- BGG rank
- BGG #482
- BGG rating
- 7.4
Trio
- 3–6 players
- 15 min
- Complexity 1.1/5
- 2021
- BGG rank
- BGG #4,020
- BGG rating
- 6.6
Scopa
1600
Rules assistance for Scopa
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–6 players
- 30 min
- 8+
- Complexity 1.5/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Scopa
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Scopa is a board game released in 1600 for 2–6 players, 30 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. Its main mechanics are Hand Management, Set Collection, and Memory.
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About the game
Scopa is a traditional Italian card game (actually a family of card games that includes Scopone, Scopetta, and Scopone Scientifico) played in regions of Italy for over 400 years. The game is played with a 40-card Italian deck (similar to a conventional deck minus either the 8s, 9s, and 10s or alternatively, the Js, Qs, and Ks). Four-player games are usually played in partnership; other numbers of players typically play for themselves. In the original Scopa base game, four cards are turned face up on the table, and players are dealt hands of three cards. On their turn, a player may capture any of the face-up cards on the table if the sum of the cards captured equals the value of the card played. If a player cannot make a capture, they must discard a card face-up onto the table. Cards are progressively handed out in lots of three until the deck is exhausted. When the deck is exhausted, scoring is calculated. Players earn 1 point for "sweeping" the table, that is, for clearing the table of all face-up cards; 1 point for capturing the most cards; 1 point for capturing the most cards of the coin suit; 1 point for capturing the 7 of coins (the "settebello"); and 1 point for the best "primiera," that is, the best assemblage of high-value cards from each of the four suits. The game is traditionally played until a player or team reaches a set number of points, usually 11 or 21. The name "Scopa" means "sweep" or "broom" in Italian, and refers to the action of picking up all face-up cards on the table. In some ways, Scopa can be thought of as a precursor to many popular modern game designs. The multiple competing goals and the limited hand-size make for a very modern-feeling game. Re-implemented by: Gelb gewinnt! Der Goldene Kompass: Das Kartenspiel zum Film Shokoba Templaria Punto Casino Frog Juice
Publishers
- Winning Moves Games (USA)
- ASS Altenburger Spielkarten
- (Public Domain)
- Cartamundi
- Pressman Toy Corp.
- Geoludie
- Outset Media
- IELLO
- Counter Clockwise
- Cheatwell Games
- Home Toys and Games Inc.
- Italian Scopa
- The Spiel
Questions and answers
Scopa supports 2–6 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Scopa is 30 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Scopa for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Scopa has a complexity rating of 1.5 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Scopa belongs to these categories: Card Game and Memory. Its main mechanics are Hand Management, Set Collection, and Memory. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The catalogue lists Scopa as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.