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Looking for a card game that’s like Hearts or Spades but with a spicy twist? Meet Ugly—a fun, competitive trick-taking card game created by Australian college students back in the ’80s. It’s clever, unpredictable, and packed with strategic depth.
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Score the most points by capturing tricks—while dodging those pesky Jacks that can tank your score!
What You Need to Play
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Players: 3 or 4.
- Card Adjustments: For 3 players, remove the 2 of Spades.
Setting Up
- Shuffle and Deal:
- 4 players? 13 cards each.
- 3 players? 17 cards each.
- Determine the Dealer:
- Cut for the lowest card to pick the first dealer.
Calling Trump
- The player to the dealer’s left chooses the trump suit after checking their cards.
- Want a twist? Call “No Trump.”
Passing Cards (Adds a Strategy Twist)
Before the game begins, players pass cards to the left:
- Round 1: Pass 1 card.
- Round 2: Pass 3 cards.
- Each Round: Increase by 2 cards.
- Final Round: Pass your entire hand.
Passing happens after calling trump.
How to Play
Starting the First Trick:
- The player to the dealer’s left leads with any card.
- Players must follow the lead suit if possible. Can’t? Play any card.
- The highest card in the lead suit—or the highest trump—wins the trick.
Continuing Play:
- Trick winner leads the next round.
- Play continues until all tricks are taken.
Scoring (Where the Real Twist Begins)
- +1 point for each trick captured.
Watch Out for Negative Jacks!
- Jack of Spades = -1 point
- Jack of Clubs = -2 points
- Jack of Diamonds = -3 points
- Jack of Hearts = -4 points
Special Cards (The Game Changers)
The Ugly Card (7 of Diamonds)
- Doubles negative points for any Jacks captured.
- No Jacks but you capture it? Your score doubles for the round.
The Charm Card (7 of Clubs)
- Cancels the Ugly Card’s negative effect.
- Capture both without Jacks? Each trick = 4 points!
Winning
- After the final round, the player with the highest score wins!
Pro Tips to Win Ugly
- Balance Risk: Tricks score points, but Jacks can ruin your round. Play smart.
- Watch the Ugly Card: It can swing your score wildly.
- Trump Wisely: Choose your trump suit carefully—it can make or break your game.
Why Ugly Stands Out
This isn’t your average trick-taking game. The unique scoring system, special cards, and unpredictable rounds make Ugly a blast for any game night.
Love Hearts, Spades, or Oh Heck? You’ll love the extra layers of strategy here.
Ready to play? Grab your friends, shuffle the deck, and see who can master the art of scoring big—while dodging the Ugly Card!
Also Read: The Biggest Poker Tournaments Ever: Jaw-Dropping Prizes That Made History
