Hand Online
Play Hand free on JAWNA with friends in a browser, no download. Share a private table link, enjoy voice chat, or use the iPhone and Android app.
Why play Hand on JAWNA?
- Mic and voice chat right at the Hand table: talk to the other players while you play.
- Quick match finds you a table with new people fast, or make a private table and send your friends the link.
- No download: it runs in the browser on phone and computer, and there is a JAWNA phone app too.
- Arabic first, with English. Made for the Gulf and the Arab world.
- Free. Extras (table and card looks) are optional, with coins.
- 100+ games in one place: Baloot, Jackaroo, Kout, Tarneeb, Hand, Konkan, Ludo, Dominoes and more.
- Fair play: reports, bans and moderators.
Hand: goal and players
Play Hand online on JAWNA at jawna.app. Check the goal and supported player counts before inviting your group. Read the rules even if you know the game: familiar names can have different variants, and your usual house rules may differ from the selected version.
Supported table sizes: 2, 3, 4 or 5 players. Choose a player count in the game settings. In partner variants, check seats and teams first. In individual formats, each player competes for their own result. The in-game How to play screen provides details. Agree on the variant before your first round together.
How to play: rules
- Two decks and two jokers. 14 cards each; the starter has 15 and begins by throwing one onto the fire pile. Play goes counterclockwise.
- Each turn: draw from the stock or take the top fire card, lay down or add if you like, then throw one card. Taking the fire card means you must lay down a set that turn.
- Sets are 3+ cards: a run in one suit (A-2-3 or Q-K-A) or one rank in different suits. Jokers stand in for any card.
- Your first lay-down must total 51 or more (Ace 11; J Q K 10; a joker counts as the card it replaces). After that you can add to any set and swap your card in for a joker.
- Going out scores −30. Everyone else scores the cards left in hand (Ace 11, joker 15), or 100 if they never laid down. Laying everything down in one turn without adding to others is a “Hand”: −60, and the others’ points double.
- After 5 rounds, the lowest total wins.
Scoring and winning
Two decks and two jokers. 14 cards each; the starter has 15 and begins by throwing one onto the fire pile. Play goes counterclockwise.
Going out scores −30. Everyone else scores the cards left in hand (Ace 11, joker 15), or 100 if they never laid down. Laying everything down in one turn without adding to others is a “Hand”: −60, and the others’ points double.
After 5 rounds, the lowest total wins.
Tips and strategy
Check the win condition and the legal options before each move. Rules and results depend on the selected mode; agree on the format before starting.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I play Hand online with a mic?
On JAWNA (jawna.app). Every Hand table has a mic and voice chat, so you talk to the players while you play.
Where can I play Hand with new people?
On JAWNA pick Hand and tap Quick match to get players fast, or make a private table for your friends.
Do I need to download an app to play Hand?
No. Open jawna.app in the browser on your phone or computer and play right away. There is also a JAWNA phone app if you like.
Guide: where to play Hand online with a mic
Is there a free app for Hand?
You can start on JAWNA and play in a browser for free. Optional in-app extras are available; review any purchase option before choosing it. The download page lists current mobile installation options.
How many people can play Hand on JAWNA?
The available player counts are 2, 3, 4 or 5 players. Pick the format that fits your group before starting; a game with multiple supported sizes does not necessarily support every number between them.
How do you win at Hand?
After 5 rounds, the lowest total wins.
How do I invite friends to Hand?
Create a private table from the game and share its link with friends. Check that everyone has chosen the same game and the seats suit your group before starting, particularly when a partner is involved.
Do I have to use my microphone?
Table voice chat is available when you allow microphone access. Check your microphone and mute state before talking, and respect the other players’ privacy and the community rules.
Are the Hand rules the same as our house rules?
Some details or variants may differ. Read the summary and the in-game How to play screen together, then agree on the variant. The rules of the selected mode determine the round.
Can a beginner learn Hand on JAWNA?
Start with the instructions and play with friends who know the game. Understand the goal and scoring before concentrating on advanced moves or speed.
Where can I find other games for my group?
Open JAWNA’s games directory and choose by player count and game idea. There are card games, board games and puzzles, so you can switch according to your time, group size and preferred challenge.
Start a session with friends
Use Play now, sign in, then choose a private table and share its link, or select Quick match where available.
Related games
How to play – step by step
- Draw – On your turn, draw from the stock or take the top card of the fire pile.
- Sets – A set is 3 or more cards: a run in one suit (4-5-6), or one rank in different suits (9-9-9). A joker stands in for any card.
- Your first lay-down: 51+ – The first time you lay down, your sets must total 51 or more (J, Q, K are 10, Ace 11). After that you can add to any set.
- Throw a card – Every turn ends by throwing one card onto the fire pile.
- Scoring – Going out first scores −30. Everyone else scores the cards left in hand. After 5 rounds the lowest total wins.
History & origins
Hand is a Middle Eastern rummy tradition documented in Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine, with further regional variants.
Its name refers to laying down an entire hand in one turn. Drawing, discarding and building sets connect it to the broader rummy family.
Different communities change opening totals, wild cards and penalties. These are regional developments, not evidence of one confirmed inventor or invention date.