The first card played must be a 7. The next player may add a card next in rank and of the same suit i.e., the 8 or the 6 or may play another 7. Thereafter, each must play a card of the same suit and in unbroken sequence with one already on the table or may play a 7.

fan-tan, bank gambling game of Chinese origin, dating back at least 2,000 years and introduced in the western United States in the second half of the 19th century by Chinese immigrant workers.