How to Play Sevens
Sevens is a layout game: the four suits grow outwards from their 7s, and you try to get rid of your cards before the layout strands them.
The deal
Four players, thirteen cards each, the whole deck. Whoever holds the 7 of spades starts by playing it.
Playing
On your turn, play one card:
- a 7, which starts that suit's row, or
- the next card up or down in a suit already started: the 8 of hearts on the 7 of hearts, then the 9, and so on up to the King; the 6 below the 7 and so on down to the Ace.
You must play if you can. If you have no card that fits, cover one card of your choice face down in front of you.
Scoring
When every card has been played or covered, each player adds up their covered cards by face value: Ace 1, 2 to 10 as marked, Jack 11, Queen 12, King 13. The lowest total wins.
Playing on kawu
- Three computer opponents; covered cards are shown when the hand ends.
- Cards you can play are highlighted; when nothing fits, click the card you want to cover.
- A hint suggests a play or a card to cover.
Next, read the Sevens strategy guide. Or try Crazy Eights, another shedding game with a twist.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to play if I can?
Yes. If any card in your hand fits, you must play one. Only when nothing fits do you cover a card.
Why cover instead of pass?
Covering is the Chinese version (排七) and it gives the game its bite: every card you can't play costs you its face value, so holding cards back to block others has a price.
Which seven starts?
The 7 of spades on kawu. Whoever holds it must open with it.
Last updated 2026-10-20