Sueca Rules: The Portuguese National Card Game

Game Overview

Sueca is a popular 4-player trick-taking card game originating from Portugal, and it is also widely played in Brazil and Angola. This game is played in teams of two against two, with partners sitting opposite each other. The game requires a 40-card deck, which can be obtained from here.

Objective

The main objective of Sueca is to win tricks containing more than half the card points to score games. The team that scores four games first wins the rubber.

Setup

Players sit around the table in a counter-clockwise direction. The first dealer is chosen at random, and the turn to deal passes to the right after each hand. The player to the dealer's right shuffles the cards, and the player to the dealer's left cuts the deck. The dealer then gives 10 cards to each player, starting with the player to the dealer's left and moving clockwise. The bottom card of the deck, which belongs to the dealer, is turned face-up, and its suit becomes trumps.

Alternatively, the dealer can choose to deal the first ten cards to themselves, the next ten to the player to their right, and so on counter-clockwise. In this case, the dealer's first card (the top card of the deck after the cut) is turned up, and its suit determines the trump suit.

How to Play

Play begins with the player to the right of the dealer leading to the first trick. Players must follow suit if they have a card of the suit led. If a player has no card of the suit led, they may play any card. If any cards of the trump suit are played to a trick, the highest trump wins. Otherwise, the trick is won by the highest card of the suit led. The winner of each trick leads to the next. No signals between partners are permitted.

Scoring and End of Game

The team that takes more than 60 card points in tricks scores one game. If a team takes 91 or more card points in tricks on one deal, they score two games instead of one. If they take all the tricks, they score four games and immediately win the rubber. This is known as "dar uma bandeira." However, taking 120 points but losing a trick (with no counting cards in it) is not sufficient to dar un bandiera.

In case of a tie, both teams take exactly 60 card points in tricks, no one scores, but the next hand is worth an extra game. If there is another tie, the following hand would be worth two extra games, and so on.

Common Variations

• In Brazil, the game is played clockwise rather than counter-clockwise.
• Some players, at least in Brazil, play that if the first player (the one who cut the cards) has less than 10 points in hand before the first lead, they can "spoil" the deal. The cards are thrown in, there is no score, and the cards are shuffled, cut, and dealt again by the same dealer.
• Some play that the penalty for a revoke (failing to follow suit when able to do so) is that the offending team loses two games.
• In the Azores, Sueca is played using the 10 as the manilha (second highest card) rather than the 7.

Why This Game Is So Popular

Sueca's popularity stems from its fast-paced gameplay, simplicity, and the excitement of trying to dar uma bandiera. The game is played in most parks and coffee places in Portugal, making it a common and accessible pastime. In Angola, it is often played by industrial workers, and in Rio de Janeiro, it is popular among students because it's easy to learn and doesn't require a table to play. A memorable moment during play might be successfully dar uma bandiera, eliciting cheers and excitement from the players.

Where to Get the Game

You can start playing Sueca with a standard 52-card deck. Remove the 8s, 9s, and 10s to create a 40-card deck suitable for Sueca. Here is a link to a 52-card deck on Amazon.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Failing to follow suit: Always remember to follow suit if possible.
2. Signaling to your partner: Do not give away your cards to your partner by signaling them during the game.
3. Not understanding the manilha: Remember that the manilha (seven) is the second highest card of each suit, and the jack beats the queen.

FAQ

1. Why is the seven considered the manilha in Sueca? The seven, which is the second highest card of each suit, is known as the manilha because of its high position in the deck. In old Portuguese decks, the picture cards in each suit were the king, horseman, and maid, with the female picture card being the lowest of the three.
2. How many games are needed to win a rubber in Sueca? A team needs to score four games to win a rubber in Sueca.
3. What happens if a team takes all the tricks in one deal? If a team takes all the tricks, they score four games and immediately win the rubber. This is known as "dar uma bandeira."
4. Can I play Sueca with a standard 52-card deck? While a standard 52-card deck can be used, it is recommended to remove the 8s, 9s, and 10s to create a 40-card deck suitable for Sueca.
5. How does the cutting of the cards work in Sueca? In Sueca, the player to the dealer's left cuts the deck, and the player to the dealer's right shuffles the cards. The dealer then deals the cards to the players.
6. Can I play Sueca online? Yes, you can play Sueca online at Suecalandia or Conecta Games.

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