What you need
One standard deck for three to eight players.
Object of the game
Be the first to play all your cards to the layout.
Setup and deal
- 1Deal out the whole deck; some players may have one more card than others.
How to play
- 1The player to the dealer’s left starts, and play goes clockwise.
- 2On your turn you must play one card if you can: either a seven, which starts a new row for its suit, or a card next in sequence (up or down) to a card of the same suit already on the layout.
- 3If you cannot play, you pass. You may not pass if you hold a playable card.
How the game ends
- The first player to play all their cards wins. If playing for stakes, players who pass pay a chip into the pot.
Common variations
- Many groups require the seven of diamonds (or hearts) to be played first, and allow other sevens only after that.
- Some play that you must pay a chip each time you pass.
Tips for your first game
- Hold back sevens and next-in-line cards that block suits where you have no cards.
- Play cards that open sequences you hold yourself.
- When you have a choice, play cards from a long suit first and keep the blocking cards in short suits for later.
Sevens FAQ
Which card starts Sevens?
In the basic game, any seven can be played to start its row. Many families require the seven of diamonds to go first.
Can you pass in Sevens?
Only if you have no card you can legally play.
Is Sevens the same as Fan Tan?
Yes—Fan Tan, Domino, and Parliament are other names for the same layout game. (Fan Tan is also the name of an unrelated Chinese gambling game.)
How many players can play Sevens?
Three to eight. With more players each hand is smaller and the game is quicker.