Objective of the Game
Préférence is a traditional card game most commonly played in Eastern European countries. The objective is to collect points by skillful bidding and winning tricks.
Game Materials
- A deck of 32 cards (a so-called Piquet deck), which includes cards from 7 to Ace in each of the four suits (Clubs, Spades, Hearts, Diamonds).
- Three players
- Paper and pencil to keep score
Preparation
- Each player is dealt 10 cards. The remaining two cards form the Talon.
- Cards are ranked in order in each suit from Ace (high) to 7 (low).
Gameplay
Préférence is played in rounds, each consisting of two phases: bidding and playing.
Bidding
- Each player has the opportunity to place a bid, delineating the trump suit and how many tricks they believe they can win.
- Bids can increase in the order (e.g., a bid of 6 hearts is lower than 7 in hearts etc.), with lower bids being less ambitious.
- When no player can or wants to place a higher bid, the bidding phase ends and the highest bidder becomes the Declarer.
Playing
- The Declarer leads the first card. Play proceeds clockwise.
- Trump Suit: The Declarer specifies the trump suit based on their highest bid.
- Winning Tricks: Players must follow suit if possible, otherwise they must trump or discard.
- The Declarer's goal is to win the amount of tricks specified in their bid.
- The other players aim to prevent this from happening.
- Whoever wins a trick leads the next card.
Scoring
- Points are awarded based on the Declarer's success or failure in meeting their bid.
- The other players earn points if the Declarer fails.
- An additional bonus is given for winning all tricks.
- The game can be played over multiple rounds until a player reaches a predefined number of points.
Strategy
- Bidding: Cautious bidding is beneficial at the start. Players should assess their hand to avoid over-bidding.
- Trump Choice: If you are the Declarer, select a trump suit where you are strong.
- Trick Management: Skillful timing in using trumps and high cards is crucial.
Note: Beginners might find it helpful to play with more experienced players or to observe a round to better understand the bidding and general game mechanisms.
Préférence is an entertaining game requiring both strategic thinking and a bit of luck. It's ideal for players who love tactical card games and seeking challenges.
