Scala 40
Sets and runs
- Deck
- Two French decks · 108
- Players
- 2 players · 4 players (partners)
Scala 40 is the Italian rummy: two French decks with jokers, and you are trying to lay down sets and runs worth at least forty points before anyone else goes out.
How to play
Draw a card, meld if you can, discard one. Your first meld must be worth forty points or more — that threshold is the game's name. After you have opened, you can extend anyone's melds and go out by discarding your last card.
Scoring
Face cards are worth ten, the ace eleven when opening and one in a low run, and jokers take the value of the card they replace. Whatever is left in your hand when someone goes out counts against you.
A few tips
Opening early is not always right. Holding until you can open and go out in the same turn denies the table any chance to extend your melds.