Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Scat, also known as 31 (not to be confused with the German game of Skat), is a simple draw-and-discard game suitable for players of all ages. Players hold a three-card hand and aim to collect cards in a single suit worth 31 points or as close as possible to that total. This game is played in the USA, UK, and other locations, and there are many slightly different versions of the rules. Some of these variations are listed later in the rules.

In the USA, the game is known by various names, including Scat, 31, Blitz, Cabbage, Cadillac, Kitty, High Hat, and Geronimo.

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How to Play Scat (31)

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Number of Players

This game can be played with 2 to 9 or more players. Three players is the ideal number, but larger groups also work well.

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Cards and Their Value

A standard 52-card deck is used. The point values for scoring are:

• Ace: 11 points
• Kings, Queens, and Jacks: 10 points each
• All other cards: their pip value

To determine the value of your three-card hand, add the points of cards in the same suit. If all three cards are from the same suit, total their values. With two cards in the same suit, add their values or use the higher card’s value if it exceeds the sum of the two. If your cards belong to three different suits, the value of the highest card is your hand’s total.

The maximum value is 31, consisting of an Ace and two ten-point cards of the same suit.

Examples:

• Heart King – Heart 8 – Heart 5: value 23 (sum of all 3 cards)
• Spade Queen – Diamond 9 – Diamond 8: value 17 (9 + 8)
• Club Ace – Spade 6 – Spade 4: value 11 (Ace is higher than the spades)
• Club Jack – Heart 7 – Spade 4: value 10 (Jack is 10)

Deal

To determine the first dealer, choose any method you prefer. After the first hand, the dealer’s turn rotates clockwise. The cards are shuffled and dealt one at a time to each player, starting with the player to the dealer’s left. Each player receives three cards.

The next card is placed face up to start the discard pile, and the remaining cards form the draw pile (stock). The discard pile is always kept squared up so only the top card is visible and available for drawing.

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Play

The player to the left of the dealer starts, and play proceeds clockwise. Each turn consists of:

1. Drawing the top card from the stock pile (without revealing it to other players) or from the discard pile.
2. Discarding one card face-up onto the discard pile.

When you draw from the discard pile, you must keep that card and discard one from your hand. Drawing from the stock allows you to discard the drawn card without changing your hand.

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Knocking

When you believe your hand is stronger than others’ and that no one can beat it with one more turn, you can knock instead of drawing. Knocking ends your turn.

After the player to the knocker’s right discards, everyone reveals their cards. Each player totals their points in their chosen suit. The player with the lowest value loses a life.

• In a tie that involves the knocker, the other player(s) lose a life, while the knocker is safe.
• When the knocker has the lowest hand, they lose two lives.
• If there is a tie for the lowest score among players other than the knocker, those players lose a life.

If only two players remain and one knocks, you may pick up your previously discarded card, if it’s still on top of the pile.

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Declaring 31

A player who achieves 31 points with their hand immediately declares victory. All other players lose a life. If someone declares 31 after another player has knocked, the knocker and everyone else lose a life.

If a player is dealt 31 initially, they declare it right away, and all others lose a life. When multiple players are dealt 31, those players remain in the game while the rest lose a life.

A player who fails to declare 31 when they have it cannot claim it later. An undeclared 31 counts as 30 points, and if another player declares 31, the holder of the undeclared 31 loses a life along with the others.

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Draw Pile Exhausted

When the stock runs out, players can continue drawing the previous player’s discard. If no one wants to take the discard, the game ends, and players reveal their cards to score the hand.

In the absence of a knock, the player with the lowest score loses a life, or all tied players lose a life.

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Scoring

Each player starts with three pennies. When you lose a life, you contribute a penny to the kitty. If a knocker loses and has the lowest hand, they pay two pennies (if they have enough).

When someone declares 31, all other players contribute a penny to the kitty. If 31 is declared after a knock, the knocker only pays one penny.

A player with no pennies left is “on the county” or in similar situations. If they lose again, they’re out of the game. The game continues until only one player remains.

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Variations

• In some versions, a tie for the lowest score between the knocker and another player results in the knocker losing two lives, while others lose one.
• Some rules allow a knocker who has the lowest hand to lose only one life.
• In some versions, 3-of-a-kind counts as 30 or 30.5 points. If it’s 30, it ties with three ten-point cards, but if it’s 30.5, it beats all hands except 31.
• A straight flush (three cards in sequence of the same suit) may count as 30, except for A-K-Q, which equals 31.
• Some play with a minimum score to knock, such as 17, 19, or 21. Others restrict knocking to players with three cards of the same suit.

A variant called hammer allows the first player to the left of the dealer to call for an immediate showdown, where all players reveal their cards. The player with the lowest hand loses. This speeds up the game.

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Strategy – Scat (31)

1. Focus on a single suit – To maximize your chances of reaching the maximum hand value, concentrate on collecting cards from one suit rather than spreading your hand across multiple suits.
2. Monitor the discard pile – Pay attention to both the top of the discard pile and the remaining undealt cards. Knowing which cards are still in play can guide you on whether to draw from the stock or discard pile.
3. Timing your knock – Use tactical reasons to decide when to knock. Knocking too early can give other players an advantage, while waiting too long might risk losing the round.
4. Observe opponents – Keep track of the cards your opponents pick and discard. This gives insight into the suits they are collecting, helping you adjust your strategy and reduce risk.
5. Use blank cards wisely – If playing with house rules or optional wild cards, use them to fill gaps in your suit efficiently without giving away your plan.
6. Dole out attention – Decide which cards to hold and which to discard carefully. Sometimes discarding a card the opponent might want can dole them a disadvantage.
7. Balance risk and reward – Aiming for 31 is ideal, but sometimes it’s better to settle for a slightly lower hand to avoid losing points, especially in larger groups.

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Scat FAQs

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If you enjoy Scat (31), make sure to check out these similar games:

• Craps – A fast-paced dice game where players bet on the outcomes of rolls and combinations, similar to Scat’s betting and chance elements.
• Sevens (Fan Tan) – A card game where players try to play their cards in sequence, similar to Scat in terms of forming specific sets to score points.
• Rummy – A card game where players collect matching sets or runs of cards, somewhat resembling the aim of forming sets and achieving a target score in Scat.

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Final Thoughts

In Scat (31), a player decided strategy can make all the difference. Knowing the value of your hand at any point, combined with careful observation of opponents and tactical reasons for drawing or discarding, will help you navigate each round effectively. Skillful play, combined with thoughtful dole of cards, can turn small advantages into consistent victories, ensuring that every decision counts.