Trick Taking Card Games in India
Trick-taking card games are an absolute thrill for card game enthusiasts worldwide. Just imagine the excitement of players vying to outsmart each other in tricky rounds known as “tricks.” Wondering what the ultimate goal of these games is? It’s snatching those crucial cards at precisely the right moment! It’s a battle of wit and timing – knowing when to unleash your best cards for that awe-inspiring victory! The best part? Each game comes with its own delightful twist and charm, adding to the excitement. From the timeless allure of Bridge to the well-liked Indian classics like Twenty-eight and Court Piece, these games carry tales of tradition and joy. They have stood the test of time, bringing smiles and friendly rivalries to players of all generations and backgrounds. So, let’s dive into the fun of trick taking card games in India with these 10 games:
Trick Taking Card Games In India
29 Card Game
Most commonly played in South Asia including India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, the 29 card game uses 32 cards from a standard 52 card deck. The ranking of the cards used in the 29 card game (from highest to lowest) is as under:
- J (Jack)
- 9
- A (Ace)
- 10
- K (King)
- Q (Queen)
- 8
- 7
In the 29 card game, the objective is to win valuable card tricks, and each card has specific point values. The point values for the cards are as follows:
- Jacks: 3 points each.
- Nines: 2 points each.
- Aces: 1 point each.
- Tens: 1 point each.
- (K, Q, 8, 7) have no points.
When playing the game, players aim to win tricks that contain high-value cards, such as Jacks and Nines, to accumulate points. Jacks are the most valuable cards, followed by Nines, Aces, and Tens. The remaining cards, including Kings, Queens, Eights, and Sevens, have no point value.
By winning tricks with high-value cards, players can score more points and increase their chances of winning the game. The team or player who scores the most points by the end of the game is declared the winner.
Spades
Spades is a popular trick-taking card game, widely played in countries like the United States and Canada. The game is typically played by four players, forming two partnerships. It requires a standard deck of 52 cards.
The main objective in Spades is for players to accurately predict and win tricks containing specific cards or combinations of cards. Each round begins with players bidding on the number of tricks they believe they can win with the cards they hold in hand. The bids are based on the number of tricks each player thinks they can take individually. However, the total bid from both partners in a team must be precise and equal to the number of tricks that can be taken in each round (usually 13).
Satte Pe Satta
Satte pe Satta, a card game widely loved in India, is a real hit among players. The goal is simple: get rid of all your cards as quickly as possible by betting on cards with consecutive numbers in the deck. For example, if someone plays a 5 of hearts, the next player can choose to place a 4 or 6 of hearts.
Also known as “7 on 7,” this game brings a lot of fun, especially when played with a big group of friends or family. You can enjoy it with three to eight players using just one deck, or if you have more players, simply use multiple 52-card decks. Remember, in Satte pe Satta, the King is the most valuable card, while the Ace holds the lowest rank.
Bridge
Bridge has been a much-loved card game since the 1930s, and it still continues to win the hearts of players worldwide. Its origins can be traced back to earlier versions like Bridge Whist and Auction Bridge, giving it a rich history that adds to its timeless appeal for people of all ages.
The game is played with four players forming two partnerships, and they use a standard deck of 52 cards. The main objective is to win tricks, which adds an element of competition and strategy to each round. To gain an advantage, players have the option to select a trump suit, which can be a game-changer during gameplay.
In the game of Bridge, players must follow suit by playing a card of the same suit as the lead, aiming to win tricks by playing either the highest card of the led suit or the highest trump card if it’s applicable. The excitement builds up as all 13 tricks are played, and scoring comes into play to determine the ultimate winner.
28 Card Game
Twenty-eight or 28 is an exciting card game played in India by four players. The game has unique card rankings, with the Jack and the nine being the highest cards in each suit, followed by the ace and the ten. It is believed to have originated from a game called 304 and has similarities with other Indian card games like “29”, “40”, and “56”. The game’s special card hierarchy and strategic gameplay make it a popular and enjoyable choice for card game lovers both in India and around the world.
3 2 5 Card Game
The 3 2 5 Card Game is also known as Teen Do Paanch or card game 2 3 5. It is a well-liked trick-taking card game that’s played in India. The main goal of this game is to win tricks, which are sets of cards played in a round, to score points. It’s a game for three players and is similar to another game called Sergeant Major or 3-5-8.
The 3 2 5 Card Game is often compared to other trick-taking games like Call Break, Bridge, and Mendicot, which are also popular in South Asia. In this game, a “hand” is replaced with a “trick,” where each player plays one card in succession, and the player with the best card wins the trick.
The game’s history is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in northern India, possibly during the early 20th century. The name “Teen Do Paanch” refers to the highest-ranking cards in the game, and since its inception, the game has spread throughout India and gained popularity in other parts of the world.
Callbreak
Call Break is a well-known multiplayer trick-taking card game that combines strategy with excitement, turning friends into fierce competitors. The Callbreak card game is also known by names like Ghochi, Lakdi, Lakadi, Call Bridge, Racing & Call Break Taas. This game, popular in countries like India and Nepal, shares similarities with international trick-taking games like Spades, Hearts, Euchre, and Canasta.
It’s one of the simplest online card games that you can enjoy with both friends and strangers. The Call Break Card Game Multiplayer Callbreak is played by 4 players over 5 rounds.
3 5 8 Card Game
3-5-8, which is also called Sergeant Major because it’s a hit among the Royal Air Force members, is a card game for 3 players using a regular 52-card deck. You can even play it as a gambling game, and there are different variations like “8-5-3” and “9-5-2” played all over the world. The Royal Navy used to play a version called “9-5-3 variation with no kitty” many years ago, where the crew would enjoy playing games over several nights.
Court Piece
Court Piece or Coat Piece is a trick-taking game that offers a new challenge to card game enthusiasts. This exciting game has a fascinating history and is loved by millions of players worldwide. In India, Court Piece has been enjoyed for centuries and is even considered a cultural tradition.
You might have heard it called by different names like Rang, Coat Peace, or Coat Piece. It’s hugely popular in South Asia and the Middle East. Over time, the game has evolved and become a favourite pastime in countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Interestingly, Court Piece’s popularity has extended to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America. In Persian, it’s known as Hokm.
So, if you’re up for a fun and challenging card game experience, give Court Piece a try, and you might just fall in love with it!
Hearts
Hearts is one of the super popular and classic trick taking card games in India that you can play online for free with other players or against computer opponents. It’s also known as Black Lady, Black Maria, or Black Widow. The main goal of the game is to score as few points as possible. To do that, you need to avoid taking tricks that have hearts or the queen of spades in them because they are worth one and a big 13 points, respectively.
But here comes the twist: if you manage to take all 13 hearts and the queen of spades, guess what? You score zero points! Not only that, but you also make the other players score a whopping 26 points each. That’s called shooting the moon, and it’s a super cool move if you can pull it off! So, be smart and strategic, and aim to score as few points as you can in this exciting game of Hearts. Good luck!
Also See: How To Play Poker Without Using Money