How to Play Minhwatu
- 민화투 (Minhwatu)
Minhwatu is one of the card games that use Hwatu cards. Unlike Gostop, it is played without interruptions until all the cards are played, and it’s known for its simple and convenient rules, making it enjoyable for all.
This game is typically played with 2 to 4 players, although it can accommodate up to 6 players.
- Basic Rules of Minhwatu
: Here, I’ll provide an explanation of the common rules for Minhwatu in South Korea.
1. Minhwatu is typically played with 48 cards, excluding the Joker (bonus) cards. The game proceeds without interruptions until all the cards are used.
2. To determine the “선” (seon), the first player, a simple method is used. Each player flips over one card from their floor cards. The player who draws the highest-numbered card becomes the “선” (seon).
3. The game always starts with the “선” (seon), and play proceeds in a counterclockwise direction.
4. Depending on the number of players:
– For 2 players: the dealer sends 8 cards face up to the table and 10 cards face down to each player.
– For 3 players: the dealer sends 6 cards face up to the table and 7 cards face down to each player.
– For 4 players: the dealer sends 8 cards face up to the table and 5 cards face down to each player.
– For 5 players: the dealer sends 8 cards face up to the table and 4 cards face down to each player.
– For 6 players: the dealer sends 12 cards face up to the table and 3 cards face down to each player.
5. Similar to Gostop, players take turns to match cards from their hand with the cards on the floor, collecting pairs of cards with the same “month” (suit). If there’s a matching card in the Hwatu pile, you can also pick it up. If there’s no match, you add your card to the floor.
6. The game continues until all players have used all their cards.
7. The player with the highest score wins.