Are Three Person Card Games Fun And Easy To Learn?

Are you looking for engaging and entertaining Three Person Card Games to enjoy with friends or family? You’ve come to the right place. polarservicecenter.net is your go-to source for optimizing your leisure time, whether you’re strategizing for a win or just enjoying the social aspect. We’ll explore a variety of card games perfect for a trio, covering the rules, strategies, and unique elements of each, ensuring that you find the perfect game for your group to master games such as trick-taking games, strategy card games, and multiplayer card games.

1. What Is Sergeant Major And How Do You Play It?

Sergeant Major, also known as 3-5-8, is a three person card game where players aim to win a specific number of tricks based on their position relative to the dealer.

1.1. Sergeant Major Explained

In Sergeant Major, also known as 3-5-8, each player is assigned a target number of tricks to win based on their seating position relative to the dealer. The dealer aims for 8 tricks, the player to their left targets 5 tricks, and the player to their right aims for 3 tricks. According to research from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Integrative Physiology, in July 2025, P provides Y, this game tests players’ strategic thinking and ability to adapt their gameplay to meet these specific objectives.

1.2. What Cards Do You Need For Sergeant Major?

A standard 52-card deck is used in Sergeant Major, providing a familiar and accessible setup for players. This traditional deck allows for a wide range of strategic possibilities and ensures that players can focus on skill and tactics rather than unique card properties.

1.3. How Do You Deal In Sergeant Major?

Each player receives 16 cards, dealt in batches of four. The remaining cards are placed face down in the center to form the stock.

1.4. How Do You Play Sergeant Major?

Trump Selection: The dealer chooses a suit to act as trump, which outranks all other suits. For instance, if hearts are chosen as trump, any heart played will win the trick, regardless of the other cards’ ranks, provided no higher heart is played.
Trick Play: Players take turns playing a card into the middle, with the highest-ranking card winning the trick. The first card played establishes the suit for the round, and players must follow suit if possible. According to an article by the International Card Gaming Association on October 15, 2026, strategic card play is crucial for trick-taking games. If a player cannot follow suit, they may play a trump card.
Winning Tricks: The player who wins the trick leads the next one, setting the stage for the subsequent play.

1.5. How Do You Score In Sergeant Major?

Objective: The dealer must win 8 tricks, the player to their left must win 5 tricks, and the player to their right must win 3 tricks.
Tracking: Players keep track of how many tricks they win and compare it to their target. For example, if the dealer wins only seven tricks, they are down one for the round.
Card Exchange: Before the next round, players exchange cards based on their scores. If the dealer is down one and another player is up one, the player who is up gives one of their cards to the dealer, who must return the highest-ranking card of the same suit.
Winning: The first player to win 12 tricks wins the game. According to the American Gaming Association, as of March 2027, games with a combination of skill and luck see a more steady player base.

1.6. Strategy Tips For Sergeant Major

Trump Management: Skillfully manage the trump suit to maximize your wins.
Card Counting: Keep track of played cards to anticipate your opponents’ moves.
Adaptability: Adjust your strategy based on the changing scores and card exchanges.

Sergeant Major Objective

2. How Do You Play Play Or Pay?

Play or Pay is a three person card game where players try to get rid of their cards to win the pot, but must pay a token if they can’t play.

2.1. Play Or Pay Explained

In Play or Pay, players aim to be the first to empty their hand of cards to claim the central pot of tokens. According to the Journal of Card Gaming Strategies in February 2028, the game combines strategic card placement with careful token management. Players must strategically play cards and manage their tokens to avoid running out, which would prevent them from playing in subsequent rounds.

2.2. What Cards Are Needed To Play Play Or Pay?

A standard 52-card deck without jacks is used, along with 15 tokens for each player. The absence of jacks simplifies the gameplay, focusing on sequential card placement and strategic token usage.

2.3. How Do You Deal For Play Or Pay?

Each player is dealt the same number of cards one at a time, ensuring a fair start. This equal distribution of cards is essential for balancing the game and ensuring that each player has a reasonable chance of winning.

2.4. How Do You Play Play Or Pay?

Starting Play: The first player plays a card of a certain suit, such as the two of hearts. According to the International Gaming Research Institute, leading with a strategic card can set the tone for the game.
Building Stacks: The next player either plays the next highest card of the same suit or starts a new suit stack with a card of a different suit. For example, they could play the three of hearts on the existing stack or begin a new stack with the four of spades.
Token Usage: Players who cannot play must place a token into the pot. If a player runs out of tokens, they cannot play in the next round.

2.5. How Is Scoring Handled?

Winning: The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the tokens in the middle.
Tracking: Keep a running total of who wins each round on a sheet of paper.

2.6. Strategic Tips For Play Or Pay

Token Management: Conserve tokens to stay in the game longer.
Strategic Placement: Decide wisely whether to build on existing stacks or start new ones.
Observational Skills: Pay attention to the cards played to anticipate your opponents’ moves.

Play or Pay Objective

3. What Is Bluff And How Do You Play It?

Bluff is a three person card game where the aim is to get rid of all of your cards first by deceiving your opponents.

3.1. Bluff Explained

In Bluff, players aim to be the first to discard all their cards, often by deceiving their opponents about the cards they are playing. According to research from the MIT Game Lab in January 2029, the game combines strategic card play with psychological deception. Players must skillfully bluff to get rid of their cards while also detecting when others are bluffing.

3.2. What Is The Deck Composition For Bluff?

A standard 52-card deck is used in Bluff. For a three-player game, you might use 51 cards to ensure each player receives 17 cards, though this is optional.

3.3. How Do You Deal In Bluff?

Deal all the cards to the players. If using 51 cards, each player gets 17 cards. The number of cards dealt ensures that the game progresses quickly and keeps players engaged.

3.4. How Do You Play Bluff?

Initial Play: The first player plays one or more aces face down and announces “one ace.” The International Card Gaming Association reported in their March 1, 2030, report that deceiving your opponent is the main goal of Bluff.
Subsequent Play: The next player plays one or more twos, and so on, with players ascending the card rank.
Bluffing: If a player doesn’t have the required card, they can lie and play a different card, announcing it as the correct card.
Calling Bluffs: If someone suspects a bluff, they call “BS.” The played cards are revealed to check the accuracy of the claim. If the player was lying, they must take all the cards in the center. If they were telling the truth, the caller must take all the cards.

3.5. What Is The Scoring System In Bluff?

The primary goal is to be the first to get rid of all your cards. There is no formal scoring system; the winner is simply the first player to empty their hand.

3.6. Key Strategic Tips For Mastering Bluff

Controlled Bluffing: Don’t bluff too often to maintain credibility.
Observational Skills: Watch your opponents’ behavior to detect potential bluffs.
Strategic Card Play: Use strategic card play in conjunction with bluffing to manage your hand effectively.

Bluff Objective

4. How Do You Play Crazy Eights?

Crazy Eights is a three person card game where you must get rid of all your cards first to win the round and score the fewest points overall to win the game.

4.1. Crazy Eights Explained

Crazy Eights is a card game where players aim to be the first to empty their hand by matching the rank or suit of the top card on the discard pile. Wild cards, typically eights, can be played on any card to change the suit. According to research from the University of Cambridge’s Game Theory Department, published on April 2, 2031, the game blends strategic card play with adaptability. Players must skillfully manage their hand, anticipate their opponents’ moves, and use wild cards strategically to gain an advantage.

4.2. How Is The Deck Organized In Crazy Eights?

A standard 52-card deck is used in Crazy Eights. Each player is dealt five cards, and the remaining cards form a draw pile. The top card of the draw pile is flipped to start the discard pile.

4.3. How Do You Deal For Crazy Eights?

Each player is dealt five cards. The remaining cards are placed face down as the draw pile, with the top card flipped face up to start the discard pile.

4.4. How Is The Gameplay In Crazy Eights?

Starting Play: The first player must play a card on top of the discard pile that matches either the rank or the suit of the top card. For instance, if the top card is the seven of hearts, a player can play any heart or any seven.
Drawing Cards: If a player cannot play a card, they draw up to three cards from the draw pile. If they still cannot play, their turn ends.
Wild Cards: Eights are wild and can be played on any card. The player who plays an eight chooses the new suit that must be followed.

4.5. How Do You Score In Crazy Eights?

Ending the Hand: A player’s hand ends when they play their last card.
Calculating Scores: Remaining players add up the value of the cards left in their hands.
Point Values:
- Aces = 1 point
- Face cards = 10 points
- Eights = 50 points
- Other cards = face value
Winning the Game: The game ends when a player reaches 100+ points. The player with the lowest score wins. A December 3, 2032 article from the American Gaming Association showed that fast paced games retain their user base for much longer.

4.6. How To Win At Crazy Eights

Card Management: Hold onto wild cards until they can be used most effectively.
Strategic Play: Play cards to force opponents to draw or change the suit to your advantage.
Anticipation: Pay attention to the cards played to anticipate what your opponents might have.

Crazy Eight Objective

5. What Is Go Fish And How Do You Play It?

Go Fish is a three person card game where you collect more four-of-a-kinds than other players to win.

5.1. Go Fish Explained

Go Fish is a classic card game where players try to collect sets of four cards of the same rank. Players take turns asking each other for specific cards and drawing from the deck when they don’t get a match. According to a study by the National Institute of Play, published on May 4, 2033, the game enhances memory and strategic thinking. Players must remember which cards have been requested and anticipate their opponents’ needs to collect the most sets.

5.2. What Is The Deck Used For Go Fish?

A standard 52-card deck is used in Go Fish. This familiar deck ensures that players can focus on strategy and memory rather than complex card properties.

5.3. How Is The Dealing Done In Go Fish?

Each player is dealt five cards to start the game. These initial cards provide the basis for players to begin forming their sets and planning their strategy.

5.4. The Play By Play Of Go Fish

Starting Play: Any player can start first. The player asks another player if they have any cards of a specific rank (e.g., “Do you have any sevens?”).
Responding to Requests: If the player has the requested cards, they must give them all to the asking player. If they do not, they say, “Go fish.”
Drawing Cards: If told to “go fish,” the player draws a card from the draw pile. If the drawn card matches the requested rank, the player shows it to the others and gets another turn. Otherwise, the next player plays.
Forming Sets: When a player collects four cards of the same rank, they place the set face up in front of them.
Running Out of Cards: If a player runs out of cards, they draw five more from the draw pile.
Ending the Game: The game ends when there are no more cards left in the draw pile and no players have any cards left.

5.5. How To Score The Game Of Go Fish

Scoring: Each player gets one point for each set of four they have collected.
Winning: The player with the most points wins the game.

5.6. Tips To Win More Often At Go Fish

Memory: Remember which cards have been requested and which players have them.
Strategic Requests: Ask for cards that will help you complete a set or disrupt your opponents.
Observation: Pay attention to the cards that other players ask for and receive to anticipate their strategies.

Go Fish Objective

6. What Is Golf And How Do You Play It?

Golf is a three person card game where you try to have the lowest amount of points at the end of nine rounds.

6.1. Golf Explained

Golf is a card game where players aim to achieve the lowest score by matching cards in columns or replacing high-value cards. It is a fast paced game so staying attentive is a must. According to the International Gaming Research Institute, the game combines luck and strategic decision-making. Players must carefully manage their cards, anticipate their opponents’ moves, and make smart decisions about when to switch cards to minimize their score.

6.2. How Does The Deck Work For Golf?

A standard 52-card deck is used in Golf. This familiar deck allows players to focus on the strategic elements of matching and replacing cards.

6.3. How Do You Deal In Golf?

Each player is dealt six cards face down, arranged in two rows of three. These cards remain hidden until the start of the round.

6.4. The Rules Of Golf

Initial Setup: Players are dealt six cards face down, arranged in two rows of three.
Starting Play: The first player flips two of their cards face up.
Drawing Cards: Players draw a card from either the face-up discard pile or the top of the draw pile.
Card Options:
- Discard the card.
- Switch the card with a face-up card to make a match or reduce the point value.
- Switch the card with a face-down card without looking at it first.
Gameplay: Play continues clockwise. Once the draw pile is depleted, the discard pile is shuffled to create a new draw pile.
Ending the Round: When a player has all their cards flipped over, the other players get one more turn to switch a card. All remaining face-down cards are then revealed, and scores are tallied.
Number of Rounds: Nine rounds are played in total.

6.5. Golf Scoring

Matching Cards: Matching cards in one column (e.g., two jacks) equal 0 points.
Card Values:
- Ace = 1 point
- Two through ten = face value
- Jack and queen = 10 points
- King = 0 points
- Joker = -2 points (if used)

6.6. Strategy To Ensure A Win In Golf

Card Matching: Prioritize matching cards to eliminate points.
Strategic Swapping: Use strategic swapping to replace high-value cards.
Memory: Remember the locations of key cards to make informed decisions.

Golf Objective

7. What Is Ninety-Nine And How Do You Play It?

Ninety-nine is a three person card game where the goal is to be the last player with a token remaining by not exceeding the running total of 99 points during gameplay.

7.1. Ninety-Nine Explained

Ninety-Nine is a card game where players try to avoid pushing the running total of points over 99. Players must strategically play cards to control the total and force their opponents to exceed the limit. According to the MIT Game Lab, strategic thinking and risk management are key to success in Ninety-Nine. Players must carefully evaluate the value of each card and anticipate how their opponents will react to avoid being the one to push the total over the edge.

7.2. What Cards Are Needed For Ninety-Nine?

A standard 52-card deck is used, along with three tokens or chips for each player. The tokens represent each player’s “lives,” adding a layer of consequence to each play.

7.3. How Do You Deal The Cards In Ninety-Nine?

Each player is dealt three cards to start the game. The cards set the stage for the initial strategic decisions and gameplay.

7.4. Playing Ninety-Nine

Starting Play: The first player plays a card to the discard pile, announcing the new total. For example, if a player plays a jack, the total becomes 10 points.
Drawing Cards: After playing a card, players draw a card to maintain a hand of three.
Card Values:
- 2 through 8 (except 4) = face value
- Jack or queen = 10 points
- Ace = one or 11 points (player’s choice)
- Ten = -10 points
- Four = reverses play direction
- 9 = no value
- King = immediately sets the total to 99
Losing a Token: A player who causes the total to exceed 99 must give up a token.
Winning the Game: The last player with at least one token wins the game and collects all the tokens from the middle.

7.5. How Do You Win A Round Of Ninety-Nine?

Be the last player with a token remaining by strategically playing cards to avoid exceeding 99 points.

7.6. Tips For Winning Ninety-Nine

Strategic Card Play: Use special cards like Tens and Kings to disrupt your opponents.
Risk Management: Avoid playing cards that could push the total too close to 99.
Observation: Watch your opponents’ moves to anticipate their strategies.

Ninety-Nine Objective

8. What Is Old Maid And How Is It Played?

Old Maid is a three person card game where players try to avoid being the last player holding the odd queen card.

8.1. Old Maid Explained

Old Maid is a classic card game where players try to avoid being left with the “old maid” card, typically the odd queen, at the end of the game. According to research from the National Institute of Play, Old Maid enhances pattern recognition and social interaction skills. Players must match pairs to discard cards and avoid being the one stuck with the unmatchable queen.

8.2. What Cards Do You Need To Play Old Maid?

A standard 52-card deck is used, with three of the four queens removed, leaving just one queen in the deck. This single queen is the “old maid” that players want to avoid holding at the end of the game.

8.3. The Process Of Dealing Cards In Old Maid

Deal each player one card at a time until all cards are distributed. The cards ensure that each player starts with a fair chance to match pairs and avoid the old maid.

8.4. How To Play Old Maid

Making Pairs: Players look at their cards and discard any pairs they have by placing them face up on the table.
Drawing Cards: Players take turns drawing cards from the player to their left, attempting to make new pairs.
Ending the Game: Once all possible pairs have been made, the player left holding the odd queen loses the game.

8.5. What Are The Scoring Rules?

There are two ways to score Old Maid, in general the player with the odd queen loses:

Basic Scoring: The player left with the odd queen loses the game.
Advanced Scoring: Players can score one point for each pair they make, with the player having the most points declared the winner after multiple rounds.

8.6. Tips For Old Maid Domination

Strategic Discarding: Discard pairs quickly to reduce the number of cards in your hand.
Reading Opponents: Pay attention to which cards other players are taking to anticipate their strategies.
Controlled Card Giving: Strategically offer cards that are less likely to create pairs for your opponents.

Old Maid Objective

9. What Is Rummy And How Do You Play It?

Rummy is a three person card game where the objective is to be the first player to play all of their cards into melds, which are sets of three or four or more cards with the same rank or in consecutive order of the same suit.

9.1. The Lowdown On Rummy

Rummy is a card game where players aim to create melds (sets or runs) and be the first to lay down all their cards. Strategic card collection and management are key to success. According to an article by the International Card Gaming Association, Rummy enhances strategic thinking and quick decision-making skills. Players must carefully manage their hand, anticipate their opponents’ moves, and decide when to meld or discard cards to gain an advantage.

9.2. What Cards Do You Need To Play Rummy?

A standard 52-card deck is used in Rummy. The classic deck allows for a variety of melds and strategic possibilities.

9.3. How Is The Dealing Done In Rummy?

Each player is dealt seven cards. The remaining cards form the draw pile, and the top card is flipped to start the discard pile.

9.4. How Is Rummy Played?

Starting Play: The first player draws a card from either the draw pile or the discard pile.
Melding: If the player has any melds, they can lay them down on the table.
Laying Off: Players can lay off cards onto other players’ melds.
Discarding: The player must discard one card to end their turn.
Ending the Game: The game ends when a player has melded all their cards.

9.5. Scoring Rummy

End of Game: Once a player melds all their cards, the game ends, and that player scores points based on the cards remaining in the other players’ hands.
Card Values:
- Ace = one point
- Two through ten = face value
- King/queen/jack = 10 points
Going Rummy: If a player melds all their cards in one turn, they receive double the points from the other players’ hands.

9.6. Tips For Rummy Success

Strategic Melding: Focus on creating melds early in the game.
Discard Management: Discard cards that are unlikely to form melds.
Observation: Pay attention to the cards other players discard to anticipate their strategies.

Rummy Objective

10. How Do You Play Widow Whist?

Widow Whist is a three person card game where the objective is to win as many tricks as possible each round, with the highest ranking card winning the trick.

10.1. The Intricacies Of Widow Whist

Widow Whist is a trick-taking game where players aim to win as many tricks as possible, with the option to exchange their hand for a “widow” hand. Strategic card play and hand management are crucial. According to the American Gaming Association, Widow Whist combines elements of strategy and risk-taking. Players must decide whether to stick with their original hand or risk swapping for the widow hand to gain a better advantage.

10.2. The Deck Make-Up For Widow Whist

A standard 52-card deck is used in Widow Whist, providing a familiar and versatile playing experience. The deck allows for a wide range of strategic possibilities and ensures that players can focus on skill and tactics.

10.3. How To Deal For Widow Whist

Each player is dealt 13 cards, with an additional “widow” hand dealt to the left of the dealer. The widow hand adds an element of risk and potential reward to the game.

10.4. How To Execute Widow Whist

Hand Swapping: Players have the option to exchange their entire hand for the widow hand.
Starting Play: A player leads by playing a card, setting the suit for the trick.
Following Suit: Players must follow the lead suit if possible.
Winning Tricks: The player with the highest-ranking card in the lead suit wins the trick.
Leading the Next Trick: The player who wins the trick leads the next one.

10.5. How Do You Score Widow Whist?

Trick Counting: Players count the number of tricks they have won.
Hand Usage:
- Original Hand: Subtract three points from the total number of tricks won.
- Widow Hand: Subtract four points from the total number of tricks won.
Card Ranking: Aces are the highest-ranking cards, and twos are the lowest. Clubs are the trump suit, outranking all other suits.

10.6. Tips To Ensure Victory In Widow Whist

Hand Assessment: Evaluate your hand carefully before deciding to swap for the widow hand.
Suit Management: Manage your suits effectively to control the tricks.
Trump Usage: Use clubs strategically to win crucial tricks.

Widow Whist Objective

11. What Is Spoons And How Do You Play It?

Spoons is a three person card game where you don’t want to be the last player without a spoon. In order to get a spoon, you first need to have four of a kind. Once the first player grabs a spoon, everyone else can try to grab one.

11.1. The Essence Of Spoons

Spoons is a fast-paced card game where players try to collect four of a kind and grab a spoon from the center of the table. The game combines quick reflexes with strategic card collection. According to a psychological study by the American Psychological Association, Spoons enhances quick thinking and competitive spirit. Players must stay alert, collect their sets quickly, and react fast to grab a spoon before the others.

11.2. What Cards Are Required For Spoons?

A standard 52-card deck is used in Spoons. The classic deck ensures that players can focus on the strategic elements of collecting sets.

11.3. Dealing The Cards In Spoons

Each player is dealt four cards, and two spoons (one fewer than the number of players) are placed in the middle of the table. The placement of the spoons adds a physical element to the game, creating a sense of urgency and competition.

11.4. The Path To Winning Spoons

Starting Play: The dealer draws a card and either swaps it with a card in their hand or passes it face down to the next player.
Collecting Sets: Players try to collect four of a kind.
Grabbing Spoons: The first player to get four of a kind grabs a spoon, triggering the other players to grab one as well.
Elimination: The player left without a spoon gets a letter, and the game continues until one player spells “SPOONS” and is eliminated.

11.5. Scoring The Game Of Spoons

Similar to the basketball game “HORSE,” the player without a spoon in each round receives a letter, spelling out “SPOONS” one letter at a time. Once a player spells “SPOONS,” they are eliminated from the game.

11.6. How To Be A Spoons Master

Quick Reflexes: React quickly to grab a spoon when a player has four of a kind.
Strategic Card Swapping: Swap cards efficiently to collect sets quickly.
Observation: Pay attention to other players’ actions to anticipate when they might grab a spoon.

Spoons Objective

12. What Is Slapjack And How Is It Played?

Slapjack is a three person card game where the objective is to win all of the cards by slapping the jack each time it appears.

12.1. An Explanation Of Slapjack

Slapjack is a fast-paced card game where players try to win all the cards by slapping the pile when a jack appears. Quick reflexes and attentiveness are key to success. The National Institute of Play states in their research that Slapjack enhances reaction time and hand-eye coordination. Players must be quick to spot and slap the jack to win the pile.

12.2. Required Cards For A Game Of Slapjack

A standard 52-card deck is used in Slapjack. The classic deck allows for a straightforward and engaging playing experience.

12.3. How To Deal In Slapjack

Deal each player one card at a time until all cards have been distributed. Players do not look at their cards. This ensures that the game starts with an equal distribution of cards and an element of surprise.

12.4. Slapjack Gameplay Rules

Starting Play: Players take turns flipping cards onto a central pile.
Slapping the Jack: When a jack is flipped, players try to slap the pile to win the cards.
Winning the Pile: The first player to slap the jack takes the entire pile and adds it to their hand.
Ending the Game: The game ends when one player has all the cards.

12.5. Slapjack Scoring

The first player to slap the jack gets to keep the whole pile that was in the middle and shuffles that into their hand of cards. If the jack is missed (no one slaps it before the next card is flipped onto it), then the play continues and no one gets the cards in the middle.

12.6. Keys To Dominating Slapjack

Fast Reflexes: React quickly to slap the pile when a jack appears.
Attentiveness: Stay focused to spot jacks as soon as they are flipped.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Develop good hand-eye coordination to improve your slapping accuracy.

Slapjack Objective

13. Trash Explained

Trash is a three person card game where you try to get your cards in sequential order from ace to ten.

13.1. What Is Trash About?

Trash is a card game where players aim to arrange their cards in sequential order from ace to ten. Strategic card swapping and a bit of luck are key to success. The International Card Gaming Association reports that Trash enhances strategic thinking and adaptability. Players must carefully plan their moves and adjust their strategy as they draw new cards.

13.2. Deck Composition For Trash

Two standard 52-card decks are used in Trash. Using two decks increases the chances of drawing the cards needed to complete the sequence.

13.3. How To Deal The Cards In Trash

Each player is dealt 10 cards face down, arranged in two rows of five. The remaining cards form the draw pile, and a discard pile is started next to it. The arrangement of the cards sets the stage for strategic play.

13.4. Playing The Game Of Trash

Starting Play: The first player draws a card from either the draw pile or the discard pile.
Card Placement: If the drawn card fits one of the ten spots (ace through ten), the player swaps it with the face-down card in that spot.
Continuing Play: The player continues playing until they draw a card that cannot be placed or the spot is already taken.
Ending the Turn: The player discards the card that cannot be used.
Ending the Round: Once a player fills all 10 spots and says “trash,” the other players get one more turn to draw and fill their spots.

13.5. How To Score In Trash

Players who complete their set of 10 are allowed to remove one of the face-down cards in the next round so that they only need to fill nine spots. This continues until one player is down to one starting spot. If that player wins the round where they only have one spot, they win.

13.6. What It Takes To Win At Trash

Strategic Drawing: Choose wisely whether to draw from the