How to Play Catch the Pig (Jubmoo)
Catch the Pig (Jubmoo) is a lively Thai penalty-card trick game that feels fast and a little sneaky. This short guide will get you started quickly so you can play with friends. Visit Playmore for more beginner guides and game ideas.
Quick facts
| Game name | Players | Deck | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catch the Pig (Jubmoo) | 3–4 | Standard 52-card deck (normal cards) | Thai penalty-card trick game |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to avoid taking penalty cards and to keep your penalty total low. The game uses tricks and special cards that add penalties or multiply them. Some cards give bonuses or shift penalties to other players. How much each card costs is version-dependent, so check your group rules before you start.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck. No special printed deck is required. Sit in a circle so everyone can see played cards. Decide first which regional or house rules you will use. The game has many small variations, so agree ahead on which cards are penalties, which are multipliers, and the target score to end the game.
How to play
- Deal the cards equally to each player. Some versions remove a few cards first; follow the group rule you agreed on.
- Each hand is played as a series of tricks. A player leads a card, and others play in turn. The trick winner is determined by the agreed ranking or trick rules for that version.
- When a trick is complete, any penalty or bonus cards in that trick are collected and scored or placed in a penalty pile for the trick-taker. Which ranks count as penalties is version-dependent, so confirm before you begin.
- Some cards are multiplier or bonus cards. If a multiplier appears in a trick, it increases the penalty value for that trick by the agreed multiplier. If a bonus card appears, it may cancel or reduce penalties. Exact effects vary by version, so follow your chosen rule set.
- Keep playing tricks until all cards are played. After the hand, total the penalties collected by each player and record the scores. Players then reshuffle and deal for the next hand.
- Repeat hands until you reach the agreed stopping condition (target score or number of hands).
How a round or game ends
A single round ends when all cards have been played and tricks are scored. The full game ends by a rule you choose before play. Common options are playing until one player reaches a target penalty score, or completing a fixed number of hands and comparing totals. The exact ending condition and scoring values for penalty and multiplier cards are version-dependent, so check your chosen rules or an authoritative reference for precise totals.
Beginner tips
- Agree on card roles first. Decide which ranks are penalties and which multiply penalties.
- Keep a simple score sheet. Track each hand's penalties so totals stay clear.
- Watch which cards others play. That helps you avoid taking dangerous tricks.
- Use multiplier cards carefully. They can turn a small penalty into a big one.
- Play a few practice hands with relaxed scoring to learn the variant before playing for keeps.
FAQ
How many players can join?
Catch the Pig is commonly played with 3–4 players. Some house variants can adapt to other sizes, but 3–4 is the usual range.
Do I need a special deck?
No. Use a normal 52-card deck. The game is a setup of standard cards, not a specially printed deck.
How do multipliers and penalties work?
Multipliers increase the penalty value for a trick and bonus cards can reduce or cancel penalties. Exact values and which ranks count are version-dependent, so agree on those details or consult an authoritative rule source for the exact variant you want to play.