How to Play Thirty-One (Schwimmen)
Thirty-One (Schwimmen) is a quick, social card game where you swap cards and try to finish with the best three-card hand. If you want more beginner guides like this, visit Playmore for other simple how-tos. This page gives a safe, friendly starter walkthrough — check your group's official or regional rules for exact scoring and variations.
Quick facts
| Game | Family | Players | Deck | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thirty-One (Schwimmen) | Germany / Europe | 2–9 | Typically a reduced 32-card deck made from one normal 52-card deck; a 52-card variant exists | Exchange-and-knock game (distinct family from baseline 31) |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to leave a round holding the strongest three-card combination, by value and/or suit, depending on your group's version. Players improve their hands by exchanging cards from a small table pool or from the remaining deck. A player can "knock" to signal a final round or play until the agreed ending happens. Exact card values and the score target differ by region, so confirm your rules before you start.
What you need and how to set up
All you need is one normal 52-card deck. Many groups remove low cards to make a 32-card deck (a common German setup). A single dealer shuffles and deals three cards to each player. A small table pool of face-up cards is placed where everyone can reach them. Players sit so they can see the pool and their own cards.
How to play
- Decide who deals first and shuffle. Deal three cards to each player and place a short face-up pool on the table (exact number of pool cards can vary by rule set).
- Play proceeds around the table. On your turn you may exchange cards between your hand and the table pool, draw from a deck, or pass — the allowed exchanges depend on your group's rules.
- After swapping or passing, play continues to the next player. Pay attention to other players' actions so you can judge how strong your hand is compared to theirs.
- At any time a player may knock (or announce a final turn) according to the version you play. Knocking signals that the round will end soon and gives others a last chance to improve their hands.
- When the round finishes, players reveal their hands and compare totals or combinations according to the agreed scoring method. The player with the best hand wins the round; some versions apply penalties or chip counts over many rounds.
How a round or game ends
Rounds end after a knock sequence or when the draw pile is exhausted, depending on the version. Games often use multiple rounds with players losing lives or chips when they finish poorly. Because Schwimmen rules change by region, your group should agree before you play how many rounds make a game and how scoring or penalties work.
Beginner tips
- Look at the pool first. The table cards are your quickest path to improvement.
- Keep your hand private. Try not to show reactions when the pool changes.
- Decide your risk. Knock when you feel ahead, but remember others get one last turn in many versions.
- Start simple. Learn the local card values and scoring before trying complex strategy.
- Play a few practice rounds so everyone agrees on the exact exchange rules and scoring method.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Use one normal 52-card deck. Many players remove low cards to make a 32-card deck, but both are made from a single standard deck.
How many cards can I swap each turn?
That depends on the version you play. Some rule sets allow swapping one card at a time; others let you swap more. Agree on the exact exchange rules with your group.
Where can I find the exact rules and scoring?
There are regional and house variations. Check the authoritative regional or official Schwimmen rules your group prefers before you play to learn exact card values, scoring, and penalties.