ALL CARD GAMES
INTRODUCTION
A game for families where tactics help to control the game. Play seven rounds to find the winner. Players must win a hand in each round to stay in the game.
HOW TO PLAY KNOCKOUT WHIST
7 cards are dealt to each player. Players arrange them into suits. In round one, the top card of the deck is turned face up to decide trumps e.g. 7♥️ makes hearts trumps.
Player one plays a card from their hand to start a pile e.g. 5♦️. The next player(s) takes it in turn to play a card. 2 is low, A is high. High card wins.
Players must follow the suit of the first card played if they can, e.g. 9♦️ has to be played by player two. The winner of the hand takes the cards and puts them to the side.
If a player does not have the same suit as the first player, they can play a trump card. A trump card is always higher than the leading suit e.g. 2♥️ beats K♣️.
After the first round of seven cards has finished, each player counts the number of hands they've won. Any player who didn't win a hand is out of the game.
The next round starts with six cards being dealt. The player with the most hands won in the previous round decides trumps for the next round.
Each round has one less card dealt. The dealer is the player to the left of the last dealer.
The winner of the game is the player who wins all the hands in one round. This could happen in any round.
THE DEAL
Seven cards are dealt to each player. Players arrange them into suits. In round one, the top card of the deck is turned face up to decide trumps e.g. 7♥️ makes hearts trumps.
THE PLAY
Player one plays a card from their hand to start a pile e.g. 5♦️. The next player(s) takes it in turn to play a card. 2 is low, A is high. High card wins.
HOW TO WIN
Be the last plaver left in the game to win. The player with the most hands in a round has the advantage of choosing trumps in the next round.
FOLLOW SUIT
Players must follow the suit of the first card played if they can, e.g. 9♦️ has to be played by player two. The winner of the hand takes the cards and puts them to the side. They start the next hand.
PLAYING TRUMPS
If a player does not have the same suit as the first player, they can play a trump card. A trump card is always higher than the leading suit e.g. 2♥️ beats K♣️.
COUNTING HANDS
After the first round of seven cards has finished, each player counts the number of hands they’ve won. Any player who didn’t win a hand is out of the game. They still deal the next round if it is their turn.
SELECTING TRUMPS
The next round starts with six cards being dealt. The player with the most hands won in the previous round decides trumps for the next round. This is done after they look at their cards.
MULTIPLE ROUNDS
Each round has one less card dealt. The dealer is the player to the left of the last dealer.
THE WINNER
The winner of the game is the player who wins all the hands in one round. This could happen in any round.
VIDEO OF HOW TO PLAY KNOCKOUT WHIST
TIPS
Staying in the game should always be the first priority.
STRATEGY
When choosing trumps, players should choose the suit they have the most card of or the highest cards of.
EXTRAS
If two or more players win the same number of hands in a round, they cut the deck to decide who chooses trumps. Alternatively, turn over the top card of the deck to decide trumps.
VARIATIONS
Add one or more of the following rules:
– The winner of the last round deals the next round
– Start with nine cards in the first round
– 2♦️ or jokers are the highest cards and rank above trumps
SIMILAR GAMES
- Trumps
- Scrounge
- Whist
FAQ
The most common questions will be added here. Scroll to the bottom of the page to add a question or comment about this game.
