French Tarot Rules for 4 Players

French Tarot: A Comprehensive Guide for 4 Players

French Tarot is a popular trick-taking card game played with a standard 78-card tarot deck. Originating in France and now also enjoyed in French-speaking regions of Canada, it's an engaging game that's suitable for both casual and competitive play.

Game Overview

French Tarot is a social game typically played by 4 players, although versions for 3 or 5 players are available. The required materials include a 78-card tarot deck (available on Amazon) and a table to accommodate the players.

Objective

The primary objective of French Tarot is for one player, known as the taker, to accumulate enough card points by taking tricks in partnership with another player against the other two. The goal is to reach or exceed the minimum number of points required based on the bouts (special cards) held in the taker's tricks.

Setup

The game begins with a random selection of the first dealer, who then passes the deal to the right after each hand. Players take turns counter-clockwise shuffling and cutting the deck until it is dealt out. The dealer deals 18 cards in packets of 3 to each player and sets aside six cards in the center of the table as the chien (kitty).

How to Play

Each player, starting with the one to the dealer's right, takes turns bidding or passing. Bids range from Petite (Small) to Guard against the kitty, with each bid granting access to the chien cards and increasing the number of card points required to win. The highest bidder becomes the taker, and the remaining players form a temporary partnership against the taker.

After bidding, the taker examines the chien cards and discards six cards from their hand, ensuring they don't include trumps, kings, or the excuse card. Each trick is won by the highest trump, or the highest card of the suit led when no trumps are played. Players must follow suit if possible and play a trump if necessary. The excuse card can be played to any trick and never wins the trick unless it's played in the last trick and one team has already won all but the final trick.

Scoring and End of Game

Card points are awarded for each card taken, with bouts (21, 1, and the excuse), kings, queens, knights, and jacks earning higher values. The total number of points required to win depends on the number of bouts in the taker's tricks. If the taker reaches or exceeds this point total, they win the hand.

If no player meets the required point total and all players pass during the bidding phase, the hand is discarded, and the next dealer takes over. The game continues until a predetermined number of hands have been played, with the player accumulating the most points being declared the winner.

Common Variants

Variations of French Tarot include different versions for 3 or 5 players, bidding variations, and alterations to scoring rules and bonuses. One such variation is Petit Imprenable, where the taker cannot discard trumps during the initial round.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to follow suit when possible
• Not understanding the value of each card and its impact on point totals
• Not utilizing the excuse card effectively
• Ignoring the rules for discarding cards when using the chien

FAQ

1. What is the objective of French Tarot?

   • The primary objective is for one player, known as the taker, to accumulate enough card points by taking tricks in partnership with another player against the other two.

2. How many players can play French Tarot?

   • French Tarot can be played with 3, 4, or 5 players, with different rules for each number of players.

3. What are bouts in French Tarot?

   • Bouts refer to the special cards in French Tarot, including the 1 of trump (petit), the 21 of trump, and the excuse card. They have a higher value than regular cards and can help reduce the number of points needed to win.

4. How are points calculated in French Tarot?

   • Points are awarded for each card taken, with bouts earning 4.5 points each, kings and queens earning 3.5 points each, knights and jacks earning 2.5 points each, and other cards earning 0.5 points each. The number of points required to win depends on the number of bouts in the taker's tricks.

5. What is the excuse card in French Tarot?

   • The excuse card (marked with a star) is an exception to the rules, allowing players to play it to any trick they choose irrespective of the suit led. It can never win the trick unless played in the last trick and one team has already won all but the final trick.