Assopiglia rules: how to play, card values and scoring

Quick assopiglia rules reference

Players: 2 or 4
Deck: 40 cards
Cards per player: 3
Initial table: 4 face-up cards
Objective: score more points than the opponent or opposing team
Normal capture: match the value of one table card or capture a combination with the same total
Ace: captures all cards on the table
Scopa: a normal capture that clears the table counts as a scopa; an ace capture does not
Scoring: cards, denari, settebello, primiera and scope
Winning target: 11 points in the traditional game

Objective of the game

The objective of assopiglia is to collect cards and score more points than the opponent or opposing team.

The game follows the main scoring system of scopa, so collecting cards is only part of the strategy. Denari, the settebello, primiera and scope can all contribute to the final result.

The special role of the ace adds another strategic element because it allows a player to capture every card currently on the table.

The deck

Assopiglia uses a 40-card Italian deck.

Each suit contains an ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, jack, knight and king.

The cards have their standard numerical values for capture purposes, with the ace treated separately because of its special ability.

Dealing the cards

At the beginning of the game, three cards are dealt to each player.

Four cards are then placed face up on the table.

The remaining cards form the deck used for subsequent deals.

Once every player has played their three cards, another three cards are dealt to each player. The process continues until all the cards have been played.

How a normal capture works

On your turn, play one card from your hand.

If a card on the table has the same value as your played card, you capture it.

You can also capture several cards if their combined values equal the value of the card you played.

For example, if you play a 7, you can capture:

• a 7 on the table; or
• a combination such as 5 + 2 or 4 + 3.

If a card with the same value as the card you played is present on the table, that matching card must be captured instead of choosing a combination.

If no capture is possible, the card remains face up on the table.

The special rule of the ace

The ace is the defining card of assopiglia.

When you play an ace, you capture all the cards currently on the table.

This means that a single ace can collect several cards in one move and potentially secure important scoring cards such as denari, the settebello or high-value primiera cards.

If the table is empty, the ace does not have cards to capture and remains on the table according to the game rules.

Card values

For normal captures, the cards have these values:

The ace does not operate as a normal 1-point capture card when its special rule applies. Playing it activates the all-cards capture.

Choosing between combinations

If there are several different combinations on the table that add up to the value of your card, you can choose which combination to capture.

For example, if you play a 7 and the table contains combinations of 7 such as 5 + 2 and 4 + 3, you can choose between them.

The exception is a direct matching card. If a single card with the same value as your played card is available, that card has priority.

Scopa in assopiglia

As in scopa, clearing the table with a normal capture can give you a scopa.

However, the special ace capture is treated differently.

If you play an ace and it takes every card from the table, that capture does not automatically count as a scopa.

This distinction is essential when calculating the final score.

Scoring categories

The final score is based on the main categories used in scopa:

Cards

The player who collects the majority of the cards scores the cards point.

Denari

The player who collects the majority of the denari scores the denari point.

Settebello

The player who captures the 7 of denari scores the settebello point.

Primiera

The player with the highest qualifying primiera score wins the primiera point.

Scope

Each qualifying scopa is worth one point.

These categories mean that a player should not focus exclusively on the total number of cards captured. A smaller collection can still be strategically valuable if it includes the right cards and scoring categories.

Primiera values

For primiera, the cards have different values from their normal capture values.

To qualify for primiera, a player must have at least one card from each suit.

The value of the best card in each suit is added together. The player with the highest total wins the primiera point.

The settebello

The settebello is the 7 of denari.

It is one of the most important individual cards in the game because capturing it gives the player the corresponding scoring point.

The settebello is therefore worth watching throughout the hand, particularly when deciding whether an ace should be played to clear a table containing valuable denari.

Winning the game

In the traditional version, the first player to reach 11 points wins.

At the end of each hand, the relevant scoring categories are calculated and the points are added to the players' totals.

If more than one player reaches or exceeds the target in the same hand, the player with the higher score wins. If the scores remain tied, play continues until a winner is determined.

Two-player and four-player games

Assopiglia can be played with two or four players.

The two-player format is played individually.

With four players, the game can be played with two teams, with partners sitting opposite one another. Captures made by the two members of a team contribute to the same overall score.

The special ace rule remains central in both formats.

Strategy tips for assopiglia

Save your aces for valuable tables

An ace can capture everything, so its value depends heavily on the state of the table. Using one when the table contains several important cards may be much more valuable than using it immediately.

Track the denari

Denari contribute to the final score, and the settebello is especially important. Keep track of which denari have already been captured.

Protect your primiera

The 7 and 6 are especially valuable for primiera. Collecting the right combination of suits can be more important than simply collecting a large number of cards.

Look for normal scope opportunities

Because an ace capture does not automatically count as a scopa, do not overlook normal captures that can clear the table and score an additional point.

Remember the cards already played

As the hand progresses, remembering which important cards have appeared can help you predict what remains available and decide when to make a capture.

Think about your opponent's next move

A capture changes the table for the next player. Before taking cards, consider what you are leaving behind and whether you are creating an easy opportunity for your opponent.

Common assopiglia rules questions

Can an ace capture all the cards on the table?

Yes. Playing an ace allows the player to capture all the cards currently on the table.

Does an ace count as a scopa?

No. An ace capture does not automatically count as a scopa under the GiochiPiù rules.

Can you capture several cards with one card?

Yes. You can capture multiple table cards when their combined values equal the value of the card you play.

What happens if there is a card with the same value?

The matching card has priority. You must capture the single card with the same value rather than selecting a different combination.

What is the most valuable card for primiera?

The 7 has the highest primiera value at 21, followed by the 6 at 18 and the ace at 16.

What is the settebello?

The settebello is the 7 of denari and is one of the five main scoring categories.

How many points are needed to win?

In the traditional version, the winning target is 11 points.

Play assopiglia online

Assopiglia takes the familiar capture mechanics of scopa and adds one decisive rule: the ace can clear the entire table.

That means every hand involves a balance between immediate captures, scoring cards, scope and the timing of your aces.

Play assopiglia online on GiochiPiù and discover how much difference one ace can make.