Learn to Play Pitch: Rules & Tips
| Players | 3-6 Players |
| Difficulty | 5/10 |
| Recommended Age | 8+ |
| Game Category | Trick-taking |
Pitch Game Overview
If you're looking for a classic card game that's easy to learn but hard to master, look no further than Pitch! This trick-taking game has been around for centuries, and for good reason. It's simple enough for kids to play, but still challenging for adults, making it a great option for family game night or a casual get-together with friends.
Objective of the Game
The goal of Pitch is to be the first team to reach a predetermined score, usually 11 or 21 points. To score points, players must win tricks by playing the highest card in the led suit or by playing a trump card, depending on the round's rules.
Materials Needed for Playing Pitch
- A standard deck of 52 playing cards
- Paper and pen to keep score (optional)
Cards Used
Pitch is typically played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. However, some variations may require the use of jokers or a second deck.
Other Supplies Needed
- None
How To Play Pitch
- Choose a dealer and shuffle the deck.
- The dealer deals six cards to each player, one at a time.
- Players then take turns bidding on how many points they think they can score in the round.
- The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick by playing any card from their hand.
- Each player, in turn, plays a card, following suit if possible. If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card they want.
- The player who plays the highest card of the led suit or the highest trump card wins the trick and leads the next one.
- After all tricks have been played, the team that made the bid earns points equal to their bid. If they failed to make their bid, they lose that many points.
- Play continues until one team reaches the predetermined score and wins the game.
Keeping Score
Players keep track of their score on a piece of paper or a scorecard. Points are awarded for winning tricks and making the bid, while points are deducted for failing to make the bid.
