Introduction
Comet, also known as Commit, is a historical shedding-type card game part of the Stops group. Nowadays it is typically played by 2-8 players using a standard 52-card deck. Its origins are said to lie in France.
What is Needed
- Standard 52 card deck with the 8 of diamonds removed
- 2-8 players
- Table or flat surface for all players to sit around
- Pencil and paper for keeping score
Goal
The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all the cards in your hand by playing them in sequential order of the same suit.
Deal and Setting Up
The dealer will remove the 8 of Diamonds from the deck. Depending on the number of players, additional cards will be removed so that the remaining cards can be evenly divided among the players.
The cards are shuffled and dealt evenly to each player. Players arrange their hands by suit and rank. Aces are low in Commit.
Gameplay
The player to the left of the dealer starts by playing their lowest card face up. They continue playing cards in sequence of the same suit until they can no longer play a card.
Play passes clockwise to the next player who tries to continue the sequence. If no one can play, the sequence has reached a stop. The last player to play a card starts a new sequence with their lowest card.
The 9 of diamonds is the Comet and can be played anytime in place of another card, earning 2 points. Playing a King earns 1 point. Reaching 100 total points wins.
Ending
The first player to play all their cards wins the round, earning 1 point plus 1 point per card left in other players’ hands. They also earn 2 points for any unplayed Kings. If the Comet wasn’t played, all players except the holder earn 1 point.
Comet Rules Summary
- Remove 8 of Diamonds and additional cards for an even deal
- Arrange hand by suit and rank
- Play passes clockwise
- Play cards in sequence order until stop
- The last player starts a new sequence
- 9 of diamonds is the Comet, play anytime for 2 points
- Playing a King earns 1 point
- The first out wins the round and earns points for leftover cards
- Reach 100 points to win the game
Example Scenario
Below is an example round for a 2-player game of Comet
After removing the 8♦ and 1 additional 7, each player has 25 cards.
- Player 1 leads with the 5♥.
- Player 2 plays the 6♥.
- Player 1 plays the 7♥.
- Player 2 says “Without”.
Since Player 2 couldn’t continue the sequence, Player 1 starts a new sequence with the 4♠.
- Player 2 plays the 5♠.
- Player 1 plays the 6♠.
- Player 2 hesitates but plays the 7♠.
- Player 1 plays the 8♠.
- Player 2 plays the 9♠.
- Player 1 plays the 10♠.
- Player 2 plays the J♠.
- Player 1 plays the Q♠,
- Player 2 plays the K♠, scoring 1 point.
Player 2 starts a new sequence with the 2♦.
The round continues until Player 1 runs out of cards. Player 1 wins the round, scoring 1 point for winning and additional points for Player 2’s remaining cards.
Strategy Tips
Know when to play the Comet
The 9 of diamonds or “Comet” is a very powerful card since it can be played anytime. Save it until you really need it, like when you are stuck and can’t play a card.
But don’t wait too long or you risk not being able to play it at all! Keep track of which cards have been played so you know the best time to unleash the Comet for maximum impact.
Pay attention to other players’ hands
Watch what cards other players play and you can start to figure out what they might be holding. For example, if a player hasn’t played any spades yet, they likely have some spades they are saving. Use this information to plan which suit you want to lead when starting a new sequence.
