OBJECTIVE OF JOKERS GO BOOM (GO BOOM): Be the player with the lowest score at the end of the game
NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 3 – 4 players
NUMBER OF CARDS: 52 card deck, 2 Jokers
RANK OF CARDS: (low) 2 – Ace (high)
TYPE OF GAME: Hand shedding
AUDIENCE: Kids
INTRODUCTION OF JOKERS GO BOOM (GO BOOM)
Go Boom is a much simpler version of Crazy Eights. Traditionally there are no wild cards, nor any special rules attached to specific cards. You simply play cards to the discard pile that match in suit or rank. This makes Go Boom an ideal game for very young children.
This version includes rules for using Jokers in the game. This version of the game shall be referred to as Jokers Go Boom.
THE CARDS & THE DEAL
In order to play Jokers Go Boom, you will need a standard 52 card deck as well as two Jokers. Feel free to add as many Joker as you like. Every Joker added will make the game even more exciting for kids. If Jokers are unavailable, designate the Aces as the cards that will Go Boom.
Have each player take a card from the deck. The player with the lowest card deals and keeps score.
That player deals seven cards to each player one card at a time. Put the rest of the deck face down on the table. This is the draw pile for the game. Turn the top card over and place it next to the draw pile. This is the discard pile.
THE PLAY
During each turn, players are trying to get rid of cards from their hand. Whatever card is showing on top of the discard pile must be matched by suit or rank. For example, if a 4 of hearts is the top card on the discard pile, the next player must play a 4 or a heart. If the player is unable to do so, they must draw a card from the draw pile. Their turn is immediately over whether the drawn card can be played or not.
Play like this continues until one of the players has played their final card. In the event that the draw pile runs out, play continues with players simply skipping their turn if they cannot play.
Once a player’s final card is played, the round is over. It is time to tally up the score.
JOKERS
On a player’s turn, a Joker can be played. When doing so, the player should shout, “BOOM.” All other players at the table must draw a card from the draw pile. Play then continues as normal with the next player.
SCORING
At the end of the round, the player who emptied their hand scores 0 points. The rest of the players earn points equal to the cards remaining in their hand.
Jokers = 20 points each
Aces = 15 points each
K’s, Q’s, J’s, 10’s = 10 points each
2’s – 9’s = face value of the card
WINNING
Play one round for each player in the game. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game is the winner.
- TRIPLE SNAKES - February 15, 2021