Objective of the Game
Latinern is a card game that requires skill and strategy. The objective of the game is to win as many tricks as possible by strategically playing high cards while also observing other players' cards to thwart their plans.
Setup
You will need a standard deck of 52 cards, excluding Jokers, to play the game. Latinern can be played by 3 to 6 players.
Gameplay
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Dealing Cards - First, the dealer shuffles the cards thoroughly. Then, each player receives 5 cards. The remaining cards form a stockpile, which won't be used further during the round.
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Determining the Trump Suit - The top card of the remaining deck is turned over, and its suit becomes the trump suit for the round. This card stays visible as a reminder of the trump suit throughout the game.
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Playing a Trick - The player to the left of the dealer starts by playing any card of their choice. - The following players must, in clockwise order, play a card of the same suit if they have one. If they do not have a card of the required suit, they may play any card. - A player may play a trump card to win the trick if they do not have the suit that was led.
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Winning a Trick - The player who played the highest card in the led suit, or the highest trump card, wins the trick and collects it. That player also leads the next trick.
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Continuing the Game - Play continues this way until all players have no cards left.
Scoring
- At the end of the round, each player counts their won tricks.
- The player with the most tricks wins the game.
Strategies and Tips
- Pay attention to the cards other players play to anticipate their strategies.
- Try to remember the cards that have already been played to better predict which cards are still in play.
- It can be strategic to save high trump cards for crucial moments when you are certain you can win a critical trick.
Special Situations
- No Trumps: If no player has a trump card and no further tricks can be made, a new trump suit is determined in the next round.
Latinern is an exciting, tactical game suitable for both casual get-togethers and more intense gaming sessions.
