Ireland's most popular card game. Fast, fun, and easy to learn. Once you've read this, you're ready for Sunday night at Ted's.
2–6 players. At Ted's we play singles hands — every player for themselves.
Standard 52-card deck. All cards used. Trump suit is the most important concept.
Win 3 tricks to score 5 points. Win all 5 tricks to score 10 points (a "25").
First to 25 points wins the game. Each round deals 5 cards.
After dealing, the top card of the remaining deck is turned over — this determines the trump suit for that round. Trump cards beat all non-trump cards, no matter what.
| Rank | Card | Why It's Special |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 5 of Hearts ♥ | The highest trump card — always, in every suit |
| 2nd | Jack of Hearts ♥ | Second highest — even when hearts is NOT trump |
| 3rd | Ace of Trumps | Highest card in whatever suit IS trump |
| 4th–5th | King & Queen of Trumps | Powerful — hard to beat in a round |
| 6th | Knave (Jack) of Trumps | Only if trump is not hearts |
| 7th–… | 10, 9, 8, 7… of Trumps | Red suits count down from 10; Black suits count up from 2 |
Key rule: The 5 of Hearts and Jack of Hearts are always top trumps even if the trump suit is Spades, Clubs or Diamonds. They cannot be beaten.
K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, A (lowest)
K, Q, J, A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (lowest)
Remember: Ace is low in red suits, but high in black suits (except when it's the Ace of Trumps — then it's 3rd highest overall).
Deal 5 cards to each player. Turn over the top remaining card — that's the trump suit.
Robbing the trump: If you hold the Ace of trumps, you may swap one card from your hand with the turned-up trump card before play starts.
Lead a card. The dealer leads the first trick. Play a card — others must follow suit if they can.
Reneging (key rule): You do NOT have to follow suit if you hold a trump card — you can play a trump instead. But if you hold only non-trump of that suit, you must follow.
Highest card wins the trick. Trump beats non-trump. Winner of each trick leads the next.
Score after 5 tricks: Win 3+ tricks = 5 points. Win all 5 = 10 points. First to 25 wins.
If you have strong trumps, lead them early to flush out opponent's trumps.
It wins every time. Save it for when you really need a trick.
Count trumps that have gone. If all big ones are out, your small trump might win.
Don't be greedy — secure 3 tricks first, then try for more.
Play a practice hand against the computer. Get comfortable before Sunday night at Ted's.
Keep this open while you play. Everything you need at a glance.
K Q J 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 A (lowest)
K Q J A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (lowest)
5 points
10 points — a "25"!
First to 25 points
0 points
5♥ and J♥ are ALWAYS top 2 trumps — regardless of trump suit.
You CAN renege — play a trump instead of following suit. But if you have no trump, you must follow suit.
Rob the trump: Ace of trumps holder can swap one card for the turned-up card before play.
Trump beats everything. A 2 of trumps beats a King of any other suit.
Play in person every Sunday · 7pm at Ted's Bar
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