How to Play Scala 40: A Beginner's Guide
To play Scala 40 you get 13 cards from a 108-card pack and try to empty your hand. Each turn you draw a card, lay down sets and runs, and discard one. You may not lay anything down until you can open with melds worth 40 points or more in one go; after that you can add to any meld. First to get rid of every card wins the hand, and anyone who reaches 101 penalty points is out.
How many cards do you get?
13 each, dealt from two decks plus four jokers (108 cards). The next card goes face up as the first discard and the rest is the stock. You can play with 2, 3 or 4 players.
Your first turn
- Look for sets (three of a kind) and runs (three in a row of one suit).
- Draw a card from the stock.
- If your melds are worth 40 or more, lay them all down; if not, just discard one card and wait.
Reaching 40
Aces are worth 11, figures and tens 10, the rest their number. Three kings (30) plus three aces (33) already open the game. A joker counts as the card it stands for, so use it to complete a high meld.
After you open
Now you can add cards to any meld on the table, your own or your opponents', lay new melds and swap jokers. Try to empty your hand: the last card must be a discard or part of a meld.
Playing Scala 40 online
In Scala 40 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 the game fills empty seats with Hops. Press Teach me for a move suggestion with the reason, and read the rules when you want the details.
Common mistakes
- Opening with a joker in a meld you could complete naturally.
- Throwing a card that fits a meld on the table.
- Holding high cards too long: they cost you if someone goes out.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards do you deal in Scala 40?
13 to each player, from a 108-card pack (two decks and four jokers).
How do you open in Scala 40?
With melds worth at least 40 points in a single turn.
Can I play Scala 40 online for free?
Yes. You can play Scala 40 on GameLake against Hops or at an online table with friends.
How many can play Scala 40?
From 2 to 4 players.
Is the ace high or low?
Either, but not both in the same run: A-2-3 and Q-K-A work, K-A-2 does not.