How to Play Mattis
Mattis is a lively Norwegian beating-card game that’s great for 3–6 friends. If you like fast attack-and-defend rounds, this guide will get you started — and you can find more Playmore guides at Playmore.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Game name | Mattis |
| Type / family | Norway — beating game (not Cucumber) |
| Typical players | 3–6 |
| Deck / components | Full normal 52-card French-suited deck |
| Collection | playing-card-games |
What you are trying to do
In Mattis you take turns attacking and defending. The attacker plays one or more cards. The defender tries to beat those cards with appropriate responses. If the defender succeeds, those cards are discarded. If not, the defender picks them up. The goal is to avoid being left with the worst hand or to be the last player with cards, depending on the exact version your group plays.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck. No special deck is required. Players sit in a circle and agree on a few house rules first. Common decisions that change play include how many cards each player starts with, whether multiple attackers are allowed, and any trump rules. Because regional and house rules vary, check the official or regional rules your group prefers for precise dealing, hand sizes, and card-beating order.
How to play
- Deal the agreed number of cards to each player and place the remaining deck face down as a draw pile. The player to the dealer’s left usually starts as attacker, but groups may choose differently.
- The attacker plays one or more card(s) face up to begin an attack. Each played card is an attack that the defender must respond to.
- The defender attempts to beat each attacking card, following the version’s allowed responses. If the defender can beat all attacking cards, those cards are set aside (discarded) and the round ends.
- If the defender cannot or chooses not to beat every attacking card, the defender takes the remaining cards into their hand (picks up). Picking up usually ends that attack.
- After the attack resolves (defended successfully or defender picked up), players draw from the stock if your version uses a draw pile. Hands are refilled to the starting size in a specified order (often attackers first), then the next player becomes the attacker and play continues.
- Play proceeds around the table with attackers and defenders rotating. The broad loop is attack → defend → resolve → refill.
How a round or game ends
Exact end conditions depend on the rules you and your group choose. Commonly, players who empty their hands drop out and the last player holding cards is the loser, or scoring is used across rounds. Because Mattis has regional variants, check your chosen reference rules for the official ending and scoring method.
Beginner tips
- Agree house rules before you start: hand size, how many cards can be attacked at once, and any trump rules.
- Watch other players’ hands when possible — knowing who has few cards helps plan attacks.
- Don’t over-attack a defender who can likely beat everything; forcing a pickup is often more strategic than dumping cards.
- Keep track of the draw pile size. Late in the deck, tactics change because refills may stop.
- Play a few practice rounds to settle any differences in how you handle ties, beat rules, or multiple attackers.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Mattis uses a standard 52-card French-suited deck. No special cards are required.
How many cards do we start with?
Starting hand sizes vary by region. Groups often pick a number like five or six, but you should agree before play and check the official rules for the exact version you want to use.
Where can I find the exact, authoritative rules?
There’s a well-known authoritative reference for the Mattis family of beating games. Since rules vary, check an official or regional rule source your group trusts for precise details.