Objective of the Game
The objective of French Tarot is to score the most points by winning the highest card tricks and achieving specific card combinations. It is played with a special Tarot deck.
Game Components
- A Tarot deck consisting of 78 cards containing 22 trump cards (Atouts) and 56 cards across the four traditional French suits: Clubs, Spades, Hearts, and Diamonds.
Setup
- Number of Players: The game is usually played with 4 players.
- Dealing Cards: Each player receives 18 cards, and the dealer places 6 cards face down in the center as the "Talon".
Game Rules
Types of Cards
- Trump Cards (Atouts): There are 22 trump cards, which can beat any cards from the suits. The "Fool" is a special trump card.
- Suit Cards: Each suit has 14 cards numbered from 1 to 14.
Phases of the Game
- Bidding Process: Players bid for the right to make the "contract" to play against others:
- Petite (small game): The solo player attempts to score the majority of points.
- Garde (guard): The solo player takes up the "Talon" and discards six cards.
- Garde sans (guard without): The solo player plays without utilizing the Talon.
- Garde contre (guard against): The solo player plays against the Talon.
- Playing Tricks:
- The first trick is led by the player to the left of the dealer.
- Players must follow suit if possible, otherwise, they may play a trump or any other card.
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The highest trump or highest card of the led suit wins the trick.
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Scoring Points:
- At the end of the round, players count up points based on gathered cards:
- Kings (4 points), Queens (3), Knights (2), Jacks (1)
- Trump cards and specific card combinations earn bonus points.
Special Rules
- The Fool: This card can be played in a trick without wishing to win it. It allows the player not to contribute a card to the "tricks".
- The Petit: The lowest trump is significant. If the solo player wins the last round with it, additional points are earned.
Strategic Tips
- Card Counting: Keep track of which high cards have already been played to maximize your trick success.
- Talon Usage: As the solo player, wisely plan which cards to pick from or drop into the Talon to improve your odds.
Enjoy playing French Tarot!
