Rules of Luris

Players: 2-4
Time to play: about 15 minutes

Introduction

Throughout the game, each player places several separate sets on the table. Ideally, each set should consist of cards with the same value. However, some cards within these sets are placed face-down, potentially including non-matching cards as bluffs. These face-down cards can be flipped face-up or swapped. If a flipped card doesn't match the rest of the set, the entire set is destroyed.

The objective of the game is to have the most face-up cards on the table when the draw pile runs out.

Setup

1. Use two standard decks of cards with identical backs. Keep only cards with number 2-9. Remove aces, tens, jacks, queens, kings, and jokers.
2. Deal each player 10 cards and 1 joker.
3. The remaining cards are the draw pile. Flip the top card to start the discard pile.
4. Starting player: the player who lost last time or pick randomly.

The Turn

1. Start: Either draw 2 cards (or the last single card) or pick up the top card of the discard pile.
2. Action: Do only one of the following:
• Set: Place a set of cards on the table. A minimum of two cards with the same value must be face-up. Accompanying these, at least two other cards must be placed face-down.
• Flip: Turn any face-down card in any set of any player to face-up. If the card doesn't match the face-up cards in that same set, reveal any other face-down cards in the set, then place the entire set at the bottom of the discard pile.
• Swap: Replace a face-down card in one of your sets with a face-up card that matches the set from your hand.
• Pass: Take no action.
3. End: At end of turn discard one card (skip if you have no cards in hand).

Additional Rules

• The joker acts as a wild card, always assuming the value of the correct card in the set where it is placed.
• Players may look at their own face-down cards at any time but not the cards of the opponent or those in the discard pile.
• Drawing the last card initiates the final turn, after which the game ends.
• In the final turn, placing a set as an action is not allowed.
• The player with the most face-up cards wins. In a draw, most cards in hand win.
• In games with four players, the player sitting opposite you is your partner. Add an additional third deck. At the end of the game, combine your scores with your partner's. Communication is allowed.
• Optional: Use a chess clock to spice up the game.  If a player's time runs out, they lose the game.

Strategy

See the Luris Strategy Guide.