El Shayeb Rules

El-Shayeb game, with reference to the King card, is widely popular, particularly in Egypt. It is played in various ways around the world, with different names in different regions and countries. The primary goal is to get rid of matching cards, attempting to finish the game without getting the “Shayeb” card, also known as "Al-Sheikh”, or the “King” card.

Cards and Distribution

- A single deck of cards is used, containing 52 cards without jokers.

- Three specific cards: King of spades, King of diamonds, and King of clubs are removed, while the King of hearts is retained.

- After removing the specified Kings, 49 cards remain for distribution.

- The dealer gives each player 12 cards, except for the player sitting to their right, who receives 13 cards.

Throwing Matching Cards

- Before starting the game, players are given a period to throw matching cards onto the playing table.

- It is not necessary for the matching cards to have the same suits. The main objective is to gather cards of matching numbers.

How to Play

１.  After all players have thrown matching cards onto the playing table, the turn comes to the player on the right (the one who received 13 cards during distribution). They draw the first card and then throw any pair they have or pass the turn to the next player.

２.  Each player is required to draw one card from the player preceding them before throwing any pair or passing the turn to the next player.

３.  The application provides one chance to throw all the pairs, and players are not compelled to throw them.

４.  It is the player’s responsibility to collect matching cards and verify them before passing the turn to the next player.

５.  The game continues until three players manage to throw all the cards onto the playing table in pairs.

６.  The last player, holding the King of hearts is considered the loser of the round.

Scoring

- The round concludes when three players have thrown all the cards onto the playing table in six pairs.

- The game consists of five rounds: the player who finishes their cards first earns 300 points in the round, followed by 150 points for the second player, 75 points for the third player, and 25 points for the last player holding the King.

- The game concludes after five rounds, and the winner of the game is the player with the highest total points.