Tomolapia

Tomolapia is a competitive 2-player climbing and shedding game where players race to be the first to empty their hand each round. At the start of every round, players exchange a card. This exchange determines both the starting player and the special “level card” rank for that round. The non-dealer then chooses how many cards to discard (0, 1, or 2) which establishes a multiplier for the round’s scoring. Players then alternate turns, playing various combinations such as: singles, pairs, triples, full house, runs, or bombs (a triple plus the ♥ “level card”) and rockets (both Jokers). A player must either overplay the previous play or pass, and the round continues until one player sheds all their cards. The ranking of singles and pairs are influenced by the promoted black “level cards” and by a special black pair meld. The round’s winner scores points based on the level card’s rank and the multiplier. Number cards earn their face value and face cards range from 11 to 14 points. These base points are then multiplied by 2×, 3×, or 4× depending on the non-dealer's discard decision. The first player to reach 120 points (or a lower target for shorter games) wins. —description from the designer