Objective of the Game

Tressette is a traditional Italian card game played typically with a special regional deck such as Italian, Spanish or French cards. Often played in teams, the two players work together to outscore the opposing team by collecting valuable cards and winning tricks.

Setup

1. Card Deck: A Tressette deck consists usually of 40 cards, divided into four suits (Swords, Cups, Coins, and Clubs). Each suit has ten cards numbered from 1 to 10.
2. Number of Players: Usually played with 4 players in two teams.
3. Dealing the Cards: Each player receives 10 face-down cards.

Rules

1. Card Rank Order: The ranking of cards from highest to lowest is: 3, 2, Ace, King (10), Queen (9), Jack (8), 7, 6, 5, 4.
2. Gameplay: The player to the right of the dealer starts the first play by laying down a card.
3. Suit Obligation: Players must follow the suit of the lead card if possible. If a player has no card of the led suit, they can play a card of another suit.
4. Winning a Trick: The trick is won by the player who plays the highest card in the suit that was led. Cards of other suits do not affect the trick.
5. Scoring: Points are distributed at the end of a round according to specific rules, generally considering only the Ace, 2, 3, and face cards for scoring purposes, with Aces being the highest.

Special Features and Strategies

• Napola: This is a bonus situation when a player captures the three highest-ranking cards (1, 2, 3) of the same suit in a trick. This can earn additional points at the end of the round.
• Strategies: Given the strict rules and limited number of cards, players should try to hold onto high-ranking cards to secure tricks or prevent opponents from capturing these cards.
• Communication: Since it's played with a partner, subtly communicating through your plays what cards you possess can be beneficial.

End of the Game

Play continues over several rounds until one team reaches the predetermined score and wins the game.

Enjoy playing Tressette!