What is Basra?

Basra (باصرة) is a classic Arabic fishing card game popular throughout Egypt, the Levant, and the Gulf. Players capture cards from the floor by matching values — play a 7 to capture the 7 on the table, for example. The game's signature move is the 'Basra' — clearing all cards from the floor at once for bonus points. Special cards like the 7 of Diamonds (which captures everything) and the Jack (which sweeps the floor) add tactical depth. Basra is easy to learn but rewards strategic card counting and timing.

How to Play Basra

Basra is a fishing card game for 2 players:

1. Setup: Deal 4 cards to each player and 4 cards face-up on the floor. Keep the remaining deck for later dealing.
2. Capture: On your turn, play one card. If it matches a floor card's value, capture both. If multiple floor cards sum to your card's value, capture them all.
3. Basra: If your capture clears ALL cards from the floor, that's a Basra — worth 10 bonus points. The Jack can capture everything on the floor.
4. Scoring: At the end, count captured cards (majority = 30 points), 7 of Diamonds (special), Aces, Jacks, and each Basra (10 points). Most points wins.

Frequently Asked Questions