How to win at Scala 40: 10 tips
In Scala 40 the cards arrive at random, but whoever plays them better wins. Here are ten tips, from the simplest to the craftiest. If you don't know the game yet, start with the Scala 40 rules.
1. Open as soon as you can
Until you open, at the end of the round you take 100 points whatever cards you hold. As soon as you reach 40, meld: even opening with small melds is better than staying closed.
2. Try to open before drawing
If the cards in your hand already add up to 40, open straight away: afterwards you can pick up the last discard, if you need it, instead of drawing blind from the deck.
3. Get the heavy cards out of your hand
Face cards and aces are worth 10 and 11 points. If they don't fit a meld, discard them early: if your opponent closes, the cards in your hand will weigh less.
4. Pick up the discard only if you use it straight away
A card taken from the discards must be melded in the same turn. Take it when it completes or extends a meld, not to keep it.
5. Don't give cards away to your opponent
Before discarding look at the melds on the table: after opening anyone can add cards to any meld. A card that extends one of their runs is a gift.
6. Remember what your opponent picks up
If they took the 9 of clubs, they're probably building a run of clubs or a set of 9s: avoid discarding the 8 or 10 of clubs and the other 9s.
7. The joker is precious, but heavy
A joker left in your hand is worth 25 points. Use it to complete your opening or to close, and put it where your opponent can't replace it with the real card.
8. Take back the jokers on the table
After opening, if a meld has a joker and you hold the card it replaces, put it in its place and take the joker: it's like drawing the best card in the deck.
9. Go for closing in hand
If you manage to open and close in the same turn, your opponent takes double points. With a strong hand, it's sometimes worth waiting a round and melding everything at once.
10. Watch the score
Whoever reaches 101 loses. If you're close to the limit, play safe and empty your hand; if your opponent is, try to close quickly, even with small melds.
Put them into practice
On FantaCarte you can practise with the guided game and then challenge your friends or the 9 pm evening tournament.