Tarok: A Guide to Rules, Instructions & Winning Strategy in this classic card game

Introduction

Tarok, originating in the early 15th century, is a trick-taking game that has stood the test of time. It’s played with a 78-card Tarot deck, which is divided into four suits: Cups, Coins, Swords, and Batons, along with 21 trump cards and a special card known as the Fool.

My first encounter with Tarok was during a card game exhibition, of all places. I was attracted firstly by the passion of the demonstrator, then later by the strategic depth and the harsh blend of luck and skill involved.

The game was derived from the Mamluk game of Khusa and was initially played with a 52-card deck. Over time, as the game spread to different regions, various versions were created, each with a different number of cards. In the 18th century, Tarok became particularly popular in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic, where it continues to be played to this day. The French version of the game, known as Jeu de Tarot, is still very popular in France and is also played competitively.

The Tarok deck is distinctive due to its use of a separate series of trump cards, which was an innovation that was later adopted by other card games like Bridge. The game is known for its complex rules and strategies, and has been described as a game of skill rather than luck. Despite its complexity, the game has maintained a dedicated following and is considered a classic in many parts of Europe.

Rules for playing Tarok

1. The game is usually played by three players, but variations can accommodate four or five players.
2. The objective is to score the most points by taking tricks.
3. Each player is dealt a hand of cards, and the remaining cards form the talon, which can be used to improve players’ hands.
4. The player who bids the highest becomes the declarer and tries to fulfill their bid by winning tricks.

The Deal for Tarok

The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 12 cards to each player in batches of six. The remaining six cards are placed face down in the middle of the table to form the talon.

How to Play Tarok

1. Setup: Players draw cards to determine the dealer. The player with the highest card becomes the dealer.
2. Gameplay: The player to the dealer’s right leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible. If not, they can play a trump card or any other card. The highest trump card or the highest card of the led suit wins the trick.
3. End of the Game and Scoring: The game ends when all tricks have been played. Players count the points in their tricks. The declarer must score more points than the combined total of the other players to fulfill their bid.

Card values in Tarok

Tarok is a trick-taking card game that originated in the early 16th century. In this game, the card values are as follows:

1. The kings are the highest-ranking cards, each worth 5 points.
2. The queens are worth 4 points each.
3. The knights or cavaliers are worth 3 points each.
4. The jacks, or valets, are worth 2 points each.
5. The taroks, or trumps, are worth 1 point each.
6. All other plain suit cards, also known as ‘the smalls’, are worth 1 point for every 10 cards.

The total number of points in the game is 70. The team or player that scores 36 points or more wins the game. If both teams or players score 35 points, the game is a draw.

Bidding System in Tarok

The bidding system is a critical aspect of the gameplay. It involves players declaring their intention to take on the role of the declarer, who will then try to fulfill a specific contract, such as reaching a certain amount of points, during the game. The player who bids the highest contract becomes the declarer. The bidding process continues until all players, except for one, have passed. If a player cannot or does not want to top the highest bid, they can pass. The bidding system adds a strategic element to the game, as players must assess the strength of their hands and anticipate their opponents’ strategies.

How to Win at Tarok

Winning at Tarok requires a good balance of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Understanding the value of your hand, bidding wisely, and playing your cards strategically are key to winning the game. The game can seem complex at first, but with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of winning. Here’s how to win at Tarok:

1. Understand the Rules: The first step to winning at any game is to understand the rules. Tarok is a trick-taking game with bidding involved. The game is typically played with three or more players, and the deck consists of 78 cards. Players are dealt a set number of cards and then bid on how many tricks they think they can take.

2. Learn the Card Values: In Tarok, not all cards hold the same value. The trumps, which are the 21 numbered cards and the Fool, are the most valuable cards. The kings are next in line, followed by queens, knights, and jacks. The remaining cards are known as the pip cards and hold the least value.

3. Master the Bidding Process: Bidding is an essential part of Tarok, and understanding how to bid can greatly increase your chances of winning. During the bidding process, you’re predicting how many tricks you think you can win. Overbidding can lead to losses, while underbidding can limit your potential score.

4. Use Your Trump Cards Wisely: Trump cards can win any trick, so use them wisely. It’s often a good idea to hold onto them until later in the game when they can be used to win crucial tricks.

5. Pay Attention to Other Players: Keep an eye on what cards other players are playing. This can give you insight into what cards they might have left and help you plan your strategy accordingly.

6. Practice: Like any game, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the more you’ll understand the nuances of the game and develop your strategies.

7. Learn From Your Mistakes: After each game, take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Did you overbid? Did you use your trump cards too early? Learning from your mistakes will help you improve in future games.

Remember, while winning is the ultimate goal, Tarok is also about having fun. Enjoy the game and the strategies involved, and with time, you’ll find your win rate improving.

Best Strategies for playing Tarok game

One of the best strategies in Tarok is to manage your trump cards wisely. They are your most valuable resource. Also, try to memorize the cards played to predict your opponents’ moves.

1. Understand the rules: This is the most crucial step. Before you start playing, make sure you know the rules of the game. Understand the importance of each card and the point system.

2. Memorize the cards: This game is all about memory. Try to remember which cards have been played. This will help you to predict the cards that your opponents might have.

3. Communication: In Tarok, it’s essential to communicate with your partner subtly, using the cards you play as messages. For example, leading with a high card might suggest you have more cards of that suit.

4. Bidding Strategy: Bid carefully, keeping in mind not only the cards you hold but also the potential of your partner’s hand. Overbidding can lead to significant losses.

5. Play your trumps wisely: The trump cards are the most powerful in the game. Don’t waste them early on. Use them strategically to win important tricks.

6. Card Counting: Keep track of how many cards are left of each suit. This will help you know when it’s safe to play a high card of a suit.

7. Understanding your opponents: Try to understand your opponents’ strategy. Are they being aggressive or defensive? This will help you adjust your game plan accordingly.

8. Know when to fold: Sometimes, it’s better to concede a round if you think your hand is weak. This can save you from losing more points.

9. Practice: Like any other game, the more you play Tarok, the better you’ll get. Practice will improve your memory, your strategic thinking, and your understanding of the game.

10. Keep Calm: Patience and calmness are key in Tarok. Sometimes the game can get intense, and keeping a cool head can help you make better decisions.

Remember, the key to winning Tarok is not just about having good cards, but also about how you play them. So, use these strategies to improve your game and enjoy playing Tarok.

Game Variations

There are several variations of Tarok, including Austrian Tarock, French Tarot, and Danish Tarok. These variations differ in the number of players, the number of cards dealt, and the scoring system.

Scenarios for Tarok

One common scenario in Tarok is being dealt a hand with few or no trump cards. In this case, it’s best to bid low and play defensively. On the other hand, if you have a strong hand with several trump cards, you can bid high and play aggressively.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Tarok game

1. What happens if the declarer fails to fulfill their bid? The declarer loses points equal to the value of their bid.
2. Can I play a trump card if I can’t follow suit? Yes, if you can’t follow suit, you can play a trump card or any other card.
3. How many points are the cards worth? The values of the cards range from 1 to 5, with the trump cards and the Fool being the most valuable.

External Links

HowStuffWorks has a pretty fascinating article on the journey and evolution of tarot games, including Tarock.