Dai Fugō: The Epic Climbing Game

Hey there! Have you ever heard of Dai Fugō? It’s an exciting game that you can play with 3 to 6 players. The whole point of the game is to be the first one to get rid of all your cards. And how do you do that, you ask? Well, by playing clever combinations of cards, of course!

Usually, Dai Fugō is played over multiple games. Traditionally, people don’t keep score, but if you want, you can tally up the scores to see who the ultimate champion is.

The Setup: Getting Ready for the Adventure!

Before we set off on our epic journey, we need to get everything set up. To determine the first dealer, we can just choose someone at random. But in subsequent games, the dealer is the unlucky person who lost the previous game.

Once we have that sorted, it’s time to shuffle the deck. Then, we start dealing the cards, going in a clockwise direction. Every player gets one card at a time until we’ve distributed them as evenly as we can. Now, keep in mind that some players might end up with more cards than others. That’s just the nature of the game!

When it’s time for the second game and beyond, we’ll be swapping cards based on who won the previous game. The Dai Hinmin, as you’ll learn in Scoring, gives their best card to the Dai Fugō and, in return, the Dai Fugō gives them the Dai Hinmin’s worst card plus two cards of their choosing. Similarly, the Hinmin gives their highest-ranking card to the Fugō, and the Fugō returns any card the Hinmin desires.

Ranking and Values of the Cards

We have a ranking for the cards, starting with the Joker as the highest, followed by 2, Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3, which is the lowest.

When you’re playing the game, the Joker can come in handy as a wildcard. It can step in for other cards in a sequence and take on the same rank as that card. Let’s say you’re working on a sequence with 7, Joker, and 9 of hearts – that Joker is now considered an 8 of hearts in terms of rank. This means that a sequence with 7, 8, and 9 of spades is now of equal rank.

How to Play

To determine the first player in the initial game, it’s a random selection. In future games, though, the loser of the previous game gets the privilege of going first. After that, play continues in a clockwise fashion.

When it’s my turn to start, I get to choose whether to play a combination or just one card. The other players have the option to pass or play too. If they decide to play, they have to play the same combination as me but with higher-ranking cards. We keep going around the table until someone can’t beat the last combination or everyone chooses not to. Even if I passed before, I still have a chance to play a valid combination when it’s my turn again. Once someone plays a combination that can’t be beaten, they collect those cards and make a pile next to them. They get to start the next trick.

There are 5 types of plays that can lead a trick: a single card, a pair, three of a kind, four of a kind, and a sequence.

When I play a single card, I can choose any card. But remember, any higher-ranking card can beat it.

So, here’s the deal: a pair is when you have two cards that are the same. But, not just any pair – the higher ranked pair will always beat the lower one. So, keep your eyes peeled!

Now, let me tell you about “three of a kind.” This means you’ve got three cards of the same rank. And just like with the pairs, a higher ranked three of a kind will trump a lower one. So, aim high!

Alright, buckle up for “four of a kind.” This involves not two, not three, but four cards of the same rank. And you guessed it, a higher-ranked four of a kind will defeat a lower one. Go big or go home!

Now, let’s hit the road with “sequences.” A sequence is when you have three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. But here’s the catch: a higher-ranked sequence with the same number of cards will beat a lower-ranked one. So, strive for the top!

The ultimate goal of this game is to be the first to empty your hand. Once you’ve done that, the other players will keep going until only one champion remains. And guess what? Even if you’ve emptied your hand, you still have a shot at winning if the other players can’t beat your last card. And if you do win with an empty hand, the player to your left will lead the next trick. Talk about an advantage!

Now, let’s tally the scores!

When playing this game, you have the option to keep score. However, traditionally, each game is treated as a separate entity, and players are ranked based on the order in which they finish. If there are more than 5 players, the first player to get rid of all their cards becomes the Dai Fugō, while the next player becomes the Fugō. The second-to-last player to empty their hand becomes the Hinmin, and the last player is known as the Dai Hinmin. In games with only 3 or 4 players, the first player becomes the Fugō, and the last player is the Hinmin.

If you decide to keep score, the Dai Fugō receives 2 points, and the Fugō gets 1 point.

END OF GAME

Winning the Game: Here’s How I Do It!

Picture this: you and your friends sitting around the table, cards in hand, ready to engage in an epic battle of strategy and wit. The objective? Empty your hand before anyone else does. It’s a race against time, a thrilling quest to be crowned the ultimate card game champion.

So, here’s what you need to know: the game continues until all players have gotten rid of their cards. Now, the order of ranking is important – the first person to empty their hand is the glorious victor, basking in the sweet taste of triumph. Remember, though, that the fun doesn’t have to end with one thrilling bout! You can play multiple games to accumulate an overall score and determine the ultimate champion.

Before diving into the game, it’s a good idea to discuss how many games you’ll be playing if you plan to keep score. This is your chance to strategize, plan your path to victory, and set the stage for an unforgettable showdown.

If you’re not interested in keeping score, that’s okay too! The beauty of this game lies in its flexibility – you can keep playing for as long as you want, until you decide to call it a day.

What makes this game truly special is the essence of friendly competition and the sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering the art of card slaying. It’s all about testing your skills, honing your strategy, and emerging as the undisputed champion.

Now, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I’m Amber – a true connoisseur when it comes to games. With a passion for all things gaming, I’ve earned the title of a self-proclaimed gaming master. But that’s not all – besides my love for cards and dice, I have a soft spot for dogs, plants, and the incredible world of Dungeons & Dragons. So, if you’re looking for someone to share in the thrill of gaming or chat about your favorite furry friends, I’m your go-to person. Let’s embark on this epic gaming journey together!