Crazy Eights Strategy: 5 Tips
1. Save the eights
An eight gets you out of any jam, and it costs 50 points if you're caught with it. Keep one until you need it, but don't be the player stuck with two at the end.
2. Play your long suit
Leading into the suit you hold most of makes it likely you can follow next turn. Changing to a short suit of yours hands the lead to the table.
3. High cards first
Kings, queens and jacks cost ten each. When you have a choice, shed them early.
4. Watch the counts
An opponent with one card left is about to win. Change the suit (with a rank match or an eight) to one they're unlikely to have, and make them draw.
5. Remember what's gone
Suits that have been played a lot are thinner in the other hands. Switching into them makes drawing more likely for everyone else.
Frequently asked questions
When should I play an eight?
When you can't play anything else, or when an opponent is down to one or two cards and you need to switch to a suit they probably don't hold.
Last updated 2026-10-20