Better 13

Players: 2-4 | Playtime: 15–30 mins | Ages: 8+

Overview

Be the first to shed all your cards by playing higher and higher combinations. Watch out for matching plays that force everyone to draw, and beware the mighty Better 13 that punishes all players!

Setup

  1. Choose a dealer

  2. Shuffle the deck

  3. Deal 7 cards to each player

  4. Place the remaining deck face-down within reach

Gameplay

Starting with the player to the dealer's left, each turn follows these steps:

1. Play or Draw

You must do ONE of the following:

  • Play a card or combination of higher or equal value to the previous play

  • Draw a card from the deck (this ends your turn)

2. Resolve the Play

If you played higher: Play continues to the left.

If you played equal value: You and all players who played the same value in an unbroken sequence must each draw a card. Play continues to the left.

If you played Better 13: ALL players draw a card. Then discard all played cards and you start a new round.

If no one can beat your play: After all players pass, discard all played cards and you start a new round with any card or combination.

Playing Combinations

You may play singles, pairs, or three-card combinations. The next player must play the same type (single vs. single, pair vs. pair, etc.).

Card Rankings

Three-Card Combinations (Highest to Lowest)

Better 13 (Best)

  • 1-6-6, 3-5-5, 4-4-5

  • 2-5-6, 3-4-6

Three of a Kind

  • 6-6-6, 5-5-5, 4-4-4, 3-3-3, 2-2-2, 1-1-1

Straights

  • High Straight: 4-5-6

  • Even Straight: 2-4-6

  • Odd Straight: 1-3-5

  • Low Straight: 1-2-3

Pairs (Highest to Lowest)

6-6, 5-5, 4-4, 3-3, 2-2, 1-1

Singles (Highest to Lowest)

6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Special Rules

  • If you draw a card, that is your entire turn—you do not play anything

  • You may choose to draw instead of playing, even if you have a legal play

  • You cannot win by playing a Better 13—you must end on a different card or combination

Victory

🏆 Short Game: First player to empty their hand wins

🏆 Long Game: First player to empty their hand scores 1 point per card remaining in opponents' hands. First to 31 points wins.