How to Play Chkobba

🃏 What is Chkobba?

Chkobba (also spelled Chkoba, Shkobba, or Chkouba — Arabic: شكبة) is the most popular card game in Tunisia and one of the best-loved card games across North Africa. It is closely related to the Italian game Scopa, but with its own unique Tunisian rules and scoring system.

Chkobba is played with a 40-card deck and involves capturing cards from the table by matching values. The goal is to score more points than your opponent across multiple rounds. You can play Chkobba online for free right here on Chkobba.gg — against AI bots or real players!

🃏 The Deck — 40 Cards

Chkobba uses a 40-card deck — a standard French-suited deck with all 8s, 9s, and 10s removed. The four suits are ♥ Hearts, ♦ Diamonds (Dīnārī), ♣ Clubs, and ♠ Spades. Traditionally, the game was played with Napoletane (Italian-suited) cards featuring Coins, Cups, Swords, and Clubs.

🔢 Chkobba Card Values

Each card in Chkobba has a numeric value used for capturing. Understanding card values is essential for knowing which combinations you can capture from the table:

Note: In Chkobba, the Jack (J) = 8, Queen (Q) = 9, and King (K) = 10. This is different from some other card games. The value of each card determines which captures are possible.

🎮 How to Play Chkobba — Step by Step

Chkobba is played between two players (or two teams of two in 2v2 mode). Here is how a game works:

1. Deal the cards: Each player receives 3 cards, and 4 cards are placed face-up on the table. This is called the deal (in Tunisian: yejri).
2. Play a card: On your turn, play one card from your hand onto the table.
3. Capture cards: If your card matches the value of a single table card — or the sum of multiple table cards — you capture all matching cards and add them to your score pile.
4. No match? If you can't capture anything, your card stays on the table for your opponent to potentially capture.
5. New deal: When both players have played all 3 cards, deal 3 more cards to each player (no new table cards). This continues until the entire deck is used.
6. End of round: The round ends when the deck is empty and all hands are played. The last player to make a capture takes any remaining table cards.

Capture priority: In Chkobba, if your card can capture a single card directly, you must capture that single card rather than a combination that adds up to the same value. For example, if the table has a 5 and a 2+3, and you play a 5, you capture the single 5.

🌟 What is a Chkobba? (The Sweep!)

A Chkobba occurs when you capture ALL cards from the table in a single move, leaving it completely empty. This is the most exciting moment in the game — and it's worth a bonus point! In Tunisian cafés, players shout "CHKOBBAAA!" when they clear the table.

Important rule: The dealer cannot score a Chkobba with the very last card of the round. This prevents an unfair advantage since the dealer's last card automatically captures remaining table cards.

🏆 Chkobba Scoring — How Points Work

At the end of each round, points are awarded in five categories. There are 4 fixed-point categories (each worth 1 point) plus bonus points for each Chkobba scored during the round:

🎯 How to Win a Chkobba Game

Chkobba is played over multiple rounds. The game continues until one player reaches the target score (typically 11, 21, or 31 points) with a 2-point lead over their opponent. If both players reach the target in the same round without a 2-point gap, the game continues for additional rounds until one player pulls ahead. Winning requires a combination of strategy, card counting, memory, and a bit of luck!

🇮🇹 Chkobba vs Scopa — What's the Difference?

Chkobba is the Tunisian version of the Italian card game Scopa ("sweep" in Italian). While they share the same core mechanic of capturing cards by matching values, there are key differences:

💡 Chkobba Tips & Strategy

Want to improve your Chkobba game? Here are essential strategies used by experienced players:

• Prioritize the 7♦: The Seven of Diamonds (Sab'a l-Ḥayya) is worth a guaranteed point. Always try to capture it when possible.
• Count the 7s: Barmīla (most 7s) is a contested point. Keep track of how many 7s your opponent has captured.
• Aim for Chkobbas: Try to leave just one card on the table when possible — your opponent might be forced to play a matching card into an easy Chkobba for you.
• Don't give away diamonds: The Dīnārī point is won by capturing the most diamonds. Avoid leaving diamond cards exposed on the table.
• Count cards: Keep a mental tally of total cards captured. The Carta point goes to whoever has the most cards overall.
• Watch your opponent: If they're holding back, they might be setting up a Chkobba. Place cards strategically to avoid being swept.

📖 Tunisian Chkobba Glossary

Chkobba comes with its own rich vocabulary from Tunisian Arabic. Here are the essential terms every player should know:

🗣️ Tunisian Expressions Used in Chkobba

Every Chkobba game in a Tunisian café comes with its own colorful commentary. Here are the iconic phrases you'll hear at every table: