Learn to Play Whist: Rules & Tips
| Players | 4 Players |
| Difficulty | 4/10 |
| Recommended Age | 10+ |
| Game Category | Trick-taking |
Whist Game Overview
Whist is a classic card game that has been played for centuries. It is a trick-taking game that is easy to learn, but difficult to master. Players compete to win tricks and score points. The game is exciting, fast-paced, and requires skill and strategy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Whist is a great game to play with friends and family.
Objective of the Game
The objective of the game is to win the most tricks and score the most points. Each round, players try to win tricks by playing the highest card in the suit that was led. The player with the highest card in the suit wins the trick and leads the next trick. The game ends when a predetermined number of rounds have been played, and the player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.
Materials Needed for Playing Whist
- A standard deck of playing cards
- A pencil and paper for scorekeeping
Cards Used
Whist is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. Jokers are not used. If playing with a larger group of people, multiple decks may be used.
Other Supplies Needed
- None
How To Play Whist
- Deal the cards - Each player is dealt 13 cards, one at a time.
- Bidding - Starting with the player to the left of the dealer, each player declares the number of tricks they think they can win in the round. The total number of tricks bid must be less than or equal to 13.
- Playing the hand - The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick by playing a card. Each player in turn plays a card, following suit if possible. The player with the highest card in the suit that was led wins the trick and leads the next trick.
- Scoring - After all the tricks have been played, the score is tallied. Players receive one point for each trick they won in excess of their bid. Players who did not make their bid receive a negative score equal to the number of tricks they bid.
- Winning the game - The game ends when a predetermined number of rounds have been played. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.
Keeping Score
Players keep score by adding up the points they earned in each round. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.
