Instructions & scorecards are inside every Pickler Game Box. Like Pickleball, the more you play Pickler, the more fun it is. Here we've added helpful hints for better strategy each time you play. There's even a short Instructional VIDEO (Below)
Object of Pickler: To get rid of all of your cards; OR to have the least amount of points in your hand when the 1st player goes out. *1st Player to go out, gets to deduct 10 points from their score. Game ends after 11 Rounds, and the person (or team) with the lowest score is crowned The Pickler!
GAME MAKEUP - 55 Cards in each Deck, (2) Decks Total: Use (1) Deck for up to 4 players, Use (2) Decks for 5-9 players. The #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 cards have Pickleball Shots and with 5 of each Card. The (5) Animal Specialty Cards have 2 Cards each.
The (5) Animal Specialty cards EXPLAINED
The PICKLER
The RESET
Example: It’s your turn after the #8 was played and you only have a #3, 5, and RESET. Use your RESET card with the 3 (or the 5) to RESET the pile backwards to that number.
EXTRA DETAILS: You can use THE RESET at any point. The best time to use THE RESET is when a higher numbered card has been played and you can’t go. Use THE RESET with any #1-9 card you have, and RESET the deck to that number. Use up to 3 of the same cards for a SideOut!
The BLOCK
The REVERSE
The BERT
To start
Use (1) deck for up to 4 players and use (2) decks for 5-9 players.
Scatter and mix the deck of cards in the middle of the table.
ALL Players turn over ONE card from the PICKLER PILE and flip it over. The player with the highest numbered card starts the game. Shuffle those cards back into the pile.
Get cards
Players draw 11 cards from the PICKLER PILE.
- Place 3 cards FACE DOWN in front of you
- Place 3 cards FACE UP, one on each face down card
- Hold 5 cards IN your hand
Move remaining cards in the PICKLER PILE to the side.
Player 1 begins
Player 1 can play (up to 3) numbered 1 – 9 cards (IN their hand or face UP cards) into the middle of the table, the PLAY area.
Rotation moves clockwise to the next player.
Each Player (Has 4 Options)
- MATCH the same card played by Player #1
- MATCH 2 additional cards played by Player #1 for a *SideOut (3 matching cards)
- Play any HIGHER numbered card
- Play a SPECIALTY card (See details above)
[Player 2 is done, unless they clear the deck with a *SideOut]
Face DOWN cards
Only after you play your FACE UP cards, are you allowed to play your FACE DOWN cards… on your next turn.
However, if you cleared the deck (see below), you can play ANY card in your hand, or Face UP, or Face DOWN card.
Clear the deck… *SideOut!!
Playing THREE matching cards #1 – 9, is an automatic SideOut. Make this key move often, to reduce points in your hand.
As you swipe ALL cards away, LOUDLY declare “SideOut!”
SideOut cards are placed face down to the side. Woohoo, you get to GO AGAIN!
Pick it up!
At any point, if a Player cannot play a Higher numbered card OR a Specialty card, they must pick up ALL cards, and lose a turn.
Play continues with each player, until someone runs out of cards.
Local Rules
Like any game, when you start playing Pickler, some rules may be confusing.
It’s perfectly fine to create your own ‘LOCAL’ rules of the game that works for you. This is your game!
Be creative, and most importantly have fun!
Winning Pickler
The FIRST player to get rid of their cards shouts ‘PICKLER‘ ending that round.
- Winning Pickler, gets -10 subtracted from their score.
- Last Chance to reduce points – Rotation continues ONE time. However, if The REVERSE card is played, the game quickly ends.
- All Players count their cards and report their totals to the score keeper on the PICKLER Scorecard or in the PICKLER App.
After 11 rounds, the player or team with the LEAST points wins the match, and crowned THE Top PICKLER.