How to Play Machiavelli: Cards Dealt and Your First Turns
In Machiavelli you get 13 cards from a 108-card pack and race to empty your hand. All melds lie on one shared table. On your turn you add at least one card from your hand, and you may rearrange the table as long as every meld is valid at the end. If you can't play, you draw a card. The first player with no cards left wins.
How many cards do you get?
13 each, from two decks plus four jokers (108 cards). The rest is the deck and the table starts empty. You can play with 2, 3 or 4 players.
Your first turns
- Look for sets (three of a kind in different suits) and runs (three in a row of one suit) in your hand.
- If you have one, put it on the table: that is a legal turn.
- If you have no meld, draw a card and pass the turn.
Adding to the table
Once there are melds on the table, look for cards that fit: a 9♦ extends the run 5♦–8♦, a fourth suit completes a set of three. The easiest turns just add one card.
Rearranging the table
This is what makes Machiavelli special. You may take cards from one meld to build another, split a long run and move jokers, as long as every meld is valid when you finish and you added a card from your hand.
Playing Machiavelli online
In Machiavelli on GameLake you can play against Hops, Shelly and Pip, or open an online table for up to 4 friends: share the invite link and Hops fills empty seats. In the game, tap cards (in your hand or on the table), then press New meld or the + next to a meld, and End turn when the table is valid. Teach me shows the next move. See the rules for the details.
Common mistakes
- Ending a turn with a meld that isn't valid yet.
- Playing a joker when a natural card would do.
- Waiting too long to play cards that fit the table.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards do you deal in Machiavelli?
13 to each player, from a 108-card pack (two decks and four jokers).
Who goes first in Machiavelli?
Players take turns in order. Against Hops you start; at online tables the first player changes every game.
Can I play Machiavelli online for free?
Yes. You can play Machiavelli on GameLake against Hops or at an online table with friends.
How many can play Machiavelli?
From 2 to 4 players.
Can I move cards between melds?
Yes. As long as every meld is valid at the end of your turn and you added at least one card from your hand.