Each player is dealt 5 cards and players take turns in a fixed order. The first player, who gets rid of all cards, wins. One card is placed in the middle of the table and the remaining cards form a side deck.

Played card must match the value or the suit of the top card on the central card pile. Instead of playing a card, a player can take one card from the side deck. Multiple cards of the same rank (except aces) can be played at once. If a player holds all four cards of the same rank and plays them together, he or she may continue playing.

Some cards have special functions. When an ace is played the next player skips their turn unless they also play an ace. When a seven is played the next player draws 3 cards unless he or she plays another seven. In that case, the next player draws 6 cards and so on. In addition, a seven of hearts can return a player, who got rid of all cards in the last round, back into the game. A queen can be played regardless the current suit and the player can choose a suit for the next round. Jack of spades - the Pharaoh - acts as a trump. It can be played on any cards (except an ace) and cancels the effects of a seven. Any card can played onto the Pharaoh.

The application allows you to play Pharaoh against one, two, or three computer-controlled opponents. You can adjust animation speed, turn on sounds and change card graphics.