How to Play Authors
Authors is a friendly quartet-style matching game you can play with a normal deck of cards. If you like asking other players for ranks and building sets, this guide will help you learn the basics — and you can find more beginner guides at Playmore.
Quick facts
| Game | Players | Deck | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authors | 3–6 | Full 52-card French-suited deck (adapted quartet rules) | United States / quartet-family matching |
What you are trying to do
Your aim is to collect complete four-card sets (quartets) of the same rank. You get cards by asking opponents for a specific rank you already hold. When you complete a four-of-a-kind, you show it and set it aside as one collected quartet. The player with the most quartets at the end wins. Exact end conditions and scoring can vary by group, so check the official quartet/Go Fish rules or your house rules for the exact version.
What you need and how to set up
All you need is one regular 52-card deck and 3–6 players. Sit in a circle so everyone can see each other. Shuffle the deck and deal each player a hand. Deal size varies by version and player count, so agree with your group before you start — many groups use small hands (for example, 5–7 cards) but this is version-dependent. Put the remaining cards face down in the center as a draw stock if your group uses one.
How to play
- Choose a player to start. Play then continues clockwise.
- On your turn, pick a rank (for example, Jacks) that you already have at least one card of in your hand. Ask one opponent directly, by name, whether they have any cards of that rank.
- If the opponent has one or more of that rank, they must give you all of those cards. Add them to your hand and, if you now hold all four cards of that rank, place the completed quartet face up in front of you.
- If the opponent has none, many versions require you to draw one card from the central stock (or your turn simply ends). Whether you continue your turn after a successful request or after drawing is version-dependent, so confirm this with your group ahead of time.
- Play continues with the next player. Keep asking for ranks, collecting cards, and laying down complete quartets whenever you make them.
- Throughout the game, you may need to show or reveal completed sets to prove they are four of a kind. Follow whatever verification rule your group uses.
How a round or game ends
Commonly, play ends when all possible quartets have been collected or when no cards remain to draw and no player can make a play. The usual way to win is by counting how many quartets each player has; the most quartets wins. Some groups use tie-breakers or point systems instead. Because Authors has regional and house variations, check the quartet/Go Fish rules or your chosen version for the exact ending and scoring details.
Beginner tips
- Only ask for ranks you already hold. This gives you a real chance of completing a quartet.
- Watch what others ask for. It helps you remember which ranks might be held by which opponents.
- Keep completed quartets visible. That makes counting easy and prevents disputes.
- If your group has a stock, remember drawing rules. Some versions let you continue after a successful request; others always pass the turn.
- Agree on all version-specific rules before you start. That keeps the game fair and fun.
FAQ
Do I have to give all matching cards if someone asks me?
Yes in most quartet-style rules: if an opponent asks for a rank you hold, you give all cards of that rank. If your group uses a different rule, make sure everyone knows before you play.
What happens when an opponent doesn’t have the rank I asked for?
In many versions you draw one card from the central stock (the "go fish" action). In other versions, your turn simply ends. This is one of the version-dependent parts to agree on beforehand.
How do we decide who wins?
Usually the player with the most completed quartets wins. Some groups use points per set or tie-breakers. Check the rules you agreed on before starting.