How to play Cambio

What is Cambio?

Cambio is a memory card game where every player holds four face-down cards and tries to finish with the lowest total. It is played around the world under names including Cactus, Pablo, Dutch and four-card golf.

Setup

Deal four cards face down to each player in a 2×2 grid. Each player may look at two of their cards once, then must remember them. Turn one card face up to begin the discard pile.

Card values

Jokers score 0, aces 1, cards 2–10 their face value, jacks 11, queens 12 and kings 13. The lowest total wins.

On your turn

Draw the top card from the deck or take the top discard. Swap it with one of your face-down cards without looking at the card you replace, or discard the card you drew.

Power cards

A 7 or 8 lets you peek at one of your cards. A 9 or 10 lets you spy on one opponent card. A jack or queen lets you swap any two cards on the table without looking. A power works only when you discard a card you just drew.

Matching pairs

If you are certain two of your cards have the same rank, discard both and put your new card in their place. Your hand becomes smaller.

Calling Cambio

Call at the start of your turn when you believe you have the lowest total. Everyone else gets one final turn, then all cards are revealed. Lowest total wins; if the caller ties for lowest, the caller loses.

Strategy tips

• Memorise your first two cards: they are the anchor for every decision that follows.
• Replace the highest card you know about; wait for a 0–3 rather than trading one middle card for another.
• Use Peek early to complete your own picture, and Spy late to decide whether it is safe to call.
• Call when you are confident, not hopeful. A tie goes against the caller.
• Watch which discards opponents take. Their choices reveal what they may be holding.

Frequently asked questions