How to Play Sedma
Sedma is a fast, friendly trick-taking game built around sevens. If you like simple plays and tactical timing, you’ll enjoy it — and you can find more guides at Playmore for other easy card games.
This guide gives a clear beginner walkthrough. Note: Sedma has regional versions. Check the authoritative rules (for example Pagat) for the exact version your group uses.
Quick facts
| Game | Sedma |
|---|---|
| Type | Czech/Slovak/Balkan sevens-based trick-taking |
| Players | 2–4 |
| Deck | 32-card deck made from a normal 52-card deck (commonly keeping 7–Ace of each suit) |
| Objective | Capture tricks and take valuable cards; sevens have a special role |
What you are trying to do
The basic aim is to win tricks that contain scoring or valuable cards. Sevens are special and change how tricks are won in most versions. Play smart to force opponents to waste good cards or to capture high-value piles. Exact scoring and sevens' powers vary by region, so make sure your group agrees on the version before you start.
What you need and how to set up
You need a 32-card deck made from a normal 52-card deck. Most groups remove the low cards (2–6) and keep 7 through Ace in each suit. Two, three, or four people can play. Shuffle well.
Deal each player the agreed number of cards for the version you’re using. Some versions deal a fixed hand and play until hands are empty. Other versions use a small face-up pool or a draw stock. Decide which variant you’ll follow before dealing—check the official rules for the exact deal and any face-up pool rules.
How to play
- Choose a starting player by mutual agreement or by deal. That player leads the first trick by playing one card from their hand.
- In turn order, each player plays one card to the trick. Follow the simple rule your group chosen variant uses about suits and following (some versions don’t require following suit).
- Sevens are special in most Sedma rules. They usually override normal rank order or change which card wins the trick. Because rules differ, agree beforehand how sevens behave in your game.
- After everyone has played one card, the trick is resolved. The player who wins the trick takes the cards and places them in their capture pile. That player typically leads the next trick.
- If your version uses a stock or face-up pool, refill hands or the pool according to the agreed deal between tricks. Continue playing tricks until hands and any stock are exhausted or until a round-end condition happens.
- At the end of the round, count captured cards or points according to your chosen rule set to see who scored most. Play more rounds if your version uses a target score to win the game.
How a round or game ends
Round and game end conditions vary. Common endings are when all hands and any stock are used and no more tricks can be played, or when a player or team reaches a target score after several rounds. Because Sedma has local rules, check the authoritative rules your group prefers to confirm exact ending and scoring details.
Beginner tips
- Keep track of which sevens and high cards have been played. Memory matters in small decks.
- Hold a seven until it can guarantee winning a trick or stealing a pile, unless using it early gives you a clear gain.
- Try to control the lead. Winning a trick often lets you shape the next one.
- Watch opponents’ patterns. If someone avoids a suit, they might be out of it and easy to trap.
- Agree on house rules before play. Small rule changes change tactics a lot.
FAQ
How do I make a 32-card deck?
Remove the lowest-ranking cards from a standard 52-card deck until you have 32 cards. A common choice is to keep 7 through Ace of each suit. Confirm with your group which cards are removed.
Can four players play together?
Yes. Sedma commonly supports 2–4 players. With four, you can play individually or in fixed partnerships depending on the variant you choose.
Are sevens always wild?
Sevens are special in most versions, but exactly what they do differs by region. Some rules let sevens win or change suits; others use different mechanics. Check your agreed rules before playing.