How to Play Sedmice

Overview

Sedmice (also known as Sevens) is a card game where players compete to win tricks by playing cards of the same rank as the led card or a seven. The name comes from the word for "sevens," as sevens are wild cards that can capture any trick.

Setup

• Sedmice is played with a standard 32-card deck (7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A in all four suits)
• The game can be played with 2 or 4 players
• Each player is dealt 4 cards at the start
• The remaining cards form the stock (talon)

Gameplay

Leading a Trick

The first player (eldest hand) leads any card to start the first trick.

Following

Each player plays one card in turn. To win the trick, you must play either:

• A card of the same rank as the led card
• A seven (sevens are wild and can win any trick)

You can play any card from your hand, but only matching ranks and sevens will win the trick.

Winning the Trick

The winner is the last person to play a matching rank card or a seven. If multiple players play matching cards, the last one wins.

Continuing the Trick

After everyone has played one card, the leader can choose to:

• Continue the trick - Play another card of the same rank or a seven
• End the trick - Collect the cards and award points

The trick continues until the leader decides to end it or players run out of cards.

Replenishing Hands

After a trick ends, players draw cards from the stock to bring their hand back to 4 cards. The trick winner draws first, followed by other players in turn order.

Scoring

• Aces - 10 points each
• Tens - 10 points each
• Last trick - 10 bonus points
• All other cards have no point value

The trick winner collects all cards from that trick and earns points for any Aces and Tens.

Winning

The game ends when all cards have been played. The player (or team) with the most points wins the round. Traditionally, players compete to be the first to win multiple rounds.

Special Rules - Partnership play

• Partnership play (4 players) - In a 4-player game, partners sit opposite each other and combine their points.

Strategy Tips

• Save Aces and Tens for tricks you're winning to maximize points
• Play 0-value cards when losing to avoid giving opponents points
• Lead with ranks you have multiples of so you can continue the trick
• Use sevens strategically to steal valuable tricks