Dutch Blitz Rules

How to play Dutch Blitz

Everyone plays at once in the Dutch Blitz card game. You race to add numbered cards to shared piles in the center, building from 1 to 10 in matching colors.

Meanwhile, you’re trying to empty your own Blitz Pile. Clear it and call “Blitz!” to stop the round. However, ending a round doesn’t automatically make you the winner: the cards you played and those left behind determine your score.

Set up your cards

A standard set supports 2–4 players, each using a separate 40-card deck. Keep the same card-back design throughout the game so your cards can be identified when scoring.

Shuffle your own deck, then arrange it like this:

With two players, use five Post Piles each instead of three. Your Blitz Pile still starts with 10 cards.

The colors on the card faces determine where cards can be played. The designs on the backs identify their owners.

Start together and build in the middle

Once everyone is ready, give a starting signal. There is no turn order.

1. Play available 1s into the center. Each starts a separate Dutch Pile.
2. Add the next number in the same color. A blue 2 goes on a blue 1, followed by a blue 3.
3. Use your exposed cards. Play from the top of your Blitz Pile, Wood Pile, or the exposed end of a Post Pile.
4. Refill empty Post spaces from your Blitz Pile. This helps reduce the pile you need to clear.
5. Keep going until someone calls “Blitz!” Everyone stops immediately.

You can add cards to any suitable center pile, regardless of who started it. Several piles of the same color may exist. A pile finishes at 10.

Example: Your green 6 cannot go on a yellow 5. Wait for a green 5 to become available, or find another legal move.

Your Post Piles work differently

The center builds upward in matching colors. Your Post Piles build downward by one number, alternating boy and girl illustrations.

In the classic deck:

• Red and blue cards show boys.
• Yellow and green cards show girls.

For example, a red 8 can receive a green 7, followed by a blue 6. A blue 7 cannot go on that red 8 because both show boys.

You may move eligible cards from your Blitz Pile, Wood Pile, or another Post Pile. Move one card at a time, never an entire sequence. Keep the numbers and colors visible.

This is an important part of learning how to play Dutch Blitz: rearranging your Post Piles can create room for Blitz cards even when the center offers no immediate opening.

Using the Wood Pile

When you need more options, count three cards from your face-down hand and turn them onto your Wood Pile, with the third card on top.

Only the top card is available. Playing it exposes the card underneath, which may then be played too.

Continue turning cards in groups of three as needed. Recycle the Wood Pile face down without shuffling when you reach the end. The publisher’s FAQ specifies continuing the three-card count through the recycle if only one or two cards remain.

You cannot rewind a flip to retrieve a card you missed.

Calling “Blitz!” and counting points

Call “Blitz!” as soon as you legally play the final card from your Blitz Pile. It can go into the center or onto a Post Pile.

Sort the center cards by their backs, then calculate:

Example: You played 18 cards into the center and have four Blitz cards left. Your round score is 18 − 8 = 10 points.

Add each round’s score to your running total. Once someone reaches 75 points, the highest total wins. Scores can be negative, and calling “Blitz!” carries no separate bonus.

Mistakes and fair play

The Dutch Blitz rules require controlled placement, even when everyone is moving quickly.

• Use only one hand to play cards.
• Move one card at a time.
• Place cards onto piles instead of throwing them.
• Never dig through a pile for a covered card.
• Do not shuffle your cards during a round.

If someone spots an illegal move, call “Dutch!” Pause, restore the misplaced cards to their previous positions, and resume once the mistake is corrected.

Tips for your first few games

The Dutch Blitz card game becomes easier when you know where to look next. Speed helps, but unnecessary moves can leave useful cards buried.

Give your Blitz Pile priority. When two available cards fit the same center pile, playing the Blitz card usually helps more: it reduces your potential penalty and reveals another card.

Watch the number you need. If your top Blitz card is a yellow 8, keep checking for a yellow pile approaching 7.

Use Post Piles with a purpose. A move that opens space for a Blitz card is more useful than rearranging cards without improving access.

Practice the layout before racing. Play a slow practice round to learn the two building directions. Add speed once everyone recognizes legal moves.

Quick reference