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Whist Rules

Whist is the classic trick-taking game with no bidding. Two partnerships race to win tricks, with the last card dealt setting trump.

👥 4 players ⏱ 45–90 min 🎯 Difficulty ●●○○○ 🃏 Trick-Taking

Setup

Deal all 52 cards to four players in partnerships. The last card, shown to all, sets the trump suit for the hand.

How to Play

The player left of the dealer leads. Follow suit if able; the highest card of the led suit or highest trump wins the trick. The trick winner leads next.

Scoring

A partnership scores 1 point for every trick above six (the "book"). First to 5 points (or 7 in some rules) wins the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is trump decided in Whist?

The last card dealt is turned face-up and its suit becomes trump for that hand.

Is Whist the same as Bridge?

Bridge evolved from Whist, adding an auction and dummy play. Whist is simpler with no bidding.

▶ Play Whist online — free