La Escoba, also known as "La Escoba de 15" or "The Broom," is a popular Spanish card game that combines strategy and a little bit of math skills. The objective is to accumulate points by capturing cards that add up to a total of 15. The game is typically played with a Spanish deck of 40 cards. Personally I have a deck of 48 cards. If you do too, just remove the 12's, 11's and 10's. Or play with them, I haven't tried this yet.
La Escoba is a game that combines luck, strategy, and quick math calculations. With each round, players must carefully plan their moves to capture the right combination of cards to maximize their points. The game offers an exciting challenge and is a fantastic way to spend time with friends and family.
Remember, these rules are a general overview of La Escoba, and there may be slight variations in different regions or among players. Feel free to adjust the rules or add your own variations to make the game even more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Here are the rules of La Escoba:
1) Number of Players: La Escoba is played with two to six players.
2) Aim of the game: Collect as many 7's, coins and cards. The 7 of coins is another point!
3) Dealing: The dealer shuffles the deck and deals three cards to each player, one at a time, starting from their right and moving counterclockwise. Then, four cards are placed face-up in the center of the table.
4) Gameplay: The player to the right of the dealer starts the game. Each player takes turns in a clockwise direction.
5) Capturing Cards: On their turn, a player can capture one or more cards on the table by combining them to add up to 15. The captured cards are placed face-down in a separate pile in front of the player.
- Single Card Capture: A player can capture a single card from the table if its value adds up to 15. For example, capturing a 7 with an 8.
- Multiple Card Capture: A player can capture multiple cards whose combined values equal 15. For example, capturing a 4, a 5, a 6.
6) Must Capture Rule: If a player can capture cards that add up to 15, they must do so. Failure to capture when possible results in a penalty.
7) Clearing the Table (La Escoba): If a player captures all four cards from the center of the table in a single turn, it is called "La Escoba." The player announces it and scores an additional point.
8) Can't do anything? Place a card in the middle with the other face up cards.
9) Drawing New Cards: After playing all cards, the dealer replenishes everyones hands by giving 3 cards to everyone again.
10) Scoring: At the end of the game, players count who has most sevens, coins, and cards. One point is awarded to each. One point is also awarded to each "Escoba" and to the player with the seven of coins.
11) Winning the Game: The player with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner. You can keep playing new games and tallying up the points until you decide to stop.