Learn to Play Bezique: Rules & Tips
| Players | 2 Players |
| Difficulty | 6/10 |
| Recommended Age | 12+ |
| Game Category | Trick-taking |
Bezique Game Overview
Bezique is a classic card game that originated in France in the 19th century. It is a trick-taking game that requires skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. The game is played with a deck of 64 cards, which includes two sets of cards from Ace to Seven in each suit. Bezique is a two-player game, and the objective is to score points by winning tricks and melding cards. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a favorite among card game enthusiasts.
Objective of the Game
The object of Bezique is to score points by winning tricks and melding cards. A trick is won by playing the highest card of the suit led or by playing a trump card. A meld is a combination of cards that score points. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Materials Needed for Playing Bezique
- A deck of 64 cards
- A scorepad and pencil
Cards Used
Bezique is played with a deck of 64 cards, which includes two sets of cards from Ace to Seven in each suit. The game does not use the Eight, Nine, Ten, or Joker cards.
Other Supplies Needed
- A scorepad and pencil
How To Play Bezique
- Shuffle the deck and deal 10 cards to each player.
- Place the remaining cards face down on the table to form the stock.
- Turn the top card of the stock face up to start the discard pile.
- The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick by playing a card face up on the table.
- The other player must follow suit if possible. If not, they may play any card.
- The highest card of the suit led wins the trick. If a trump card is played, the highest trump card wins the trick.
- The winner of the trick takes the cards and places them face down in a pile in front of them.
- The player who won the trick leads the next trick.
- After all 10 tricks have been played, players score points for the cards they have melded.
- The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Keeping Score
Players score points for the cards they have melded. A meld is a combination of cards that score points. The following melds are possible in Bezique:
- Sequence: Ace, Ten, King, Queen, Jack of trumps (250 points)
- Sequence: Ace, Ten, King, Queen, Jack of non-trumps (150 points)
- Four Aces (100 points)
- Four Kings (80 points)
- Four Queens (60 points)
- Four Jacks (40 points)
- Marriage: King and Queen of trumps (40 points)
- Marriage: King and Queen of non-trumps (20 points)
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit (10 points)
