Escoba Card Game Rules and Strategy: Learn How to Play and Win

Escoba is a lively, strategic card game that has entertained families and friends across Spain and Latin America for generations. Meaning “broom” in Spanish, Escoba refers to the act of “sweeping” all the cards from the table in a single move—a thrilling and rewarding play.

Whether you're learning the basics or polishing your tactics, this comprehensive guide will teach you how to play the Escoba card game, understand the rules, keep score, and win more consistently.

What Is the Escoba Card Game?

Escoba (also called Scopa in Italy) is a traditional trick-taking game for 2–4 players. It’s played with a Spanish 40-card deck and focuses on capturing cards from the table by combining their values to total 15.

The game blends math, memory, and competitive flair. Its quick rounds and easy-to-learn rules make it suitable for all ages.

 

What You Need to Play Escoba

• A Spanish 40-card deck (suits: swords, cups, coins, and clubs).
  
  
  • If you don’t have one, remove the 8s, 9s, and 10s from a standard deck.
    
    
• 2–4 players (ideal in teams of 2 for 4-player games)
  
  
• A pen and paper for scoring
  
  

Card Values in Escoba

Understanding card values is key to the game. Cards are worth their face values:

• Ace = 1
  
  
• 2–7 = Face value
  
  
• Jack (Sota) = 8
  
  
• Knight (Caballo) = 9
  
  
• King (Rey) = 10
  
  

Your goal during each turn is to make a total of 15 using one card from your hand and one or more cards from the table.

 

Objective of the Game

Players aim to score points by capturing specific cards and making escobas (sweeps). The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the match.

 

How to Play the Escoba Card Game

Setup

• Shuffle the deck and deal 3 cards to each player.
  
  
• Place 4 cards face-up in the center.
  
  
• The remaining cards form a draw pile.
  
  

Gameplay

• Players take turns, starting with the player to the dealer's left.
  
  
• On your turn, you play one card from your hand to try to form combinations totaling exactly 15 using that card and one or more on the table.
  
  
• If you succeed, you capture those cards.
  
  
• If you capture all the cards on the table, that’s called an Escoba (broom), and you earn 1 bonus point.
  
  
• If you can’t capture anything, you must place a card from your hand face-up on the table.
  
  

End of Round

• After all players play their 3 cards, deal 3 more until the deck is exhausted.
  
  
• After the final round, the player who captured the most cards remaining on the table gets them.
  
  

Scoring in Escoba

Points are awarded at the end of each full round. Here’s how to score:

A total of 7 points can be earned per round.

 

Winning the Game

The game continues until a player or team reaches 21 points. If both players reach or pass 21 in the same round, the player with the higher score wins. In case of a tie, an extra round is played.

 

Strategy Tips to Win at Escoba

Track the Sevens

The 7s—especially the seven of coins—are the most valuable cards in the game. Capture them when you can and watch your opponents.

Block Your Opponent

Avoid leaving combinations that add up to 15. For example, don’t leave a 5 and a 10 or a 7 and 8 on the table.

Control the Coins

Winning the coins suit often determines who wins the round. Prioritize capturing cards in that suit when possible.

Aim for Escobas

Sweeping the table not only scores an immediate point but also disrupts your opponent’s options. Look for chances to clear all cards.

 

Escoba Variations

There are several versions of Escoba depending on region or household rules:

Escoba de 15 (Standard)

This is the most commonly played version, using combinations that add to 15.

Escoba de 7

A variation where players aim to reach 7 points in each capture round rather than 15—usually used to simplify the game for younger players.

Italian Scopa

Escoba’s Italian cousin, Scopa, shares many rules but with some minor scoring differences and regional styles like Scopone or Scopone Scientifico.

 

Escoba for Kids and Beginners

Escoba’s basic rules make it perfect for teaching children addition and strategy. You can simplify the scoring and play up to a lower point total (like 11 or 15) to shorten the game.

 

Playing Escoba Online or With Apps

Several apps and websites offer Escoba for solo practice or multiplayer games. Search for:

• “Escoba” or “Scopa” on the App Store or Google Play
  
  
• Online platforms like CardGames.io or Tabletopia
  
  

These allow you to practice and master the Escoba card game even if you don’t have physical cards or friends nearby.

 

FAQs About the Escoba Card Game

Is Escoba the same as Scopa?

They are nearly identical, but Escoba is the Spanish version. Scoring and terminology may vary slightly.

Can you play Escoba with more than 4 players?

Yes, but it’s best played with up to 4. With more players, you’ll need to form teams or modify the rules.

What if no one can make 15 on a turn?

The player must lay down a card face-up, adding to the table for future captures.

How long does a game take?

A full game to 21 points takes about 20–30 minutes depending on the number of players and skill level.

Can I use a standard deck to play Escoba?

Yes! Just remove all 8s, 9s, and 10s from a regular deck to make a 40-card deck.

 

Get Sweeping—Try Escoba Today and Challenge Friends

If you're looking for a card game that's easy to learn, hard to master, and perfect for casual or competitive play, Escoba is an ideal choice. It offers quick rounds, strong replayability, and plenty of opportunities to show off your strategic thinking.

Ready to play? Grab a Spanish deck or modify a standard one, teach your friends the rules, and start sweeping the table with style.

Let the Escobas begin!