Instructions Belote

Objective

Belote is a trick-taking game for exactly four players who form two teams. The objective is to score more points than the opposing team by winning tricks. The game is played over several rounds, with teams competing to win tricks by playing the strongest card.

Components

• A deck of 32 cards (a standard French deck with cards from 2 to 6 removed).
• Scoring pad to keep track of points.

Card Value and Strength

• Trump suit: Jack > Nine > Ace > Ten > King > Queen > Eight > Seven.
• Non-Trump: Ace > Ten > King > Queen > Jack > Nine > Eight > Seven.

Gameplay

1. Dealing: Each player receives eight cards. The dealer distributes the cards in sequences of 3-2-3 or 3-4-1 depending on local custom.

2. Bidding:

3. The player to the left of the dealer starts the bidding process by looking at the revealed card (the ninth card). The player can decide to take this suit as trump or to pass.
4. If a player chooses the suit, their team becomes the bidding team.
5. If no one takes the suit, players can choose other suits as trump in subsequent bidding rounds.

6. If no suit is chosen, cards are reshuffled and redealt.

7. Playing Tricks:

8. The player to the left of the dealer leads the first card.
9. Players must follow suit if possible. If unable, they must play a trump unless a ruling to choose otherwise was made in the bidding phase. If a trump must be played, it must be higher than a previously played trump.
10. The trick is won by the highest trump, or if no trumps are played, by the highest card of the lead suit.

11. The winner of a trick leads the first card of the next trick.

12. Scoring:

13. Cards have different point values. Of note are the Nines and Jacks of the trump suit, and the Aces and Tens generally.
14. Winning all tricks earns the team a Capot bonus.

15. A team must score at least 82 points to win, failing which results in a Capot being imposed.

16. Capot and Game Progression:

17. If a team wins all tricks, they score a Capot.
18. In case of a trump exchange between teams, declaring Belote earns double points.

Strategic Nuances

• Communication between teammates is crucial to effectively use trump cards.
• Knowing the distribution of cards in play aids in deciding whether to accept an offer or leave it for the opposing team.

Note: Belote requires a combination of memory and strategy to play effectively, making it a thrilling option for regular game nights.