteens

A card game for two players

Fifteens is a traditional card game for two players that involves strategy, memory, and a bit of luck. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and the objective is to form pairs of cards that add up to fifteen. This game is known for its simplicity and the mental challenge it provides, making it a popular choice for casual play.

Gameplay

A typical setup for the game of Fifteens

The game begins with the dealer shuffling the deck and dealing a hand of seven cards to each player. The remaining cards form a draw pile, which is placed face down between the players. The top card of the draw pile is turned face up to start the discard pile.

Objective

The primary objective of Fifteens is to create pairs of cards from your hand that sum to fifteen. Each successful pair is placed face up in front of the player and scores points. The game continues until the draw pile is exhausted and players can no longer form pairs.

Scoring

In Fifteens, the scoring is straightforward:

• Each pair of cards that adds up to fifteen scores one point.
• The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Card Values

The card values in Fifteens are as follows:

• Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each.
• Aces are worth 1 point.

Strategy

Fifteens requires players to think ahead and remember which cards have been played. Some strategic considerations include:

• Memory: Keeping track of which cards have been discarded can help in predicting the opponent's possible moves.
• Probability: Understanding the likelihood of drawing certain cards can influence decisions on which cards to keep or discard.
• Adaptability: Being able to adjust strategy based on the cards drawn and the opponent's actions is crucial.

Variations

There are several variations of Fifteens that can alter the gameplay slightly. Some common variations include:

• Changing the number of cards dealt: Some versions deal more or fewer cards to each player at the start.
• Different scoring systems: Some variations award more points for certain combinations or include penalties for unpaired cards.

Related pages

• Card game
• Memory game
• Strategy game