Burraco is one of the most intriguing and engaging games, as well as one that is accessible to everyone from pre-teens to older adults. Burraco was introduced to Italy roughly in the years after World War II, and since then its success has proved irrepressible.
It is played with two decks of French cards, the same cards used for pinochle. Each deck contains 52 cards, including 4 wild cards. Burraco is a very versatile game in that it does not involve a defined number of people, but several multi-player variations.
One can choose to play the game individually, or in case there are four players, to organize two opposing teams. The aim of the game is to finish the game first, remaining with no cards in hand. A great way to spend some free time, having fun in the company of friends.
The three-player variant
Three-player Burraco involves a slightly different game dynamic than the two- or four-participant versions. First of all, after skillfully shuffling the cards, the dealer, before officially starting the game, prepares to his right two decks of cards, in slang two wells, respectively composed, the first of 11 cards while the second of 18 cards.
The next phase involves the distribution of 11 cards to each player. The deck with the remaining cards is deposited in the center of the table, one card from this deck is uncovered and will be considered the discard.
During the game of Burraco, each player must drop cards to follow a ladder, based on color or suit. The first player who runs out of cards in his or her hand will be allowed to take the 18-card pit and will have to play against the other two players, who will have to play together and divide the final score of the game into two halves.
Three-player Burraco allows you to play a game in a nice and fun way, even if you have an odd number of participants. What is special about this three-player variant is that it creates a dynamic and unpredictable game.
Unlike Burraco played in pairs, which has a higher minimum number of participants, i.e., four players, the three-player version is more dynamic, because the alliances between players and teams, are not established a priori, but are being shaped as the game unfolds.
In the initial stage of Three-Person Burraco, players are single and play one against all, only in the final stage of the game, the two players who are left holding cards are forced to ally against a single “enemy.”
Burraco is undoubtedly a game that keeps the mind awake and active; all participants must follow strategies, more or less complex, in order to finish the game in the best possible way and be able to enjoy victory by achieving a substantial score.
To explore other variations see the post: Burraco in 5
