How To Play “Up Down” [Card Game]

How To Play “Up Down” [Card Game]

What is "Up Down"?

Have you ever heard of the game “Up Down”?  I did a quick Google search and couldn’t find anything on it, which blows my mind because Up Down is one of my family’s favorite games!!  So, consider this a community service because I am going to show the world how to play Up Down.   

“Up Down” is a great game for younger kids as an entry-level card game.  It also helps with counting and strategy.  It’s one of those games that can be played with both kids and adults, which is great for family gatherings or holiday parties.  

How To Play "Up Down"?

Materials Required To Play:

  • One deck of playing cards
  • For younger kids with small hands, I highly recommend a cardholder like this one. 

Objective:

The first player to to play all of his/her cards is the winner.  

Game Play:

1.  Dealer gives each player a card and continues to do deal until the deck is gone. 

2.  Player left of the dealer goes first.   Play continues to the left, one card at a time. 

3.  The first play must be a 7of any suit.  If the first player doesn’t have a 7 then the player must pass to the next player.  

4.  Once a 7 is played, it is placed face-up in the center.   

5.  Play can begin in that suit.  Players build up and down on the 7.  For example, if the 7 of hearts, if played the next play on that card, can only be a 6 of hearts or an 8 of hearts.  

6.  Players can either build on suits that have been played or start a new suit if they havea  7 in their hand.  Players cannot begin building on a new suit until the 7 of that suit has been played.  

7.  Play continues, one card at a time, until the first player runs out of cards.  

More Games

Other card games my family enjoys playing are Pass The Trash and 31. Pass the trash is great for younger kiddos.  The game of 31 involves a little bit of math.   Don’t forget Go Fish!

We love board games too!  You can read about our favorites here and here.  

How To Play Up Down
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This Post Has 6 Comments

  3. Linda 8 Dec 2022 Reply

    My family too loves card games. I would love to learn to play this game but the instructions are not making sense to me. If the first card played has to be a 7 and you continue to play up or down on that card following that suit how do you ever get to a different suit and thus a different 7?

    1. Julie 8 Dec 2022 Reply

      Hi Linda! I am sorry about the confusion. Everyone starts with cards in their hand. Play moves clockwise. If the first player has a 7, he/she puts the 7 down in the center. Player 2 can either play Up/Down on the 7 in the center OR play a 7 in a different suit if he/she has one. Eventually, all 7’s will turn up in the center. Does that help?

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