Escoba: the Spanish card game of 15

Escoba of 15 with the 40-card Spanish deck, for 2 to 4 players (with 4, in pairs: partners sit opposite). The first to reach the game’s points wins, 21 unless the host picks otherwise.

1. Each card is worth its number from ace to seven; the jack 8, the knight 9 and the king 10.
2. Everyone gets 3 cards and 4 go face up on the table. If those four add up to 15 (or 30), the dealer scores an escoba (or two) with them.
3. On your turn play one card: either take table cards that make 15 with it, or leave it on the table. If several combinations work, you choose. Taking is never compulsory.
4. Clearing the table is an escoba (a sweep): one point.
5. When nobody has cards left, 3 more are dealt to each until the deck runs out. Whatever is left on the table at the end goes to whoever took cards last (no escoba).
6. At the end of the hand: 1 point per escoba, 1 for most cards, 1 for most coins, 1 for most sevens and 1 for the seven of coins. A tie in cards, coins or sevens gives that point to nobody.

Tips and options

• Ranked: 1 on 1 to 21; if nobody of your level shows up, a bot of your level. In a room with friends you play 2 to 4 (with 4, in pairs), to 11, 15, 21 or 31 points, and it doesn’t count for Elo.
• If both reach the target in the same hand, the higher score wins; with a tie at the top, another hand is played.
• Before leaving a card, add up the table: if it can make 15 with a single card, the next player has an easy escoba.
• If someone leaves, their side loses. If your time runs out, the take with most cards is played, or your lowest card is left.