Content Menu
● Game Overview
● Setup and Basic Rules
>> Dealing Cards
>> Turn Structure
>> Hand Rankings
● Advanced Strategies
>> Optimal Stopping Points
>> Card Management
● Game Variations
>> Thirty-One (Scat)
>> Drinking Game Version
● Tips for Beginners
● Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Conclusion
● Frequently Asked Questions
>> 1. How many players can join?
>> 2. What happens if two players tie?
>> 3. Can I draw multiple cards in one turn?
>> 4. How long does a typical game last?
>> 5. Is online play available?
● Citations:
Stop the Bus (also known as *Bastard* or *31*) is a fast-paced British card game combining hand-building mechanics with strategic risk assessment. Popular in pubs and family gatherings, it challenges players to optimize three-card hands while avoiding elimination through token loss. Below is a comprehensive guide to mastering this classic game.
Game Overview
Played with a standard 52-card deck, the objective is to avoid having the weakest hand in each round. Players start with three tokens, and the last player retaining tokens wins. Key elements include:
- Hand rankings: Based on Brag combinations (e.g., three-of-a-kind, runs, flushes).
- Dynamic card-swapping: Players exchange cards from a central pool to improve their hands.
- Risk-reward mechanics: Deciding when to "stop the bus" locks your hand but triggers final turns for opponents.
Setup and Basic Rules
Dealing Cards
- Each player receives three cards.
- Three additional cards form a face-up "widow" (central pool).
- The remaining deck is set aside.
Turn Structure
1. Draw and discard: On your turn, swap one card from your hand with one from the widow.
2. Optional stop: Declare "Stop the bus" to end your participation in the round. Opponents then take one final turn.
3. Showdown: All players reveal hands. The weakest hand loses a token.
Hand Rankings
Hands are ranked as follows (highest to lowest):
| Rank | Example |
| Three-of-a-kind | 8♠ 8♦ 8♣ (30 points) |
| Running flush | 9♣ 10♣ J♣ |
| Run | 7♦ 8♠ 9♣ (any suits) |
| Flush | 2♥ 5♥ Q♥ |
| Pair | K♦ K♠ 4♣ |
| High card | A♠ 10♦ 3♣ (Ace = 11 pts) |
*Note*: In the *31* variation, players aim for cards totaling 31 in one suit (A=11, face cards=10).
Advanced Strategies
Optimal Stopping Points
Simulations of 2.25 million games reveal:
- Stopping at 19–20 points yields a ~20% higher win rate than waiting for higher scores.
- Early stops (e.g., 17 points) risk opponents improving hands; late stops (≥25) reduce survival chances.
Card Management
- Target high-value suits: Prioritize Aces, Kings, and Queens in a single suit. This strategy maximizes potential hand strength while minimizing risk.
- Block opponents: Discard low-value cards in suits opponents might need; this can disrupt their strategy and force them into weaker positions.
- Three-of-a-kind trap: While worth 30 points, this hand loses to running flushes, so be cautious about overcommitting to it.
Game Variations
Thirty-One (Scat)
- Single-card widow: Replace the three-card pool with one face-up card for a quicker game.
- Alternative scoring:
- Achieving 31 points in one suit results in an automatic win.
- Three-of-a-kind remains at 30 points.
Drinking Game Version
- Losing a token results in taking a drink, adding an entertaining twist to gameplay.
- Eliminated players "ride the bus" by guessing card attributes (e.g., red/black, suit), which can lead to humorous situations.
Tips for Beginners
1. Understand the Rules: Before diving into the game, ensure you fully understand the rules and hand rankings. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions during gameplay.
2. Practice Makes Perfect: Play with friends or family to get a feel for the game. The more you play, the better you will understand strategies and nuances.
3. Observe Opponents: Pay attention to the cards your opponents are discarding and swapping; this can give you insights into their strategies and help you make better decisions.
4. Stay Calm Under Pressure: The fast-paced nature of Stop the Bus can be intense. Try to remain calm and think through your options before making a move.
5. Have Fun: Remember that the primary goal of playing games is to have fun! Enjoy the experience, whether you win or lose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Hand Rankings: One of the most common mistakes is not paying attention to hand rankings. Always keep in mind what beats what to avoid losing tokens unnecessarily.
2. Overvaluing High Cards: While high cards are important, they are not the only factor in winning; focus on building a balanced hand with good potential rather than just high-value cards.
3. Rushing Decisions: The game's pace can lead players to rush their decisions; take your time to analyze your hand and consider potential moves carefully.
4. Neglecting Opponent Behavior: Failing to observe how others play can lead you to miss out on valuable information that could inform your strategy.
5. Playing Without Strategy: Randomly swapping cards without any strategy can lead to quick losses; develop a plan based on your observations and understanding of hand rankings.
Conclusion
Stop the Bus thrives on quick decision-making and psychological warfare within its simple framework of rules and strategies that appeal across generations and skill levels alike. Whether played casually or competitively, its blend of simplicity and strategic depth ensures that every game is unique and engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many players can join?
Stop the Bus supports 2–9 players, but 3–4 is ideal for balanced gameplay.
2. What happens if two players tie?
Both lose a token; if multiple players tie for the weakest hand, all lose tokens.
3. Can I draw multiple cards in one turn?
No—each turn allows swapping only one card unless house rules specify otherwise.
4. How long does a typical game last?
With four players, games average about 10–15 minutes, but more tokens can extend playtime significantly.
5. Is online play available?
Yes—HTML5 versions like Solitaire Paradise offer browser-based games against AI opponents for practice or casual play.
Citations:
[1] https://www.solitaireparadise.com/games_list/stop-the-bus.html
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_the_Bus
[3] https://jasmcole.com/2015/07/22/stop-the-bus/
[4] https://gamerules.com/rules/stop-the-bus/
[5] https://www.denexa.com/blog/stop-the-bus-bastard/
[6] https://www.pagat.com/draw/stop_the_bus.html
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2fWgxjXgcw
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3urh4K31yJ8
[9] https://hobbylark.com/card-games/How-to-play-card-game-Stop-the-Bus
[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/WebGames/comments/3gzyuy/stop_the_bus_card_game/
[11] https://www.puzzleshq.com/tips-tricks/games/how-to-play-stop-the-bus/
[12] https://weavingfutures.nz/blog/stop-the-bus
[13] https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-worksheets/search
[14] https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/teaching-resources/teaching-primary/activities/level-2/stop-bus
[15] https://www.mykidstime.com/things-to-do/how-to-play-categories-game-stop-the-bus/
[16] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7uUtpm32JE
[17] https://www.denexa.com/blog/stop-the-bus-bastard/
[18] https://www.pagat.com/draw/stop_the_bus.html
[19] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_the_Bus
[20] https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/3236484/ride-the-bus-optimal-game-strategy
[21] http://stphilomenasns.weebly.com/uploads/8/0/4/4/80441666/stop_the_bus.pdf
[22] https://jasmcole.com/2015/07/22/stop-the-bus/
[23] https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/4443297/in-the-card-game-ride-the-bus-what-is-the-possibility-of-guessing-the-correct
