The "5-player" variant rules differ slightly from the "4-player" variant rules. Besides the changes to card dealing and the different poignées (which we will display later in this FAQ 😉), the Attacker must "call a King" to announce who will be their hidden partner.
When one of the players decides to take a contract, and before revealing the cards placed in the Dog, they must call a King. The one who has this King in their hand becomes the Attacker's partner for the game and will only reveal themselves, both to the Attacker and to the Defenders, by playing this card.
But first, here are some rules to remember:
- Each player receives 15 cards,
- The Dog is made up of only 3 cards.
- Poignée: 8 trumps (Simple), 10 trumps (Double), or 13 trumps (Triple).
And now the interesting part! The Attacker will announce a partner by "calling" the King of their choice before revealing the Dog and making their Asside/ Écart. Then the player who has this King in their hand is associated with the Attacker and the game is played 3 players defending Vs. 2 attacking.
I'm the Attacker 👉
If you own the 4 Kings, you can either call yourself (if you think that you have a strong enough hand to win by yourself 🤩) or call a Queen to determine who your partner is.
Important:
- You have all four marriages! If you hold all 4 Kings and Queens, you can call a Knight instead.
- Do you want to play alone? If the King you call ends up in the Dog or you call your own King, you'll face the four other players (the Defenders) alone.
- Choose your King carefully. Select a King that will pair with your Queen to promote her. Be cautious, if you choose a King that matches your long suit in one color, it might get cut.
- Play the 21 strategically! If you have the 21, play it early to protect a possible Petit in your partner's hand.
- Do you like a challenge? Take some risk! If your hand looks promising, consider a Garde Sans (without the Dog). With only three cards in it, your partner could make all the difference! 😉
I own the called King in my hand 👉
If your King was called by the Attacker, you're their partner! All the points you make will be added to those of the Attacker. You'll work together towards a common goal and you'll share the score.
Important:
- Watch out for the Entame (first card played): You cannot open a trick with the color suit of the chosen King unless you’re opening with the King itself.
- You’re the called King! Be smart and keep your identity hidden for as long as possible. It will prevent the Defense from easily gaining more points.
If you require more information, we kindly ask you to contact us in either English or French by clicking on the Settings icon (with the 3 lines) at the top right of the screen, then on the “Help” button ". You can then open a conversation by clicking the bubble 💬 in the upper right corner.
Enjoy playing Tarot Classique!