Learn to Play Knockout Whist: Rules & Tips

Players 3-7 Players
Difficulty 3/10
Recommended Age 8+
Game Category Trick-taking
Playing the card game Knockout Whist
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Knockout Whist Game Overview

Are you looking for a fast-paced and entertaining card game to play with your friends and family? Look no further than Knockout Whist! This exciting trick-taking card game is easy to learn and offers endless hours of fun for players of all skill levels.

At its core, Knockout Whist is a game of strategy and skill that requires players to carefully manage their cards and make strategic decisions throughout the game. With simple rules and exciting gameplay, Knockout Whist is sure to become a favorite among card game enthusiasts everywhere.

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Objective of the Game

The objective of Knockout Whist is to score the most points by winning tricks throughout the game. A trick is won by playing the highest card of the lead suit or by playing a trump card. The game ends when all the cards have been played, and the player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

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Materials Needed for Playing Knockout Whist

  • A standard deck of 52 playing cards
  • Pen and paper for scorekeeping

Cards Used

A standard deck of 52 playing cards is used to play Knockout Whist. Jokers are not used in the game, and multiple decks are not required.

How to Play Knockout Whist:
  1. Deal the cards. Shuffle the deck and deal each player one card at a time until all the cards have been dealt. The last card dealt is turned face up to determine the trump suit for the game.
  2. Set the trump suit. The suit of the last card dealt determines the trump suit for the game. All cards of that suit and the jacks of the same color become trump cards for the game.
  3. Play the game. The player to the left of the dealer plays the first card, and the other players follow in a clockwise direction. Each player must play a card of the same suit as the lead card, if possible. If a player cannot follow suit, they may play a trump card or any other card in their hand.
  4. Winning tricks. The player who plays the highest card of the lead suit or a trump card wins the trick. The player who wins the trick leads the next card.
  5. Scoring points. Players earn points for winning tricks, with trump cards being worth more points than non-trump cards. The player who wins the most tricks at the end of the game is the winner.
How to Keep Score:

Players keep track of their points throughout the game on a scorecard. Each trick won is worth one point, with additional points awarded for trump cards won. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

Other Supplies Needed

None

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How To Play Knockout Whist

  1. Deal the cards. Shuffle the deck and deal each player one card at a time until all the cards have been dealt. The last card dealt is turned face up to determine the trump suit for the game.
  2. Set the trump suit. The suit of the last card dealt determines the trump suit for the game. All cards of that suit and the jacks of the same color become trump cards for the game.
  3. Play the game. The player to the left of the dealer plays the first card, and the other players follow in a clockwise direction. Each player must play a card of the same suit as the lead card, if possible. If a player cannot follow suit, they may play a trump card or any other card in their hand.
  4. Winning tricks. The player who plays the highest card of the lead suit or a trump card wins the trick. The player who wins the trick leads the next card.
  5. Scoring points. Players earn points for winning tricks, with trump cards being worth more points than non-trump cards. The player who wins the most tricks at the end of the game is the winner.

Keeping Score

Players keep track of their points throughout the game on a scorecard. Each trick won is worth one point, with additional points awarded for trump cards won. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.

Other Supplies Needed:None.

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