Scopa.
Scopa is played with 2 or 4 players (in teams of two) using a 40-card deck. Players decide whether to play to 11, 16 or 21 points. Points are earned through scopa, cards, coins (denari), the seven of coins (settebello) and primiera. Card values are: Guest = 8, Vespa = 9, King = 10.
(Ace through seven keep their numerical value.)
The dealer distributes 3 cards to each player and places 4 cards face up on the table. The player to the dealer’s right begins. Players may capture matching cards, cards whose combined value equals one in hand, or place a card onto the table.
At the end of each round, points are counted:
SCOPA = 1 point for clearing the table with a capture (except on the final hand).
CARDS = 1 point for the most captured cards.
COINS (DENARI) = 1 point for holding at least 6 coin cards.
SETTEBELLO = 1 point for holding the 7 of coins.
PRIMIERA = 1 point for the highest primiera score using one card from each suit, valued as follows: face cards = 10, two = 12, three = 13, four = 14, five = 15, ace = 16, six = 18, seven = 21.
Briscola.
Briscola is played with 2 or 4 players (in teams of two) using a 40-card deck. The objective is to win at least 61 of the 120 points available in the deck. The cards are worth the following points, in order of strength: Ace = 11, Three = 10, King = 4, Vespa = 3, Guest = 2. All other cards are worth no points.
The dealer gives three cards to each player, then turns one card face up and positions it crosswise under the deck. This card determines the trump suit, known as the briscola.
Play begins with the player to the dealer’s right placing a card. Each player then plays one card in turn. The trick is won by the highest card of the leading suit, or by the highest trump card if one is played. (All cards belonging to the trump suit are called briscole.)
Players are not required to follow suit. During the first trick, if playing in teams, players may not speak or signal to their teammate. After each trick, players draw one new card from the deck, beginning with the player who won the previous trick. During the final hand, teammates may discuss a strategy freely. Points are added at the end of the game.