Number of Players: 2 to 7 (but best suited to 2 to 4) Cards Used: 1 full deck of 48 cards Game Length: no limit Goal: To form captured hands and capture high scoring cards This game is also known as Higo-Bana. The number of cards dealt out to each player and to the field varies according to the number of players. In the case of an even number of players, the game can be played with partners. The two partners sit seperately and have their own hands but share their captured cards. 2 players 8 cards to each player 8 cards to the field 3 players 7 cards to each player 6 cards to the field 4 players 5 cards to each player 8 cards to the field 5 players 4 cards to each player 8 cards to the field 6 players 3 cards to each player 12 cards to the field 7 players 3 cards to each player 6 cards to the field If all four cards from one month are in the field, the dealer captures all 4 cards. Sakura uses unique values for the cards. Lights (other than 'Rain') are worth 20 points, slips are worth 10, animals (and 'Rain') are worth 5, and dregs are worth 0. Starting with the dealer each player captures cards (as described in the General Rules). Play continues until the deck has been exhausted (even if the players have used up their hands.) Players then add the total of their captured cards and the value of their captured hands. Their opponents subtract 50 points for each captured hand. Scoring is not carried on from round to round. Each round is instead worth 1 point, which is received by the winner. If the winner has won by at least 100 points he receives 2 points. Or optionally the winner receives 2 points for winning by 50 points and 3 for winning by 100. These points are instead of the usual 1 point, not in addition to it. The 'Lightning' card is used as a wild card. If a player used the wild card they also capture the left-over card from that month when it comes into play. If it is in the initial field, it is discarded. There are 8 captured hands in Sakura. Each one is worth 50 points. They are: Oi-Higo Oi-Higo is an optional way of reducing the number of people who want to play down to 2 (it could be used for other numbers as well, however). Each prospective player is dealt an 8 card hand, which they look at. Then, going around the table, each player wagers a certain number of points on the next round. The two players who wager the most on the round are the players for the next game. The loser of the next game pays the winner.