7 8 Card Game - How to Play, Rules & Hand Rankings

The 7 8 card game, also known as the Satti Atthi card game in Hindi, is a trick-taking game played mostly in India, especially for two players. This card game is said to be the two-player variant of the three-player card game known as 3-2-5. Each player in this card game should be aiming to win as many of the 15 possible tricks, with the dealer having a target of 7 tricks and the non-dealer having a target of 8.

Objective

The objective of the 7 8 card game is to engage in a strategic battle of wits between two players. Set in the context of 15 tricks or hands, the dealer aims to secure victory by winning more than 7 tricks, while the cutter strives to exceed 8 tricks. The card setup, with a specific selection excluding certain cards, and the designation of the trump suit add complexity to the gameplay. Each hand involves a face-up and face-down card arrangement, making choices pivotal in determining the outcome. The game's intensity lies in players' efforts to outsmart their opponents through skillful card play, creating a dynamic and challenging experience in pursuit of achieving the prescribed trick targets.

How To Play Online 7 8 (Sath Aath aka Seven Eight) Card Game?

Card Setup

• Card Selection: In the online version of 7 8 card game, use a deck with only specific cards - Hearts (7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A), Diamonds (8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A), Clubs (8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A), and Spades (7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A). Exclude 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, and 7s of Clubs & Diamonds
• Trump Suit: Designate the trump suit with the 7 of Hearts being the highest trump, followed by the 7 of Spades

Initial Setup

• Shuffling and Cutting: The dealer shuffles the cards and presents them to the cutter for cutting
• Dealing Hands: Deal five cards to each player. The cutter, after examining the cards, announces the trump suit
• Face-Up and Face-Down Cards: Each player receives a row of five face-down cards and a face-up card on top. This results in a total of 15 cards for each player (10 face-up and 5 face-down)

Playing the Game

• Tricks and Hands: The game consists of 15 tricks or hands, with each hand containing two cards (one from each player)
• Determining Winners: In each hand, the highest-ranking card wins if they are in the same suit. If one is a trump card, the trump wins. If the cards are of different suits and neither is a trump, the first card played wins
• Starting a Trick: The cutter starts the first trick. The winner of each trick takes both cards and keeps them face-down
• Card Availability: Players can play cards from their hand or the face-up cards on the table. When a face-up card is played, the face-down card beneath it turns face-up for future use
• Responding to Plays: Players respond to a played card by playing a card of the same suit. If no such card is available, any card can be played

Game Conclusion

• Completing Hands: Continue playing until all 15 hands are completed, and both players run out of cards
• Counting Hands: The dealer aims for more than seven hands, while the cutter aims for more than eight hands. If the dealer wins exactly 7 tricks and the cutter wins exactly 8 tricks, the game ends in a tie
• Determining the Winner: The player with the highest number of hands at the end of the game is declared the winner

7 8 Card Game Rules & Regulations

• The 7s (7 of Hearts and 7 of Spades) always belong to the trump suit
• Playing any 7 cards, whether Hearts or Spades, designates it as a trump card
• Trump cards hold the highest value and automatically win hands. Winning the first round provides a significant advantage
• The dealer aims to win more than 7 tricks, and the cutter aims for more than 8 tricks
• The first-round winner gains momentum to close the game quickly

Scoring Systems/Hand Rankings of 7 8 Card Game (Seven Eight)

The cards which are of the trump suit will have the highest score. The lowest card of the trump suit will be the 8 of Hearts, which is then followed by 9, 10, J, Q, K, and A – in the increasing order of the score. 

A higher score than the ace will be the 7 of Spades, which is the small Joker, and higher than that will be the 7 of Hearts, also known as the big Joker.

Online 7 8 Card Game (Sath Aath) Vs Online Poker

Similarities with Poker:

• Both games demand skills to outperform opponents
• The 7 8 card game is intricate, involving 15 cards per player with the need to win specific hands. Similarly, poker requires strategic thinking and skillful play

Differences from Poker:

• The 7 8 card game is known for its complexity and trickiness from the beginning. Poker has simpler rules, providing an easier entry point for players
• Restricted to a maximum of two players, making it a more intimate game. Enjoyable with up to 14 players, allowing for larger and more social gameplay
• The dealer/cutter must win a specific number of hands/tricks (more than 7 for the dealer and more than 8 for the cutter) to secure victory. Unlike the 7 8 card game, poker doesn't have a predefined number of hands that a player must win to secure overall victory

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you play the 7 8 game?

Playing the 7 8 card game is tricky where two players have to play against each other using a set of 30 cards. The chosen dealer will distribute the cards and the other player (called the cutter) will cut the deck. 15 hands will be played between the two players, where the dealer has to win over 7 hands and the cutter has to win over 8 hands. 

How do you play 7 card games?

To play 7-card games, each player is dealt seven cards, and the goal is to create the best hand possible based on established hand rankings. Betting rounds occur between card distributions, with players aiming for winning combinations like Straights, Flushes, and Pairs.

How do you play an 8s card game?

In an 8s card game, players are dealt hands containing cards with a value of 8. The objective varies, but typically players aim to win tricks or hands by strategically playing their 8s or other cards in a multi-round game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 7 8 card game is a fun two-player trick-taking game that demands skill and strategy. The rules, including the trump suits and card selections, create a unique gaming experience. The dealer and cutter each have their targets to meet in terms of winning tricks, making every hand crucial for victory. While similarities with Poker exist in terms of skill, the 7 8 card game's distinct complexity sets it apart. So, whether you're a card game enthusiast or looking for a new challenge, give 7 8 a try and enjoy the thrill of this intriguing Indian card game.