Objective of the Game
The objective of Solo Whist is, based on declared bids, either to take more tricks than the opposition or to fulfill the unique condition of taking fewer tricks to win the stated challenges or contracts.
Game Components
A standard 52-card deck is used without jokers. The suits are spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs.
Setup
The game is played with four players. Each player is dealt 13 cards, dealt clockwise.
Gameplay
- Bidding Phase: The player to the dealer's left starts the bidding. Possible declarations include:
- Misère: The player bets on making no tricks.
- Tres Solo: The player bets on making at least three tricks.
- Tout: A bid to win all the tricks.
- Fold: Opt to make no risky declarations.
Each announcement can be superseded by a higher bid, and the bidding concludes when three players pass.
- Playing the Cards: The player with the highest bid leads the first trick. Players follow suit clockwise.
- There is an obligation to follow suit, meaning a player must play a card in the lead suit if possible.
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There is no trump, so the highest card in the lead suit wins the trick.
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Scoring Tricks: Once all cards are played, the player's bid is evaluated.
- Successful Bid: The winner receives points or rewards in the form of chips or noted scores.
- Failed Bid: If the player fails to fulfill the bid, they are penalized by losing points or chips.
End of the Game
The game ends after a predetermined number of rounds or when a player reaches a defined score.
Strategy Tips
- Risk Management: A Misère bid can yield a win despite poor cards if opponents play rashly.
- Card Memory: Track which high cards are played to better judge your risk-taking.
- Psychological Play: Use your bids to mislead opponents or lead them into taking unnecessary risks.
