In this case the dealer automatically reshuffles the cards. Note: If the Petit is the only trump in a player's hand the deal is cancelled (Petit with an Excuse is not cancelled). The bids can then begin: each player, starting with the player to the right of the dealer, can choose to declare a contract or to pass. Once all the cards have been dealt and the Chien has been built, all the players can look at their cards.

The first and the last cards dealt must not be a part of the Chien. During the dealing, the dealer must also create a reserve of 6 cards, face down which is known as the 'Chien'. He/she distributes the cards 3 by 3 counter-clockwise in such a manner that each player receives 18 cards. In effect, the player who takes after the deal (the Taker) is against three other players who make up, therefore, the defense.Īt the start of a game of tarot, a dealer is designated at random. Tarot Contracts As Tarot is a contract card game, the Taker must achieve a minumum number of points in a round which is defined according to the number of ends which he/she has in his/her tricks at the end of the round:īetting in Tarot Tarot is both an individual and a team game at the same time. 1 of the trump suite, 21 of the trump suit and the Excuse: 4.5 points per card.In increasing order, from 2 to 20 of the trump suit: 0.5 points.In increasing order, from Ace to 10, for each suit: 0.5 points per card.Here is the order and the value of the Tarot cards: These are the cards which are worth the most points in the game of Tarot (4, 5 points each) and which will determine the number of points that will be awarded to the Taker at the end of the round. This refers to a trump card (known as the Petit), the 21 of the trump cards and the Excuse.

The 3 Bouts of Tarot The strategy of the game of Tarot is organised around the 3 very important cards of the game which are called the 'bouts' (also 'ends' or 'oudlers'). 14 cards (from Ace to King) of each of the 4 suits (hearts, spades, clubs, diamonds), 21 illustrated cards which are called 'trumps' and a card marked with a star known as 'the Excuse'.What is the composition of the card game of Tarot? A full game of Tarot contains 78 cards. The aim of the Defense is to prevent the Taker from being able to complete his/her contract or at least to limit the winnings. These points are accrued based on the cards forming the tricks gained by the Taker. The Taker must attain an amount of points according to the number of Bouts (0, 1, 2 or 3) which he/she possesses. The players A player (the 'Taker') plays alone against the three others (the 'Defense') who are in partnership and play together as a team. These are the rules which are applicable to 4 player Tarot. They are compliant with the French Tarot Federation (Fédération Française de Tarot). Rules of 4 player Tarot The rules of Tarot laid out below are the official rules of Tarot.

Chelem card game