Scopa

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Scopa is a rewarding fusion of fun and mental agility. With its roots in Italian culture and easy-to-learn mechanics, it’s ideal for casual or competitive game nights. Whether you're after the Settebello or going for that Primiera point, each move you make in Scopa is a step closer to sharpening your mind and enjoying timeless strategy. Ready to shuffle the deck and sweep the table? Buona fortuna!

Scopa (pronounced SKOH-pah, meaning "broom" in Italian) is a traditional Italian card game enjoyed by players of all ages across generations. It's a fast-paced, strategic game usually played with 2-4 players using a 40-card Italian deck. Scopa is both engaging and competitive, featuring simple mechanics that reward memory, calculation, and long-term strategy.

The name “Scopa” comes from the Italian word for "sweep," because players aim to “sweep” all the cards from the table in a single move — a highly desirable and point-scoring achievement.

The Deck

Scopa typically uses a 40-card Italian deck which includes four suits: Coins (Denari), Cups (Coppe), Swords (Spade), and Clubs (Bastoni). Each suit has cards numbered from 1 (Ace, or "Asso") to 7 and then 3 face cards: Knight (or Jack, 8), Horse (or Queen, 9), and King (10). Alternatively, a standard 52-card deck can be modified by removing 8s, 9s, and 10s.

Objective

Score the most points by capturing valuable cards or by earning bonuses through sweeps and specific card combinations.

Winning Tips for Scopa

Keep Track of Cards: Remember which high-scoring cards have already been played, especially the Settebello and 7s of other suits for the Primiera.
Avoid Giving Scopas: Be careful not to leave easy combinations on the table that your opponent can sweep.
Control the Coins Suit: Prioritize capturing cards in the Coins suit to secure that extra point.
Time Sweeps Strategically: Don’t use your high cards unless they help earn a Scopa or valuable card. Sometimes it’s better to hold back.
Play Defensively: In team play, coordinate with your partner (without talking!) to control the outcome of hands or protect valuable cards.
Prioritize the Primiera: Capture 7s, 6s, and Aces to build the best set for the highest Primiera score.

Brain-Boosting Benefits of Playing Scopa

Playing Scopa is more than just a good time, it’s a fantastic brain workout! Strategizing when to capture cards, remembering which cards have been played, and calculating possible combinations all require concentration, memory, and logical reasoning. This blend of skills activates multiple cognitive functions, working memory, pattern recognition, and mental math, helping to sharpen the mind over time. Studies show that regular engagement in mentally stimulating games like Scopa can support brain health, improve neuroplasticity, and delay cognitive decline. Whether you're planning a perfect sweep or calculating your Primiera, every move strengthens your neural connections.

How to Play

Each player is dealt 3 cards at a time. Four cards are placed face up on the table.
Players take turns, playing one card from hand to capture cards from the table.
You can capture cards:

By matching a card of equal value.
By using your card's value to match the sum of multiple cards on the table.

If you're unable to capture, you must place a card face up on the table.
A "scopa" (sweep) occurs if a player clears all cards from the table in one turn. This earns an extra point.
After three cards are played by each player, another set of 3 cards is dealt until the deck is empty.
At the end of the round, points are awarded.

Scoring

Each round consists of tallying points based on the captured cards.

1 point for the player/team with the most cards.
1 point for the player/team with the most cards of the Coins suit (Denari).
1 point for capturing the 7 of Coins (Settebello).
1 point for Primiera, a combination of the highest-ranking cards in each suit (usually involving 7s, 6s, and Aces).
1 point for every "Scopa" (sweep).

Play Scopa on BrainPlay, no downloads or installation required. Play now for free in your browser.

Last updated: Sunday, April 13, 2025