How to Win at Scopa: Strategy Tips
To win at Scopa, take the 7 of coins and the sevens, collect coins, and never leave a table that one card can sweep. Keep the total on the table above 10, lay down low non-coin cards, and prefer captures with sevens and coins over captures with more cards. Count what has been played, especially sevens and coins, to win the primiera and the coins point.
1. Take the settebello
The 7 of coins is a point on its own and a 21 for the primiera. If you can take it, do. If it's your card, don't lay it down: keep it for a capture.
2. Don't leave an easy scopa
If the cards left on the table add up to 10 or less, a single card of that value sweeps them. Try to leave a total above 10, or at least a total your opponent is unlikely to hold.
3. Lay down cheap cards
When you can't take, put down a low card that isn't a coin or a 7. A 10 or a figure is often best, because few combinations take it. Never leave a 7 or a coin lying around.
4. Take for coins and sevens, not for numbers
When you can capture in several ways, choose the set with more coins and sevens, even if it has fewer cards. The cards point is one point, but the coins, the settebello and the primiera are three more.
5. Count what has been played
The 4 sevens, the 4 sixes and the 10 coins decide most deals. Watching which have gone tells you what the other hand holds, especially near the end, when the last capture takes the table.
6. Think about the last cards
Whoever takes last gets the cards still on the table, so in the last turns try to be the one who captures. Count the remaining cards, and don't go for a scopa that doesn't count: it isn't scored with the last card.
Practise in Scopa with Teach me, and review the rules or how to play first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I win at Scopa?
Take the 7 of coins and the sevens, collect coins, avoid leaving 10 or less on the table, and count the cards that have been played.
What's the best card to lay down?
A low card that isn't a coin or a 7: a figure or a 10 are often best, because few combinations take them.
How do I stop the opponent from scoring a scopa?
Leave more than 10 in total on the table, or leave a total whose card you know is already played.
Is it better to take many cards or the right cards?
The right cards: the settebello, the sevens and the coins give more points than a few extra cards.
Can I count cards in Scopa?
Yes, and you should: there are only a few cards that matter, the sevens, sixes and coins.