The Game

Similar to Spades, or other trick-based card games. After the deal, players may choose to drop from the round and forfeit their ante, but can get back in on the next round if there is not a “clear pot”. The object of the round is to take the plurality of tricks; failing that, take at least one trick to avoid matching the pot (up to a burn limit). The dealer should indicate any special rules regarding trump, etc., such as “on a clear pot, clubs = no trump”, or if players must play a card to win the trick each time, a trump card if they can’t follow suit, and the definition of the end of the game (“once around the table” or “clear pot” etc.).

The Deal

Each player gets 5 cards, but the final card for the dealer is turned face up so that all can recognize that suit as trump for the round. The dealer then places it in his hand.

The Play

After the deal, players declare whether they are going to play or drop. If playing, they can then replace up to 4 (or agreed upon limit) cards from the deck. Once draws are complete, the player to the dealer’s left starts by playing a card face up. Subsequent players must follow suit, if able. If not, they can play a trump card as desired, otherwise any other card from their hand. The highest card of the suit wins unless trump is played. Then the highest trump card wins the trick. Play continues until all five tricks are played.

Ending the Game

After each hand, players who went but did not take any tricks must match the pot (up to any burn limit). If a single player took the plurality of tricks (2-5), then they get the pot. If two or more players tie for the highest number of tricks taken, then it is a “split pot”, though the pot stands for the next round unless it is the final round of the game.

The game ends according to that defined by the first dealer before the first round. The deal rotates, with all players at the table who did not match the pot for the previous round having to ante for the new one.