Objective of the Game
Boston is a trick-taking game where the aim is to accumulate the most points. Players gain points by winning tricks and fulfilling bids.
Setup
- The game is played with a standard 52-card French deck.
- Each player receives 13 cards.
- There is no fixed dealer; the role rotates among players.
- Trump is decided through a bidding process at the start of each round or there may be no trump if agreed on a Nil bid.
Gameplay
- Bidding:
- Each player bids on how many tricks they intend to win.
- The highest bidder decides the trump suit or can choose to play with no trump ("Nil").
- The bidder must win at least the number of tricks they bid to score points.
- Playing:
- The player to the left of the dealer plays the first card, starting the first trick.
- In clockwise order, other players play a card in turn.
- Players must follow the suit if possible.
- If unable to follow suit, they may play any other card.
- Once all players have played a card, the trick is evaluated.
- The player with the highest card of the lead suit or the highest trump card wins the trick.
- The winner of the trick leads the next one.
Special Rules
- Nil: If no player bids or if all agree to play Nil, the round is played without trump, and each trick is scored independently.
- Trump: Suit hierarchy in Boston is Hearts > Diamonds > Spades > Clubs.
Scoring
- For each trick won, a bidder who meets their bid receives 10 points.
- If a bidder fails to meet their bid, they lose 10 points per unfulfilled trick.
- Bonus Points: Additional bonuses for certain trick combinations can be agreed upon before the game starts.
Strategy Tips
- Pay attention to the cards that have been played to anticipate which cards are likely to win.
- Counting and tracking the remaining cards can help in making strategic decisions.
Ending the Game
- The game is played over several rounds. The player with the most total points at the end wins the game.
