What is Kings in the Corner?

Kings in the Corner (also called Kings Corner) is a fun and simple card game for 2 to 4 players. It's perfect for families, friends, or anyone who enjoys classic card games.

Common Name Variations

The game is known by several names, but they all refer to the same basic rules and style of play:

• King Corner
• Kings Corners
• King Card Game
• Kings Card Game
• Cardgame Corner

A Brief History

The exact origins of Kings in the Corner are unclear, but it's been played for decades and passed down through generations. It's often found in traditional card game books and is especially popular in English-speaking households.

Why People Love It

Players enjoy Kings in the Corner because it's:

• Easy to learn
• Quick to play
• Great for all ages
• A mix of luck and strategy

It’s a true gem of the card table – simple in form, timeless in charm.

What You Need to Play

Basic Supplies

To play Kings in the Corner, you only need one thing: a regular deck of cards.

Standard Deck

The game uses a standard 52-card deck. That means there are no jokers. Just the usual cards from Ace to King in each suit.

How Many Kings Are in a Deck of Cards?

There are exactly 4 kings in a standard deck — one in each suit: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. These cards are very important in the game, which is why it’s called Kings in the Corner.

Objective of the Game

The Main Goal

The goal of Kings in the Corner is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. You do this by placing cards onto the piles in the center of the table in the right order.

How Do You Get Rid of Cards?

You place cards in descending order (like Queen on King, Jack on Queen) and in alternating colors (red on black, black on red). If you follow those rules, you can build piles and use up your cards.

What’s the Deal with the “Corners”?

The word “corner” in the game’s name refers to the four empty spots around the center piles. These are special spots for kings only.

• Only king cards can start a pile in a corner.
• Once a king is placed, you can build a new pile on top of it, just like the center piles.
• There are four kings in the deck, and four corners to fill.

Game Setup

How Many Players?

Kings in the Corner is best with 2 to 4 players. It’s a great game for small groups or family game night.

Dealing the Cards

Shuffle a standard 52-card deck. Then, deal 7 cards to each player. Place the rest of the deck face-down in the middle to form a draw pile.

What Happens Next?

After dealing, create the layout on the table:

• Draw 4 cards from the top of the draw pile.
• Place one card on each side of the pile — top, bottom, left, and right — to make a cross shape.
• Leave the four corners empty — these are for kings only!

Setting Up the Corners

The empty corner spaces are where players can place a king card during the game. These corners are key — they let you start new piles and play more cards.

Once the cross layout is set, and each player has their hand of 7 cards, you're ready to play!

How to Play Kings in the Corner

Step-by-Step Gameplay

Once the setup is ready, players take turns going clockwise. Each turn has a few simple steps. The goal is to get rid of all your cards by placing them in the right spots.

1. Play Cards to the Layout

You can place cards on the center piles or on any corner king piles. To place a card, it must follow two rules:

• It must be one rank lower (like 9 on 10, or Jack on Queen).
• It must be the opposite color (red on black, black on red).

For example: you can place a red 9 on a black 10, but not a black 9 on a black 10.

2. Move Piles When Possible

If one pile can be moved onto another (following the same rules), you may do so. This can open up space — especially helpful when trying to play a king into a corner.

3. Playing Kings in Corner Positions

If you have a king card in your hand and an empty corner, you can play the king there. This starts a brand new pile that follows the same descending, alternating-color rules.

Why Corners Matter

Corners can only be started with a king. Once a king is placed, you can build onto it just like any center pile.

4. End Your Turn

If you played at least one card during your turn, you do not draw. If you couldn’t play anything, you must draw one card from the draw pile. Then, your turn ends.

Kings in the Corner Rules

Basic Gameplay Rules

These are the standard rules that every player should follow during the game:

• Cards must be played in descending order (like Queen, Jack, 10, 9...)
• Colors must alternate (red on black, black on red)
• You can play multiple cards in a turn if you have legal moves
• If you can’t play, you must draw one card from the deck

Special Rules Involving Kings

Kings have a unique role in this game:

• Only a king card can be placed in an empty corner
• Once a king is played in a corner, it starts a new pile
• You can build onto a king pile just like the central piles

Using kings wisely is important — they open up space to play more cards and can give you the upper hand.

House Rules and Variations

Some families and groups like to add their own twists to the game. Here are a few popular house rules:

• Draw 3 cards if you can't play (instead of 1)
• Limit how many cards you can play in one turn
• Add jokers as wild cards

Be sure to agree on any rule changes before the game starts!

Strategy Tips

Play Smart, Not Just Fast

Kings in the Corner is a simple game, but using a little strategy can help you win more often. Here are some easy tips to improve your gameplay.

When to Hold or Play Your King Card

King cards are powerful because they start new piles in the corners. But timing matters:

• Hold your king if you think you’ll need it later to free up cards from your hand.
• Play your king early if you have low cards ready to build on it quickly.

Don’t waste a king if you don’t have a plan — use it when it helps you most!

Managing Corner Spaces

Once a king is in a corner, that spot is taken for the rest of the game. Plan carefully:

• Try to keep a corner open until you’re sure playing the king will help.
• Use corner piles to free up other cards stuck in your hand.

Think of corners as limited real estate — make each one count.

Reading Opponents’ Hands (Advanced)

If you're playing with others regularly, pay attention to their moves. Ask yourself:

• Are they holding a king?
• Do they keep skipping turns or drawing cards?
• What suits and colors do they seem to avoid?

Noticing patterns can give you an edge. The more you play, the better you’ll get at predicting their next move.

Use strategy, stay patient, and remember: sometimes holding back is the best move.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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