ALL CARD GAMES
INTRODUCTION
A four player game where tactics help to control the game. Winning hands by playing the highest card is not as easy as it seems when opponents have trump cards.
HOW TO PLAY WHIST
Players work in teams of two and sit opposite each other. Thirteen cards are dealt to each player, apart from the dealer who receives 12 cards.
The dealer starts by turning over the last card in the deck face up. This will be the trump suit e.g. ♦️. Players arrange their cards into suits.
Player one can play any card to start the hand e.g. J♥️. The next players take it in turns to play a card. 2 is low, and A is high.
If a player does not have the same suit they can play a trump card. A trump card is always higher than the original suit e.g. 7♦️ beats A♥️.
The winner of the hand takes the cards and puts them to the side. They start the next hand with any card e.g. A♣️.
THE DEAL
Players work in teams of two and sit opposite each other. Thirteen cards are dealt to each player, apart from the dealer who receives twelve cards.
THE PLAY
The dealer starts by turning over the last card in the deck face up. This will be the trump suit e.g. ♦️. Players arrange their cards into suits.
HOW TO WIN
Win the most hands in a round to collect points. Players work together in teams of two to collect the most points and win the game. Play to seven points.
FOLLOW SUIT
Player one can play any card to start the hand e.g. J♥️. The next players take it in turns to play a card. 2 is low, and A is high. The dealer adds the trump card to their hand when it’s their turn. They then take their turn.
Players must follow the suit of the first card played if they can e.g. player two plays the A♥️.
TRUMP CARD
If a player does not have the same suit they can play a trump card. A trump card is always higher than the original suit e.g. 7♦️ beats A♥️.
STARTING A NEW HAND
The winner of the hand takes the cards and puts them to the side. They start the next hand with any card e.g. A♣️.
SCORING TABLE
COUNTING POINTS
When all cards have been played, the round ends. Teams count the combined number of hands won and points are counted, see Scoring Table.
THE WINNER
The team to reach seven points first wins. Variations are to play to ten points or play a best of three, five or seven rounds.
VIDEO OF HOW TO PLAY WHIST
TIPS
Remembering the cards played is important to know which card is the highest card left of a specific suit.
STRATEGY
If a player has a lot of low cards they should try to play their best cards first.
EXTRAS
Players cannot comment on their hand and teams cannot signal.
VARIATIONS
– Alternate the trumps every round in this order ♥️♠️♦️♣️. Add a fifth round with no trumps.
BONUS POINTS
– Score four extra points for collecting all four of the trump face cards J, Q, K, A, or three points for three face cards. Both will bring a larger element of luck into the game.
SIMILAR GAMES
- Spades
- Hearts
- Knock out 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
