Eights are wild, and so is the action in this fast-paced game. An easy-to-learn game that calls for a lot of luck, Crazy Eights is excellent to play with kids. Here's how to play:
Number of players: Best for two to six. Seven or more makes for a slower paced game.
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Object: Be first to use all your cards and go out. Name a time, hand, or point limit to establish game before play begins.
The cards: A standard 52-card deck. For four or more players, two decks can be used.
Dealing: Seven cards are dealt to each player. Of the remainder, one card is turned faceup to begin the discard pile. The rest of the cards are placed facedown to serve as the stock.
Playing: Play begins from the dealer's left. All play moves left. The first player will cover the upcard with one that matches either by suit or rank. For example, if the upcard is an 5 you may play any heart or any 5. Or you can play an 8 to match suit only. If you can't match from your hand, you will have to draw from stock until you are able to. If an 8 is played, the next player must match to the suit the 8 was named to cover -- meaning if the 8 is played to cover the 5, you will need to play a heart or a 5. Play continues until one player has no cards left. If the stock runs out before the game is over, just pick up the discard pile, shuffle it well, and turn it over to reestablish the stock.
Scoring: The winner scores the point count of the total of all the cards left in the opponents' hands. Each 8 counts 50, face cards count 10, and all others count their face value (ace counts 1 point).
Shuffleboard is a game of disputed origins that probably began around 500 to 600 years ago in Europe. It involves using paddles to “shove” pucks towards a target area and there are many variants within the game, as well as alternative names, including deck shuffleboard and shovel-board. With GamePigeon you can take on your friend in a game of 8-Ball, show your skills in Poker, claim victory in Sea Battle, play with words in Anagrams, or flip for fun in Gomoku.
Tips: When you have many cards of one suit, others may find that suit hard to match. Remember, in a game with several players, your play affects the next player most. Don't get caught holding wild cards (8s) at the end of play, since they count a whopping 50 points each.
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How to Build a Shuffleboard Table
If you’re interested in trying to build a shuffleboard table, here is my account of making a shuffleboard with no prior woodworking experience. I had no tools, materials or construction knowledge going in, so the mistakes came early and often. But overall the shuffleboard table turned out great and I learned a lot along the way. I am currently in the process of creating this site to help others who are tackling this project. It may take me a couple of weeks to get all of the content up, the pictures loaded and the links working. Thanks for your patience.
Background
For a couple years I’ve wanted to get a shuffleboard and after buying a house, I finally had the room. I searched around online and was disappointed to find out that 22 foot shuffleboards were priced around $5k. After seeing some 9, 12 and 14 foot boards locally, I just didn’t feel like the playing surface was long enough. I also didn’t want to drop some serious money on something that could never be taken apart and moved if I ever have to relocate for my job.
After looking for used tables on ebay, I came across DIY shuffleboard plans… but they were over $20 with shipping and came with a disclaimer that required:
- “Level 4 or level 5 woodworking abilities and a number of quality tools to insure success.”
I’m about a level 0 woodworker, so those plans weren’t for me. Fortunately, I did a couple of searches online and found some DIY examples:
After looking through Dave’s and Gary’s websites, it seemed like something doable for a beginner. I literally have no experience woodworking. The last time I took a construction class was in 7th grade and the only thing I’ve constructed since then was a tent. My collection of power tools was limited to a drill and a hammer, so any project would be an investment and a learning experience. I was enthusiastic that it would turn out well, but gave it a 50/50 chance of success.
Timing / Costs
Overall the project took me 3 weeks (weekends and a couple nights during the week). This is a lot longer than it should’ve taken because of all the mistakes I made. I think it should’ve taken two solid weekends. If you decide to give it a shot, I hope this site helps you avoid some of the missteps and wasted time that I experienced.
As far as costs go, I’ve added up the actual costs I incurred and also the required costs (not spending money on things that weren’t necessary). I’ve also looked at project-specific materials and general purpose items (ex. Tools) that could be used for more than just this project. Overall costs:
- Project-specific materials (required): $495
- All materials & tools (required): $837
Honestly, I tried to be as realistic and budget conscious as possible when adding up these totals. It was more expensive than I’d hoped but I came out with a great table, a good start to my tool bench and some experience. For full details on costs and materials, check out the Materials Page.
How To Play Game Pigeon Shuffleboard
Starting the Project
So, I began with the playing court itself because I figured the success or failure of the project really depends on a level and smooth playing surface for the shuffleboard pucks
to travel across. After a quick sketch of the dimensions in Excel, I was ready to start.
Other major components (box to hold playing surface, legs, scoring) could be planned out later if the court was well executed.
Follow the links below for the full details on the build:
How To Play Game Pigeon Shuffleboard Youtube
If you’d just like the short, step-by-step instructions, go to the link here:
- Step-by-Step
How To Play Game Pigeon Shuffleboard
Click here if you’re just looking for shuffleboard table dimensions
How To Play Shuffleboard On Game Pigeon
Click here if you’re just looking for shuffleboard table rules