Chkobba: Tunisia’s Beloved Card Game
When you walk through the bustling cafés of Tunisia, alongside the aroma of strong coffee and the hum of conversation, you’ll often notice a lively card game being played. That game is Chkobba—a traditional pastime that has been bringing families, friends, and neighbors together for generations. Much like sharing a meal or pouring olive oil over fresh bread, playing Chkobba is a ritual that celebrates connection, memory, and joy.
The Backstory of Chkobba
Chkobba, sometimes written as “Scoppa” due to its Italian origins, made its way to Tunisia during the 20th century. Over time, Tunisians adapted the rules and style, making it a beloved national game in its own right. Today, it’s more than just a way to pass the time—it’s part of Tunisian culture, played in cafés, living rooms, and even on the beach. The word “Chkobba” comes from the Arabic word for “sweep,” which refers to the satisfying move of clearing the table of all its cards in a single play.
What You Need to Play
- Players: 2 (or 4 in teams of 2)
- Deck: A 40-card deck (remove the 8s, 9s, and 10s)
Card Values
- Ace = 1
- Jack = 11
- Queen = 12
- King = 13
- Number cards = face value (2–7)
The Goal
The objective of Chkobba is to capture cards from the table by either matching the exact value or by summing values to equal the card you play.
Setup
Each player is dealt 3 cards, and 4 cards are placed face-up in the middle of the table.
How to Play
On your turn, you play one card from your hand:
- If it matches a card on the table (for example, a 6 takes a 6), you capture it.
- You can also take multiple cards if they add up to the card you play (for example, play a 6 to take a 4 and 2).
- If your play clears the entire table, you call out “Chkobba!”—earning bonus points and bragging rights.
After all players use their 3 cards, another 3 are dealt until the deck is exhausted.
Scoring
When the round ends, points are awarded:
- Most cards captured: 1 point
- Most diamonds captured: 1 point
- The 7 of diamonds: 1 point
- Each Chkobba (sweep): 1 point
Traditionally, the game is played to 11 or 21 points.
Why Tunisians Love It
Chkobba is more than rules on paper—it’s about the laughter, rivalry, and conversation that happens around the table. It’s a game of memory, where you track what’s been played, and strategy, where you decide whether to go for points now or set yourself up for later. Much like Tunisian cuisine, it’s simple in ingredients but rich in flavor.
So, next time you gather with friends, shuffle a 40-card deck and try your hand at Chkobba. Who knows—you may just find yourself shouting “Chkobba!” and joining a Tunisian tradition that has stood the test of time.
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