Yokai Septet

To set up Yokai Septet, first, shuffle the deck of 49 cards (seven suits, numbered 0-6) and deal seven cards to each player. The remaining cards form a draw pile. Each player also receives a player aid card. A lead player is chosen, typically the youngest player or by random selection, and they will start the first trick.

The main objective in Yokai Septet is to win tricks by playing cards strategically. Players aim to collect cards that will earn them points at the end of each round. The game is about outsmarting opponents and managing your hand to secure valuable cards and avoid penalties.

A turn begins with the lead player playing any card from their hand. Subsequent players must follow suit if possible. If a player cannot follow suit, they may play any other card, including a trump card (a card from the current round's designated trump suit). The highest card of the lead suit wins the trick, unless a trump card is played, in which case the highest trump card wins. The winner of the trick becomes the lead player for the next turn.

Scoring occurs at the end of each round. Players earn points for each trick they win. Additionally, specific cards or combinations of cards within the tricks won can grant bonus points. For example, certain high-value cards or collecting all cards of a particular suit might yield extra points. The player with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner.

Yokai Septet is played over a predetermined number of rounds, typically seven. After all rounds have been completed, players tally their total scores from all the tricks and bonus points accumulated throughout the game. The player who has amassed the highest total score wins the game. In case of a tie, specific tie-breaking rules, such as the player with the most trump cards, may be used.