hand and foot card game strategy

Okay, so, I tried out this card game called “Hand and Foot” the other day, and let me tell you, it was quite the experience. I’d heard about it from some friends who are really into card games, and they kept saying how it’s like Canasta but a bit simpler, perfect for a chill game night.

So, first thing we did was gather all the cards. We needed quite a few decks since we were a big group. It felt like we were shuffling forever! Anyway, each of us got two sets of cards – one’s your “Hand” and the other’s your “Foot.” Sounded funny at first, but it makes sense when you get into the game.

The Deal

We dealt out the cards, and this one guy, let’s call him Mark, he dealt exactly 22 cards to one of us. Turns out, that’s a “perfect deal,” and he got a 100-point bonus just for that. Lucky him! Then, he passed his second stack to the player on his left, which became that person’s “Foot.”

Playing the Game

• Getting Started: We all started with our “Hand” and tried to make melds. A meld is basically a set of cards with the same rank.
• Discarding: This was a big part of our strategy. We kept a close eye on what others were discarding because it gave us clues about what they were holding.
• Picking Up Cards: You can pick up from the discard pile, but you have to be smart about it. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t.
• Playing Your Foot: Once you’re done with your “Hand,” you move to your “Foot.” It’s like getting a second life in the game.

Strategy

The main goal is to get rid of all your cards in both your “Hand” and “Foot” by melding them. We were constantly rearranging our cards, trying to form runs or sets. The trick was figuring out which cards to play from your “Hand” and which to save for your “Foot.” It was a real brain teaser at times!

Keeping Score

After each round, we tallied up the points from our melds. Each card has a certain point value, and you add those up. But here’s the kicker: 3s are bad news. They actually subtract points. We had a good laugh about that one. We played four rounds, keeping a running score the whole time. You also lose points for any cards left in your “Hand” or “Foot,” so it’s a race to get rid of them.

The End

In the end, it was a blast. We were all laughing and strategizing, and it got pretty competitive. I can see why people like this game. It’s got a good mix of luck and strategy, and it’s not too hard to pick up. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time with friends. I’m definitely playing “Hand and Foot” again. Maybe next time, I’ll even get that perfect deal!