Hand and Foot is a fast-paced, exciting card game that combines elements of Rummy and Canasta. While the basic gameplay is straightforward, understanding the scoring system is crucial to mastering the game and achieving victory. This guide will delve into the intricacies of Hand and Foot scoring, answering common questions and providing clear examples.
What are the basic scoring rules in Hand and Foot?
The core of Hand and Foot scoring revolves around melding cards into sets (three or more cards of the same rank) and runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit). Points are awarded for the cards in these melds, and bonus points are earned for specific achievements. The goal is to meld all your cards and be the first to reach a predetermined score, often 500 points.
Melds:
- Sets: Three or more cards of the same rank (e.g., three 7s, four Kings).
- Runs: Three or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 5, 6, 7 of Hearts).
Point Values:
- Number cards (2-9): Face value (e.g., a 5 is worth 5 points)
- Ten, Jack, Queen, King: 10 points each
- Ace: 1 point or 20 points (depending on the variation played – some versions allow the Ace to be used as either 1 or 20 based on the melding strategy)
How are bonuses calculated in Hand and Foot?
Beyond the card values, Hand and Foot introduces several bonus scoring opportunities:
- Hand Bonus: Reaching a specified point total in your melds (typically 50 points) within your hand earns a significant bonus (often 50 points).
- Foot Bonus: Achieving another 50-point meld (or equivalent) in your foot (cards collected outside your main hand) earns another significant bonus (often 100 points).
- Meld Bonus: In many variations, players earn bonus points for having certain card combinations in their melds, such as melds of seven cards or more.
Can you explain the scoring for going out in Hand and Foot?
Going out is the ultimate goal in Hand and Foot – melding all your cards. The points accumulated from your melds contribute to your overall score. However, many variations include a "bonus" for going out first, giving an additional bonus to the winning score. This bonus amount can vary greatly among different player groups or regions. This bonus can incentivize players to make strategic decisions about melding and aiming for that winning combination.
What happens if I don’t go out? How does that affect my score?
If you don't go out, the points value of your unmelded cards are deducted from your score. This deduction discourages players from hoarding cards and encourages them to strategize their melds effectively. This penalty varies among different groups. Some may deduct all points of the unmelded cards, while others have variations.
How do I calculate my total score in Hand and Foot?
Your total score is determined by:
- Meld points: Sum the points of all your melded cards.
- Bonuses: Add the hand and foot bonuses, meld bonus, and any going out bonuses.
- Penalty (if applicable): Subtract points for unmelded cards.
The final sum is your total score for that round. In many versions, you play multiple rounds until a player achieves the specified target score (usually 500 points).
What are some common Hand and Foot scoring variations?
Variations in Hand and Foot scoring are common. Some rulesets emphasize going out first with a higher bonus, while others place more value on achieving large melds and bonus points through those melds. It's always best to agree on the specific scoring rules before starting a game to avoid confusion and ensure fairness. Always double check your house rules before starting!
This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation for understanding Hand and Foot scoring. Remember to always clarify the specific rules and scoring variations with your fellow players before you begin to avoid any confusion. Happy playing!
