To Jack & Back

Take the principles of a standard straight: A 2 3 4 5

Use all of the cards twice to create a loop and position the two jacks as bookends and what have you got? Well, it's:

  Q K A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

J                                                                    J

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 A K Q

Using this order, players take it in turns to place a card from their hand into a discard pile in the middle, going up or down in value from the previous card. Suits are irrelevant. First to dispose of all of their cards wins!

Simple, right?! Well, there's a number of catches. The first is that players can only select a card that's up to three in sequential value ahead of the previously played card. Don't have one that fits the bill? Well pick up another one and add that to your hand!

The second catch is that when you get to the jacks at each end, one player will have to pick up two additional cards. Yay, more cards to hold!

Then there's miss a go sevens, change direction aces, act-as-anything jokers, and choose to play again multiples that further confuse matters!

Play in five minutes or play all evening. Works for 2 players or 3+. Easy to learn, simple to play, loads of fun!

WATCH A QUICK HOW TO PLAY TUTORIAL VIDEO