Balatro – Basic Rules

Balatro is a poker-inspired deck-building roguelike. The goal is to score enough chips each round by playing poker hands. As you progress, the score requirements increase, and you must improve your deck using special cards, upgrades, and strategy.

1. The Goal

Each round has a score requirement. You earn points (called chips) by playing poker hands. If your total score reaches the required amount before you run out of hands, you win the round and advance to the next one.

2. Playing Hands

At the start of a round you are dealt cards from your deck. You can select cards to play a poker hand such as:

• Pair

• Two Pair

• Three of a Kind

• Straight

• Flush

• Full House

• Four of a Kind

• Straight Flush

Each hand type has a base chip value and a multiplier. Your final score for a hand is calculated by multiplying the chips by the multiplier.

3. Limited Hands and Discards

You only have a limited number of hands and discards per round.

• A hand is used whenever you play cards for points.

• A discard lets you throw away cards and draw new ones.

Managing these resources is important because if you run out before reaching the score goal, the run ends.

4. Jokers

Jokers are special cards that give powerful bonuses. They can increase multipliers, add chips, change how hands are scored, or create unique effects. Choosing the right Jokers is one of the most important parts of winning.

5. Upgrading Your Deck

Between rounds you can visit the shop, where you may:

• Buy Jokers

• Add new playing cards

• Upgrade poker hands

• Use Tarot or Planet cards to modify your deck

Improving your deck helps you keep up with the higher score requirements later in the game.

6. Winning a Run

A run continues through several rounds called Blinds. Each Blind has a higher score requirement, and some have special rules that make the game harder. If you defeat the final Blind, you win the run.

Balatro rewards experimentation and strategy. Building a strong deck, combining powerful Jokers, and playing the right poker hands at the right time are the keys to victory.