https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machiavelli_(Italian_card_game) ## Dealing Play requires two decks of 52 standard [playing cards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playing_card "Playing card"), excluding the jokers. The [dealer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dealer_(card_game) "Dealer (card game)"), chosen at random, deals either 12 or 15 cards to each player in clockwise direction. If there are more than five players, the dealer may reduce the number of cards dealt to each person, three cards being the minimum. After dealing the remaining deck is placed in the center of the table. ### Alternative version Two decks of cards without jokers are needed. The dealer, chosen at random, deals 6 cards to each player in clockwise direction. After dealing he puts four face up cards in front of where he would put the rest of the cards, in the center of the table. These cards can be placed in hand only if you can form with other cards at least three of same and different numbers. They are helping cards. ## Opening play The player to the left of the dealer goes first. The game continues going clockwise. [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Starting_hand_for_Thirty-Six_-_12_Cards.jpg) This photo depicts a starting hand for the card game **Thirty-Six** (with 12 cards). There are three possible **combinations** playable here, Ace-King-Queen-Jack of _Clubs_; Jacks of _Clubs_, _Hearts_, and _Diamonds_; and Kings of _Clubs_, _Spades_, and _Diamonds_. There is an **incomplete combination** of 9-8 of _Diamonds_. There are two **'duplicate'** cards - Queen of _Clubs_, and Jack of _Hearts_. In certain variations, the card in the player's hand must reach 36 points in valid combinations (hence the name Thirty-Six). A player cannot change combinations of cards already on the table, or add to any combinations on the table until he is able to put down these 36 points.  Points are allocated to cards as follows: - Aces are always worth 1 point, even if they follow a King. - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are worth their face value. - Jack, Queen, and King are worth 10 points each. These point allocations are not relevant later in the ga