Hazari is a popular Indian card game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds for many years. This game is similar to the Western game Rummy in terms of the basic principles, but it has some unique features that make it stand out. Hazari is a game of strategy, skill and luck, and it can be played with only two people or up to six people. The objective of the game is to be the first player to reach 1000 points or more by forming sets and sequences with the cards in your hand. In this walkthrough, we will discuss the rules of the game and the strategies that players can use to win.
Gameplay
To start the game, the dealer shuffles the deck of cards and deals 13 cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, and the top card is turned face up to start the game. The remaining cards are placed face down to form the draw pile.
The game is played in turns, with each player taking a turn to pick up one card from either the draw pile or the discard pile. The player then has to decide whether to keep the card or discard it. If the player chooses to keep the card, they must then discard one card from their hand face up on the discard pile. If the player chooses to discard the card, then it is placed face up on the discard pile, and the turn passes to the next player.
The game continues in this way, with players taking turns to pick up or discard cards. The objective of the game is to form sets or sequences with the cards in your hand. A sequence is a run of three or more cards of the same suit, in consecutive order. For example, 7 of hearts, 8 of hearts, and 9 of hearts is a sequence. A set is three or four cards of the same rank but different suits. For example, the 2 of hearts, 2 of spades, and 2 of clubs is a set.
Players can also add cards to existing sequences or sets. For example, if a player has the 6 and 8 of spades in their hand and there is a 7 of spades already in a sequence on the table, they can add the 6 and 8 to complete the sequence.
The game continues until one player has formed a valid sequence or set with all of the cards in their hand. At this point, the player can declare and the other players must reveal their hands. If the declaring player has a valid sequence or set with all of their cards, they win the game and are awarded points. However, if the declaring player does not have a valid sequence or set, then they lose and are penalized with points.
Scoring
In Hazari, each card has a certain point value. Face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are worth ten points each. Aces are worth one point each, and all other cards are worth their face value (for example, the 4 of hearts is worth four points).
The player who wins the game is awarded points based on the cards in the other players' hands. The points are calculated as follows:
- If one player declares and wins, they are awarded zero points, and all other players are penalized with the total value of the cards in their hand.
- If multiple players declare and win, the player with the lowest value hand is awarded zero points, and all other players are penalized with the total value of the cards in their hand.
- If the declaring player does not have a valid sequence or set, they are penalized with the total value of the cards in their hand, and all other players are awarded points based on the total value of the cards in their hand.
The game continues until one player reaches 1000 points or more.
Tips and Strategies
- Keep an eye on the cards that are being discarded. If you see multiple cards of the same suit or rank being discarded, it may be worth keeping them in your hand in case you can form a set or sequence.
- It's important to keep track of the cards that have already been played. For example, if you see that all of the 10s have been played, it may be more difficult to form a set or sequence with a 10 in it.
- Try to keep your options open. Don't discard cards that could potentially form a set or sequence.
- If you have multiple options for forming a set or sequence, try to choose the one that uses the fewest high-value cards.
- Be strategic when declaring. If you have a low value hand, it may be worth waiting until another player declares before declaring yourself. On the other hand, if you have a high value hand, it may be worth declaring early to prevent other players from winning before you.
Conclusion
Hazari is a fun and challenging card game that requires strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. By following the rules of the game and using the tips and strategies outlined in this walkthrough, you can increase your chances of winning and enjoy hours of entertainment with your friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned Hazari player or just learning the game, there's always something new to discover and enjoy in this classic Indian card game.
Read More
