Ultimate

Rules

Objective: Over three hands, grow your Grubstake from 40 to 80+ by building scoring combinations on the 4×4 grid.
Hand Goal: Each hand requires a score of 110 or higher to win. Exceptional scores in Hand 1 or 2 (above 125) reduce the next hand’s goal.
Scoring Combinations:
- Pair (2 cards): Identical number cards score their total value. Identical face cards (J-Q-K) score 20.
- Run (3–4 cards): Consecutive ranks in the same suit score double their total value.
- Set (3–4 cards): Same rank scores double total value.
Joker: May never be placed on the grid. Discarding it earns +5 points.
Deal & Placement: Cards are dealt in groups of three. One card must be placed on the grid per deal.
Discards: Only the first visible card may be discarded. Maximum three discards per hand.
Penalties: Discarded cards add penalty points equal to their value. Final hand score = Grid Total − Penalties + Joker bonus.
Ante: Before each hand, choose your wager. Winning pays even money (Ante returned + equal amount).
Game Win: Reach 80 Grubstake to win the game. If Grubstake falls to 0, the game ends.