There is a card in Japan.The game has been played in Japan for hundreds of years, dating back to some of the most famous Japanese dynasties.It's a good game for children who are too young to understand more complicated gaming rules, as well as adults who want to improve their foreign language skills.The fun card game known as karuta can be learned with a few simple purchases and practice.
Step 1: Buy the cards you want to use.
There are two types of traditional karuta cards: yomifuda and torifuda.There are cards with information written on them in Japanese.Torifuda are cards with written Japanese information on them.There are 100 cards in the yomifuda and torifuda cards.You will need a deck of yomifuda and torifuda cards in order to play.These can be purchased on popular sites such as Amazon and/or Ebay.You can improve your Japanese speaking and reading skills during Karuta.You can find Japanese versions in other languages if you don't want to learn it.You can replace karuta cards with traditional playing card decks if you so choose.Because the sets come in decks of 52, you will need one playing card deck to replace the "reading cards" and "grabbing cards."
Step 2: Select the tatami mat you want.
A tatami mat is a small rug used for ceremonies.Each player puts his or her body on the mat during the game of karuta.There are online retailers and Japanese specialty shops that sell Japanese style tatami mats.A yoga mat or a small rug can be used to replace the rug.There is no need for rugs to play the game.The originators of the game are thought to have played on tatami mats.The mats in today's game are mostly used for aesthetic purposes, to feel as if you are playing an ancient game.If you buy or cut your own rug, make sure it is large enough to cover your knees, lower legs, and feet, as you will be bent down on them while you play.Measure the distance from your knees to your feet before you buy a mat.
Step 3: There is a space to play in.
To lay out the cards and position the player's bodies, you will need at least a 4X6 foot space.If you are sitting in chairs, the table will work just fine.If you do use the floor, make sure the space is cleared so you have enough room.The table and floor need to be cleaned before use.The kitchen table needs to be wiped off.You don't want your cards to get dirty.You will need a spot for the reader to sit as well.One player will not get a cleared spot because the reader must be equidistant from both players.
Step 4: Pick a reader and locate it.
You need a third person to play with.The person will read the cards and speak what they say.The person could be a friend or relative.They should not have a rooting interest.One of the players can't be the reader as that would give the other player an advantage.A traditional match only lasts a few minutes.The reader won't have to take a lot of time out of his or her day if the players only play once.
Step 5: Deal the cards and shuffle them.
You can find more information on how to shuffle a deck of cards at this link.Give the deck to the reader after you shuffled the cards.The player with the most cards will get a card from the reader.The other 50 cards in the deck will not be used.If you are using regular playing cards, grabbing and reading cards are the same.Each player will get 26 cards from a regular deck of playing cards.
Step 6: The "reading" cards are shuffled.
To learn how to shuffle, please visit: How to Riffle and Bridge shuffle.The reader will place the deck next to him or herself after the cards are shuffled.There is no reason to discard any reading cards in the game.If you are using regular playing cards, grabbing and reading are the same.Place the deck of playing cards next to the reader by rearranging it.
Step 7: The cards should be flipped over.
The players will flip over their cards to face each other.The cards will be arranged so that they are in three rows.The rows are usually used.There should be a 1 cm gap between the rows.The tatami mat is 87 cm wide and the cards should not go past it.The opponent's territory should not be more than 3 cm away from the other.
Step 8: Place your body positions.
The player should either sit or crouch.They should be at least 1 foot away from their territory.The position of the player and the reader should be equidistant.
Step 9: Take the position of each card.
The players have 15 minutes to memorize the grabbing cards.The game requires you to touch cards on your territory as well as your opponent's territory.You should memorize your opponent's cards as well as your own.
Step 10: Say what the first card tells you.
The reader picks up a card.The reader says what the card says slowly and clearly.The card is thrown away.The reader waits until the players touch one of the grabbing cards to continue the game.You should read the type of card if you are using regular playing cards.For example, an ace of spades.
Step 11: You can grab one of the cards.
The players' turn is when the reader has said what was on the card.The players have to find the grabbing card which matches the clue given on the reading card.The grabbing card could be on your side or your opponent's side.Touch the card before your opponent does.You can find the playing card that matches the reading card by using regular playing cards.Find the ace of spades if the reader calls it that.
Step 12: You should keep the card first.
The first player to touch the correct card gets the point.He or she places the card next to them.As the game progresses, you will form a pile of cards.Each card is worth a point.
Step 13: Penalize the players.
If a player touches a card that isn't the correct card, they lose their turn.As the next turn begins, they must place their hands on their head.If the reader catches you out of position, you lose your next turn.This could mean that you are leaning on your opponent.
Step 14: Go back and repeat the previous steps.
The reader is reading a card.The players pick a grabbing card.The player who touches the correct card first gets to keep the card.The reader counts the cards for each player after all of the grabbing cards have been recovered.The person with the most cards wins the game.