31 Card Game
Learn how to play the 31 card game (also called Scat) with simple rules, gameplay tips, and fun variations to try on your next game night.
✍️ September 25, 2025
A simple deck, three cards in your hand, and one goal: hit 31. That’s the thrill of the 31 card game, also known as Scat. On the surface, it feels like a light pub game, but once you’re in, you’ll see it’s equal parts strategy, bluff, and risk-taking.
This casino-night classic has been played for centuries, passed down with different twists depending on where you’re from. Whether you’re playing with two friends or a full table, the excitement comes from knowing when to push your luck—and when to knock. Let’s walk through how to play, the rules, and some fun variations.
👉 If you like 31’s mix of luck and low-key scheming, Golf Card Game has the same vibe — quick rounds, simple rules, and just enough chaos to make everyone sweat.
How to Play 31
The 31 card game is quick to set up and easy to learn, but it comes with just enough twists to keep you thinking. The goal is simple—get as close to 31 as possible with three cards of the same suit.
1. Card values
Number cards keep their face value, face cards (K, Q, J) are worth 10, and Aces are 11.
2. Deal and setup
One player deals 3 cards to each person. The next card starts the discard pile, and the rest form the draw stock.
3. Drawing a card
On your turn, you must draw one card—either from the stock or the discard pile.
4. Discarding a card
After drawing, you must discard one. You can’t discard the same card you just picked up from the discard pile.
5. Knocking
If you think your hand is strong, knock on the table. Everyone else gets one final turn before revealing their hands.
6. Scoring
The lowest total in a round loses a life. The standard is three lives per player, but you can set more or fewer at the start.
7. Instant win
If you hit exactly 31 in a suit, announce it immediately—every other player loses a life.
31 Card Game Rules
While the mechanics are straightforward, some extra tips and tweaks make the game way more interesting. These rules keep everyone on their toes and prevent the game from being too predictable.
1. Watch the discard pile
Keep track of what others are picking up—it gives you clues about their suits.
2. Don’t knock too early
A decent hand isn’t always enough. Knock too soon, and you risk losing two lives if you’re the lowest.
3. Bluff with your discard
Sometimes throwing away a card from your target suit can throw off other players.
4. Manage your lives
If you’re down to your last life, play conservatively and avoid risky knocks.
5. Pay attention to ties
If the knocker ties for lowest, they’re safe. Use this to your advantage when you’re not confident.
31 Variations
Different groups spice up 31 with house rules. These variations can make the game even more chaotic (or cutthroat).
1. Three of a kind rule
Instead of just suits, three of a kind across any suits can score 30.5. This adds a sneaky near-win condition.
How to play this variation:
- Keep the same setup as classic 31.
- When scoring, three of a kind beats anything under 31.
2. Sequential bonus
A run of three cards in the same suit (like 7-8-9 of hearts) counts as 30 points automatically.
How to play this variation:
- All regular rules apply.
- Players must declare the sequence at reveal to get the bonus.
3. Knock restrictions
You can only knock if your hand has three cards of the same suit. This makes knocking riskier and raises the stakes.
How to play this variation:
- Setup stays the same.
- If you knock without three suited cards, it doesn’t count, and you lose a life automatically.
FAQs about 31
1. How many players can play 31?
Anywhere from 2 to 9, though it works best with 3–6 players.
2. What happens if the draw pile runs out?
Shuffle the discard pile (except the top card) to make a new stock.
3. Can you change the number of lives?
Yes, while 3 lives is standard, some groups start with 4 or 5 to stretch out the game.
4. Is 31 the same as Scat?
Yes. In many regions, the names are interchangeable.
5. Can kids play 31?
Definitely. The game works without alcohol and is just as fun with snacks or tokens as “lives.”
