Belote Card Game: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

History and Popularity

Belote is a card game that originated in France in the early 20th century. The definitive rules of the game were first published in French in 1921. Belote is a trick-taking game that is played with a 32-card deck, which consists of eight cards in each of the four French suits: clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades. Within the game’s terminology, “belote” is used to designate a pair of a King and a Queen of a trump suit, possibly yielding the game’s name itself.

Belote is one of the most popular card games in France, both casually and in gambling. It is also played in certain European countries, including Bulgaria and Croatia. Belote is a partnership game, and it can be played with two, three, or four players. The four-player partnership game, also known as “belote coinchée” or just “coinche,” is the most popular form of the game today.

Belote is a game that requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. The game is popular because it is easy to learn, but difficult to master. The game has a strong social aspect, and it is often played in cafes, bars, and other public places in France. Belote is also played in tournaments, and there are national and international competitions.

In Bulgaria, belote is known as “bela.” The game is very popular in the country, and it is often played in cafes, bars, and other public places. Belote is also played in tournaments, and there are national and international competitions. In Croatia, belote is known as “bela.” The game is also very popular in the country, and it is often played in cafes, bars, and other public places. Belote is also played in tournaments, and there are national and international competitions.

The Deck and Cards

Belote is played with a 32-card deck, which is made by removing all the 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s from a regular 52-card deck. The remaining cards are the 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces of each of the four suits. The suits are Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, and Spades.

Each card has a point value, and the total point value of the deck is 162. The point values of the cards are as follows:

• 7s: 0 points
• 8s: 0 points
• 9s: 0 points
• 10s: 10 points
• Jacks: 2 points
• Queens: 3 points
• Kings: 4 points
• Aces: 11 points

In Belote, one suit is designated as the trump suit, which outranks all other suits. The trump suit is determined at the beginning of each round of play.

The ranking and point value of the cards can vary depending on their suit. In the trump suit, the Jack is called the “Right Bower” and is worth 20 points. The other Jack of the same color is called the “Left Bower” and is worth 14 points. The Ace is worth 11 points, the 10 is worth 10 points, the King is worth 4 points, the Queen is worth 3 points, the 8 is worth 0 points, and the 7 is worth 0 points.

In the non-trump suits, the Ace is worth 11 points, the 10 is worth 10 points, the King is worth 4 points, the Queen is worth 3 points, the Jack is worth 2 points, the 9 is worth 0 points, the 8 is worth 0 points, and the 7 is worth 0 points.

The deck is shuffled and dealt to the players at the beginning of each round of play. Each player receives a hand of five cards, and the remaining cards are placed in a stack in the center of the table. The top card of the stack is turned face up, and this card determines the trump suit for that round.

Player and Teams

Belote is a game that is played with four players, divided into two teams. Each team consists of two players, who sit opposite each other. The game is played with a 32-card deck, which includes the aces, kings, queens, jacks, 10s, 9s, 8s, and 7s of each suit.

Each player is dealt a hand of five cards, and the remaining cards are placed face down on the table to form the stock. The top card of the stock is then turned over to start the game.

The two players who are on the same team are known as partners, and they sit opposite each other. The other team is known as the opposing team, or the defenders.

The partners work together to try to win tricks, which are won by playing the highest card of the suit that was led. The team that wins a trick gets to lead the next trick.

The goal of the game is to score points by winning tricks. The team that reaches 501 points first wins the game.

In Belote, players have to communicate with their partners and work together to win tricks. This makes it a game that requires strategy and teamwork. The partnership aspect of the game also adds an element of socialization and fun to the game, as players have to work together to achieve a common goal.

The Deal

In Belote, the deal is an essential part of the game that sets up the hands and determines the trump suit. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals out the cards to each player, one at a time, starting with the player to their left and moving clockwise. The dealer must deal eight cards to each player, and the remaining cards are placed face down in the center of the table to form the stock.

Before the deal begins, the player to the dealer’s right cuts the deck. The dealer then deals the first card face up on the table, and the suit of that card becomes the trump suit for the round. If the first card is a 7, the dealer can choose the trump suit.

After the trump suit is determined, the players bid on the number of points they believe they can win with their hands. The player to the dealer’s left starts the bidding process, and each player can either bid or pass. The highest bidder becomes the declarer and chooses the trump suit for the round.

Once the bidding is complete, the declarer’s partner reveals their hand to the table, and the two players work together to win the required number of points. The opponents become the defenders and try to prevent the declarer from reaching their bid.

In summary, the deal in Belote involves shuffling the deck, dealing eight cards to each player, cutting the deck, and revealing a face-up card to determine the trump suit. The bidding process then takes place, and the highest bidder becomes the declarer, with their partner revealing their hand. The opponents become the defenders, and the game begins.

The Bidding Process

In Belote, the bidding process is a crucial part of the game. It determines the contract for the game and can greatly affect the outcome. Here is how the bidding process works:

The Dealer and the Turn-Up Card

The dealer shuffles the deck and deals five cards to each player. The next card is then placed face-up on the table, and this card is called the turn-up card. The turn-up card can have a significant impact on the bidding process, as it can greatly affect the value of certain cards.

The Bidding

The bidding process begins with the player to the left of the dealer. Each player has the option to either pass or bid. If a player passes, they are out of the bidding process for that round. If a player bids, they are stating that they believe they can win a certain number of points in the game.

The first bid must be at least 80 points. If no player bids, the cards are reshuffled and redealt. If a bid is made, the next player must either pass or bid higher. The bidding continues until all players but one have passed, and that player is declared the winner of the bidding process.

The Contract

The player who wins the bidding process is declared the contractor, and they must now declare a contract. The contract is a statement of how many points the contractor believes they can win in the game. The minimum contract is 81 points, and the maximum is 162 points.

Declared Contract

Once the contract has been declared, the game begins. The contractor and their partner must now work together to try to win the number of points that were declared in the contract. If they succeed, they win the game. If they fail, the opposing team wins the game.

In conclusion, the bidding process is a critical part of Belote. It determines the contract for the game and can greatly affect the outcome. Understanding the rules of the bidding process is essential if you want to play Belote successfully.

The Role of Trumps

In Belote, the trump suit plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game. Trumps are cards that have the power to win tricks over other cards, regardless of their rank. The trump suit is determined by the card that is turned face up by the dealer at the beginning of the game.

Once the trump suit is determined, the cards in that suit become the highest-ranking cards in the game, with the Jack of the trump suit being the highest-ranking card of all. The other three suits are ranked in descending order, with the Ace being the highest-ranking card in each suit.

When playing a hand, if you do not have any cards in the suit that was led, you have the option to play a trump card instead. This is known as “trumping” and is a powerful move that can help you win tricks and score points. However, you should be strategic in your use of trump cards, as you only have a limited number of them in your hand.

In some variations of Belote, such as Coinche, there are also contracts that involve playing with all trumps or no trumps. In an “All-Trumps” contract, the trump suit is considered to be all four suits, with the highest-ranking card being the highest-ranking trump card in the game. In a “No-Trumps” contract, there is no trump suit at all, and the highest-ranking card in each suit is the Ace.

Understanding the role of trumps is essential to playing Belote effectively. By using trump cards strategically and bidding on contracts that suit your hand, you can increase your chances of winning the game.

Card Values and Scoring

In Belote, each card has a specific value, and knowing the value of each card is essential to winning the game. The ranking of the cards is different for each suit, and there are three separate card rankings in the game. The trump suit has its ranking and scores.

Card Values

In Belote, the aces, kings, queens, jacks, 10s, 9s, 8s, and 7s of each suit are used for a total of 32 cards. The 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s are removed from the standard 52-card deck. The Ace is the highest-ranking card, followed by the King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, and 7.

The value of each card is as follows:

• Ace: 11 points
• 10: 10 points
• King: 4 points
• Queen: 3 points
• Jack: 2 points
• 9, 8, and 7: 0 points

In the trump suit, the ranking is Jack (high), 9, Ace, 10, King, Queen, 8, and 7 (low). Their values in the same order are 20 points, 14 points, 11 points, 10 points, 4 points, 3 points, and 8s and 7s receive zero points.

Scoring

Scoring in Belote is straightforward. The team that wins the round gets the points for the cards they captured. The total number of points in a round is 162. The first team to reach 501 points wins the game.

The team that captures the highest card in the trump suit gets 10 additional points, which is called a “belote.” If the team captures the Queen of the trump suit, they get 20 additional points, which is called a “rebelote.”

It’s important to note that if a team fails to capture at least 82 points in a round, they are “capot,” and the other team gets all the points for that round.

In conclusion, understanding the values of each card and the scoring system is crucial to playing Belote. Knowing the highest cards and the bonus points for capturing them can make a significant difference in your overall score.

Gameplay and Strategies

Belote is a trick-taking card game that is played with a modified 32-card deck. The objective of the game is to win tricks to score 1000 points. The game is typically played by two teams of two players each, with teammates sitting across from each other.

At the beginning of the game, the dealer shuffles the deck and deals five cards to each player, one at a time. The next card is then placed face-up on the table, and the suit of that card becomes the trump suit for the round. The remaining cards are placed facedown in a stack, called the talon.

The player to the left of the dealer starts the round by playing a card of their choice. The other players then play a card in a clockwise or counterclockwise order, depending on the rules of the game. Players must follow suit if they can, which means they must play a card of the same suit as the first card played. If they cannot follow suit, they can play any card they choose.

The player who plays the highest card of the suit that was led, or the highest trump card if any were played, wins the trick. That player then leads the next trick. The round continues until all five tricks have been played.

One strategy in Belote is to try to win as many tricks as possible in order to score points. However, players must also be careful not to go over the 1000-point limit, as this will result in a penalty. Another strategy is to try to predict how many tricks you and your partner will win in a round, and to bid accordingly.

Overall, Belote is a fun and challenging game that requires both skill and strategy. With practice and experience, you can become a skilled Belote player and enjoy the game for years to come.

Special Declarations and Combinations

In Belote, players can declare certain combinations of cards in their hands to earn extra points. These declarations are made during the bidding phase, and they can significantly impact the outcome of the game. Here are some of the most common declarations and combinations in Belote:

Carré

A Carré is a set of four cards of the same rank. For example, four Kings or four Jacks would be a Carré. If you have a Carré in your hand, you can declare it during the bidding phase to earn extra points. A Carré is worth 100 points.

Sequences

A Sequence is a set of three or more cards of the same suit in consecutive order. For example, the 7, 8, and 9 of Hearts would be a Sequence. If you have a Sequence in your hand, you can declare it during the bidding phase to earn extra points. The length of the Sequence determines its value. A Sequence of three cards is worth 20 points, a Sequence of four cards is worth 50 points, and a Sequence of five cards is worth 100 points.

Quint

A Quint is a Sequence of five cards in the trump suit. If you have a Quint in your hand, you can declare it during the bidding phase to earn extra points. A Quint is worth 250 points.

Tierce

A Tierce is a Sequence of three cards in the trump suit. If you have a Tierce in your hand, you can declare it during the bidding phase to earn extra points. A Tierce is worth 20 points.

Quarte

A Quarte is a Sequence of four cards in the trump suit. If you have a Quarte in your hand, you can declare it during the bidding phase to earn extra points. A Quarte is worth 50 points.

Rebelote

Rebelote is a combination of the King and Queen of trumps in the same hand. If you have both the King and Queen of trumps in your hand, you can declare Rebelote during the bidding phase to earn extra points. Rebelote is worth 20 points.

In addition to these declarations, there are other combinations that can earn you points in Belote. For example, if you win the last trick with the trump Ace, you earn 10 points. If you win all the tricks in a round, you earn a bonus of 100 points. Keep these combinations in mind as you play Belote, as they can help you win the game.

Variations of Belote

Belote is a popular card game that is widely played in many countries, and it has several variations that are played around the world. Some of the most common variations of Belote include Belote Coinchée, Coinchée, Klaberjass, and Klaverjas.

Belote Coinchée

Belote Coinchée is a popular variation of the classic Belote game that is played in France and other French-speaking countries. In this variation of the game, players are allowed to bid on the number of points they believe they can win in a round, and the highest bidder gets to choose the trump suit for that round. The game is played with a 32-card deck, and players are divided into two teams of two players each.

Coinchée

Coinchée is another popular variation of Belote that is played in France and other French-speaking countries. In this variation of the game, players are allowed to bid on the number of points they believe they can win in a round, and the highest bidder gets to choose the trump suit for that round. The game is played with a 32-card deck, and players are divided into two teams of two players each.

Klaberjass

Klaberjass is a popular variation of Belote that is played in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking countries. In this variation of the game, players are allowed to bid on the number of points they believe they can win in a round, and the highest bidder gets to choose the trump suit for that round. The game is played with a 32-card deck, and players are divided into two teams of two players each.

Klaverjas

Klaverjas is another popular variation of Belote that is played in the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking countries. In this variation of the game, players are allowed to bid on the number of points they believe they can win in a round, and the highest bidder gets to choose the trump suit for that round. The game is played with a 32-card deck, and players are divided into two teams of two players each.

Overall, Belote is a fun and exciting card game that has several variations that are played around the world. Whether you are playing Belote Coinchée, Coinchée, Klaberjass, or Klaverjas, the game is sure to provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

Belote and Artificial Intelligence

Belote is a card game that has been played for centuries. It has evolved over time and is now played online in various forms. One of the most interesting developments in recent years has been the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to play Belote.

Playing Belote against a computer involves playing against an AI system. Thanks to algorithmic programming, AI is replacing its competitors, and all with absolute respect for the rules of Belote. The AI is programmed to try to beat you! It uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze the game and make decisions based on the cards it has in its hand and the cards that have been played.

The use of AI in Belote has several advantages. First, it allows you to play against a challenging opponent without having to find someone to play with. Second, it allows you to practice your skills and improve your game. Third, it provides a level of consistency that is difficult to achieve when playing against human opponents.

The AI system used in Belote is constantly improving. As more data is collected and analyzed, the algorithms become more sophisticated and accurate. This means that the AI opponent you play against today will be even better than the one you played against yesterday.

Overall, the use of AI in Belote is an exciting development that is sure to continue to evolve in the coming years. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting, playing against an AI system is an excellent way to improve your game and have fun at the same time.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned about the exciting world of Belote. With its rich history, complex strategies, and exciting gameplay, it’s no wonder that Belote has remained a popular card game for centuries.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Belote offers endless hours of entertainment and challenge. With its unique bidding system, players must use their wits and intuition to outmaneuver their opponents and claim victory. And with its simple rules and fast-paced gameplay, Belote is easy to learn but difficult to master.

So why not gather some friends and try your hand at Belote today? With its rich history and timeless appeal, Belote is sure to provide hours of fun and excitement for players of all ages and skill levels.

Remember to always play fair, respect your opponents, and most importantly, have fun!