Objective of the Game
French Tarot, also known as "Troops", is a traditional card game typically played with four players. The main goal is to achieve a certain score by winning tricks, combining strategy, bluff, and luck.
Game Materials
- A Tarot deck with a total of 78 cards consisting of:
- 22 trump cards (numbered from 1 to 21 plus the Fool).
- 56 cards in four suits: Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, and Clubs.
- Each suit contains 14 cards from the lowest (2) to the highest (King).
Brief Card Description
- Trumps: Trumps are numbered from 1 to 21, where the 1-Tarot (Pagat) and the highest Tarot (Mond) have specific importance. The Fool is a special non-attacking trump.
- Suits: Each suit runs from 2 to 10, followed by Jack, Queen, King, and Ace.
Game Setup
- Shuffle the Deck: Shuffle the cards thoroughly.
- Deal the Cards: Each player receives 24 cards. The remaining cards form the Talon.
Gameplay
- Bidding: The player to the right of the dealer starts the bidding phase, deciding on whether they wish to lead the game ("play") or pass. The possible bids include:
- Solo: The player plays alone against the other three.
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Pass: No interest in leading the game.
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Selecting from the Talon: The player who won the bidding can take two cards from the Talon and replace them with two cards from their hand face-down, counting for the dealer.
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Playing Phase:
- The leading player throws the first card.
- Play proceeds clockwise.
- Players must follow the suit played, if possible, or play a trump if they cannot.
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The Fool can always be played but never wins the trick.
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Tricks and Scoring:
- Tricks: A trick is won by a player who plays the highest card in the suit led or the highest trump.
- Scores: Cards have various point values, with Kings, Queens, Jacks, and Aces holding higher points.
- Special Cards: The Pagat, the Fool, and the King have strategies linked to them.
Winning
- At the end of the game, each player calculates their tricks won and the cumulative scores.
- Different game outcomes depend on the points a player achieves.
- Possible leading player bids are Contract, Misery or Solo.
Strategies and Tactics
- Card Counting: Skilled players can attempt to remember played cards and predict opponents' hands.
- Bluffing: Feigning weaker hands or stronger hands can lead opponents to make mistakes.
- Risk-Taking: Higher bids can offer more control over the game but carry risk.
French Tarot, or "Königrufen", is a blend of skill and strategy where planning and psychological nuances play crucial roles. Enjoy playing!
