How to Play Jacks Twos and Eights

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Reviewed by Ashton Wu

Last Updated: December 22, 2024 Fact Checked

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This article will show you how to play jacks, twos and eights.

Steps

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1. 
   1
   Deal 7 cards to each player.
2. 
   2
   Place the remaining cards in a pile in the centre of the table, and turn the top card over.
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3. 
   3
   Play begins with the player on the left of the dealer, and continues clockwise around the table.
4. 
   4
   Play your turn.

   • Lay down a card that is either the same suite or same value as the face up card. Recognize special cards:
     • Two. If player1 plays a 2, player2 must pick up 2 cards and cannot play a card in that turn. If, however, player2 also has a 2, he/she can immediately play that card (without having to pick up 2 additional cards) and player1 must pick up 4 cards. However, if player1 has another 2 and plays it, player2 must pick up 6 cards. Finally, if player2 has the fourth and final 2 and plays that card, player1 must pick up 8 cards.
     • Eight. Causes the next person to lose their turn.
     • Jack. Allows the player to change to the suite of their choice. When playing, the jack does not need to match the suite currently showing.
   • If you can't lay a card, then take a card off the top of the pile. If you can play it, lay it down immediately. If you place it in your hand, play proceeds to the next player.
   • Announce if your turn leaves you with one card by either saying "last card" or by knocking on the table. If you fail to do this, you will need to pick up an extra card on your next turn.
5. 
   5
   When you lay down all your cards, you win.
6. 
   6
   Optional scoring. If you play more than one round, incorporate scoring. Any player who has cards left in hand when someone goes out tallies the point values of the cards in hand, as follows: Ace = 1; denominations 2-10 at face value; King, Queen 10 each; Jack = 20. First player to reach 101 points loses the game.
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• Question

  Can I play more than one card at a time?

  

  Community Answer

  Yes, you can have runs in the same suit and pairs.

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  Not Helpful 12 Helpful 27
• Question

  Can I finish on an eight?

  

  Community Answer

  You can finish on one, but you can't win on it, as the aim is to have no cards remaining.

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• Question

  Can you finish by laying a two?

  

  Community Answer

  Yes, but if the next player has a two they can play it and you have to pick up 4.

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Tips

• Save the jack for last (unless your opponent is about to win) because you can play it on any card.
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Things You'll Need

• A deck of 52 cards