Each other player has one final chance to swap cards or pass before scoring. Once you have a hand that is high enough you think it will beat at least one other player’s, you may knock on the table. Play continues until one player knocks, or all players around the table choose to pass. Each player may swap one or all of their cards with the widow, or pass. If the player exchanges hands, then their hand becomes the widow and is placed face-up.

The player to the dealer’s left has the option to exchange their hand with the widow or pass. Each player receives three cards, and an extra hand (called the “widow”) is dealt face down in the middle of the table.

Players begin with a pre-determined number of “lives,” usually three players can choose more if they want to extend the game. Aces are valued at 11 points, face cards at ten points, and all other cards score at face value. There is no trump suit in 31 scoring is based on each card’s individual value, and multiple cards of the same suit are added together.

Rules for scat card game