Card games
Partner Scala 40
Partners across: open together, go out together
Partner Scala 40 is Scala 40 the way Italian clubs play it in pairs: two decks and four jokers, 13 cards each, partners sitting across. The pair opens together — once one partner has laid the 40, the other may take from the discard and lay off at once — and goes out together: when one closes, the partner pays nothing. The pair’s points add up, and a pair that reaches 101 is out. Tournament tables play to three hands won instead.
- Players
- 4 players
- Length
- 20–40 min per game
- Type
- Card games
Play Partner Scala 40 online with friends
At Masa, Partner Scala 40 is a game of its own right next to 51 Rummy: pick it in the games list, open a table and share its code or link with your friends, or sit at a house table. Bots fill the empty chairs, and voice chat keeps the table talking.
How to play
- 1
Scala 40: two decks with 4 jokers, 13 cards each. Meld runs (3+ in a row, one suit) and sets (3–4 of a rank, suits different).
- 2
Open with melds worth 40+ in one turn (no pairs). A-2-3 and Q-K-A both count: the ace is 1 low, 11 high and in sets.
- 3
Partners sit across and play as a pair. The pair opens together: once one partner has laid 40, the other may take, meld and lay off without the 40.
- 4
Draw from the stock. Only after you have opened may you take the last discard — and you must meld it or lay it off at once.
- 5
Never discard a card that fits a meld on the table (your last card excepted), nor a joker before you open.
- 6
One joker per meld. Once you have opened, swap a table joker for the card it stands for.
House rules
Pick any of these when you create a table; a table that changes none plays the rules above.
- Scoring — Pair’s points · Hands won
- Re-entry — An eliminated pair comes back once at the other pair’s total
Frequently asked questions
Is Partner Scala 40 the same game as 51 Rummy?
No. Partner Scala 40 is played at the same kind of table as 51 Rummy, but with rules of its own — see “How to play” above. At Masa it is a game of its own, with its own tables, stats and achievements.
Can I play Partner Scala 40 online with friends?
Yes. Open a Partner Scala 40 table and share its code or link. Empty seats fill with other players or bots, so a game always starts.
Is Partner Scala 40 free to play?
Yes. You play with Chips, which have no cash value: nothing can be won or cashed out.
