Game Overview

In the realm of Japanese card games, players challenge each other in Sasaki, a tactical climbing game for 3 to 4 people. Thematically, you take on the role of a strategist aiming to discard your cards faster than your rivals to climb the social ladder. Mechanically, you use a modified French deck to maintain control of the table by playing increasingly stronger card combinations, forcing your opponents into difficult positions.

Goal of the Game

The goal is to be the first player to discard all hand cards. The first to finish receives the highest score, while others receive penalties based on their remaining cards and finishing order.

Gameplay

Preparation

• A standard 52-card deck plus 2 Jokers is used.
• In a 3-player game, the 2s (except the 2 of Hearts) are removed to balance the deck.
• All cards are dealt equally. The player holding the 3 of Hearts starts the first round.

Climbing the Deck

Play proceeds clockwise. A player leads a card or a combination. The next player must:

1. Beat the Hand: Play a combination of the same type (e.g., single, pair, triple) but with a higher value.
2. Pass: If unable or unwilling to play. Once you pass, you cannot rejoin the current trick sequence.

Winning a Trick

A trick ends when everyone except one player has passed. That player clears the cards and leads the next round with any combination of their choice.

Card Rankings & Combinations

Game End & Scoring

• A match usually consists of several rounds (e.g., until a player reaches 100 points).
• The first player to finish gains 30 points. The last player receives 0 points and must give their best card to the winner in the following round (Tribute system).