As a country colonized by Spain, the Philippines’ culture is deeply influenced by Spanish culture. For example, in games and amusement, several Spanish influences are still present today. Just take the case of Cuajo, a popular card game in the Philippines. This card game belongs to the rummy family that uses Spanish suit playing cards.
Here, four players split into two pairs to play the game. Aside from its unique rules, this game boasts specially designed cards. The Cuajo Filipino cards are harder to find in the Philippines than in Spain. However, the manufacture of this special playing cards has continued in the Philippines, particularly in Sto Tomas, Pampanga.
What is Cuajo?
Cuajo is a rummy-style card game played by four players. The main objective here is to curate 16 hands and create valid combinations. Each pack comes with 112 deck cards, and they include four types of suit cards and seven face cards. Suit cards can be Coins, Batons, Cups, and Swords. The seven face cards here are King, Horse, Ace, 3, 4, 5, and Jack. The ranking starts with the Ace as the lowest and King as the highest.
How to play the Cuajo card game?
This card game takes a Spanish design but has a touch of Asian origin in terms of gameplay. It also shows signs of connection with Chinese cards. In the Philippines, Cuajo is one of the most-played traditional card games.
It starts with the player to the right of the dealer, and continues in a counterclockwise direction. Then the dealer discards one unwanted card except for the King. The dealer and other players will have the same number of playing cards. As the round progresses, they start to discard piles. Players can pass the turn to play to the player to their right. Cuajo ends when the player has completed the objectives and forms a winning hand.
Cuajo rules
In this game, the players need to form cards into valid combinations. The rules come with four possible and valid combinations that can bring wins. The first one is a set of three or four cards with the same rank in different suits. Second, it can be a set of three cards, like Jack-Horse-King, or 3-4-5 of just one suit. Three, we have a set of four similar cards called the ‘Secret’. Finally, a King is also a valid combination.
Playing Tips
As a player, you need to understand the basic rules before you play the cards. You can focus on the goal of creating a valid combination to win. It’s only possible if you know what the four valid hands are. Also, it’s best to know the lingo before joining the table. In the traditional setup, players often say ‘Purro’ if they only lack one card before a valid combination is formed.
Finally, you need to know the standard payouts in terms of coins. There are traditional payouts in coins, but the rules change depending on the specific rules.
Can I play online?
Yes. You can play this online by downloading online apps for desktops, Android, and iOS devices. Cuajo ZingPlay is one of the most played versions online. You can download this version on desktops instead on your mobile device to fully enjoy the large screen. Playing Cuajo ZingPlay on PC gives you full control and play like a pro.
Can I play Cuajo for real money?
Yes, this is also enjoyed with real money wagers. This card game is still traditionally enjoyed in the Philippines, with the participants dictating the number of coins as wagers and payouts. Also, you can win big depending on the number of Kings you have. Coins are topped up by the value of the Kings held by each opponent.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on this Spanish-inspired card game.
Who created Cuajo?
C.T. Dobree has listed Kua Oh as one of the games played in Spain that use a 112-card chess pack. Also, Anthony Smith has suggested that the name Cuajo was derived from the name Kua Oh.
Can you play Cuajo online for free?
Yes. You can play it online for free. Just download a Cuajo app and enjoy this free card game.
How many players are on Cuajo?
There are four players in this card game. In the traditional game, the players sit opposite each other. They will use a special Spanish suited pack of playing cards.
Is Cuajo a game of strategy or luck?
Like all other card games, luck plays a crucial role in the type of Cuajo Filipino cards that you will get. You will never know the card that you will get throughout the round. But it also needs a strategy to correctly compile the suit cards and face cards in a valid combination.
How many cards are there in the game of Cuajo?
There are 112 Spanish playing cards used in Cuajo Filipino. This card game includes face cards and suit cards needed to come up with 16 valid combinations.