How to Play Scopa Card Game: Rules, Scoring, and Strategy Guide

Scopa is one of Italy’s most beloved card games, passed down through generations and still enjoyed in homes, cafes, and family gatherings today. It’s fast, fun, and surprisingly strategic. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or brushing up on the rules, this guide will show you how to play the Scopa card game—from setup to scoring and key strategies.

 

What Is the Scopa Card Game?

Scopa (Italian for “broom”) is a traditional trick-taking game for 2 to 4 players. The name refers to one of the most satisfying plays: sweeping all the cards from the table in a single move.

This game uses a 40-card Italian deck and blends basic arithmetic with strategic memory and bluffing. It’s accessible for all ages, making it a popular game for families and friends alike.

 

What You Need to Play Scopa

• A standard 40-card Italian deck
  
  
  • If unavailable, remove the 8s, 9s, and 10s from a regular 52-card deck.
    
    
• 2–4 players (best with 2 or 4)
  
  
• A pen and paper for scoring
  
  

Card Suits and Values in Scopa

Italian decks include four suits:

• Coins (Denari)
  
  
• Cups (Coppe)
  
  
• Swords (Spade)
  
  
• Clubs (Bastoni)
  
  

Card values:

• Ace = 1
  
  
• 2–7 = Face value
  
  
• Jack (Fante) = 8
  
  
• Knight (Cavallo) = 9
  
  
• King (Re) = 10
  
  

Your goal: capture cards by matching numbers that sum to the card you play or by matching exact values.

 

How to Set Up Scopa

Initial Deal

• Shuffle and deal 3 cards to each player.
  
  
• Place 4 cards face-up in the center of the table.
  
  
• The remaining cards are set aside; they will be dealt after the first round.
  
  

Players pick up new cards after every 3-card round, and the process continues until all cards are played.

 

How to Play the Scopa Card Game

Turn Basics

On your turn:

• Play one card from your hand.
  
  
• Attempt to capture cards on the table:
  
  
  • Capture a single card of equal value.
    
    
  • Capture multiple cards that add up to the card’s value.
    
    

If you can’t capture anything, place your card face-up on the table.

What Is a Scopa?

If you capture all cards on the table, that’s called a Scopa (broom). This earns 1 point at the end of the round.

Scopa is marked by turning the capturing card face-up in your pile.

 

Gameplay Example

You play a 6, and the table shows 2, 3, and 4.
You can capture the 2 and 4 (2 + 4 = 6).
If those were the only cards on the table, you also score a Scopa!

 

End of Round and Card Redistribution

After each round (once all players have played their 3 cards), the dealer gives each player 3 new cards. Repeat until the deck runs out.

At the end of the game, any cards left on the table go to the last player who made a capture.

 

Scopa Scoring Rules

At the end of the round, players tally points. Here's how scoring works:

Total possible points per round: usually 6 or more depending on number of Scopas made.

 

Winning the Game

Play continues across multiple rounds until a player or team reaches 11 points (or 21 for longer games).

If there's a tie, continue playing rounds until a winner is determined.

 

Popular Variations of Scopa

Scopa has several well-known variations, each adding its own twist:

Scopone

Played with 4 players in two teams. Each player is dealt 9 cards and no table cards are laid at the start.

Scopone Scientifico

An advanced version of Scopone with fixed strategic play—popular among serious players.

Scopa d’Assi

Capturing with an Ace clears the table, earning a Scopa even if no other cards are taken.

 

Tips and Strategy to Win at Scopa

Track Key Cards

Keep an eye on the sevens and especially the seven of coins (Settebello). These are high-value targets for end-of-round points.

Control the Coins

The Denari (coins) suit matters for scoring. Try to capture more of this suit to earn the suit bonus.

Avoid Setting Up Opponents

Don’t leave combinations on the table that can easily be captured—like a 3 and a 4 if an opponent might have a 7.

Use Memory Wisely

Scopa rewards attentive players. Try to remember which cards have already been played to plan your best moves.

 

Why Scopa Is Great for All Ages

Scopa is more than just a pastime—it teaches math, memory, and tactical thinking. Its simplicity makes it perfect for teaching kids, while its depth keeps adults engaged.

You can finish a game in about 15–30 minutes, making it perfect for quick sessions or tournament-style play.

 

Play Scopa Online or on Mobile

Want to practice before your next family night? You can play Scopa digitally on:

• CardGames.io
  
  
• iOS/Android apps (search “Scopa”)
  
  
• Tabletop Simulator or Board Game Arena
  
  

These digital versions are great for improving your skill or playing with friends remotely.

 

FAQs About How to Play Scopa Card Game

Can you play Scopa with a regular deck?

Yes. Remove the 8s, 9s, and 10s from a standard 52-card deck to create a 40-card deck.

What happens if no cards are captured in a round?

The card played remains on the table. No points are awarded unless a Scopa occurs.

What is Settebello?

It’s the seven of coins—a special card worth 1 point on its own.

How do teams work in 4-player games?

Partners sit opposite each other and combine their captured cards for scoring.

Can I make multiple captures in one turn?

Only one play per turn is allowed, but that play can capture multiple cards that sum to the played card’s value.

 

Start Sweeping the Table—Bring Scopa to Your Game Night

Now that you know how to play the Scopa card game, it’s time to try it for yourself. Grab a deck, deal the cards, and experience one of Italy’s favorite games firsthand.

Scopa’s perfect blend of fast play, strategic depth, and cultural charm makes it an enduring favorite—easy to learn, but endlessly replayable. Ready to sweep the table?

Try it today and see how many Scopas you can score!