Learn Game 28
Four seats form two partnerships, with partners opposite each other. Tricksy’s game link starts a table with three bots. Each team tries to collect card points in tricks, and the bidding team must meet its bid.
Play Game 28 Rules reference · Strategy guide
Rank and value answer different questions
Only seven through ace are used, eight ranks in four suits. Within a suit, strongest to weakest is J, 9, A, 10, K, Q, 8, 7. The jack contributes 3 points, the nine 2, and the ace and ten 1 each. The other four ranks contribute zero. Across four suits the deck contains 28 points.
Deal and bid in two stages
Each seat sees four cards before bidding. The opening bidder must bid, and bids must rise within 14–28. Passing removes a bidder from the auction. To overtake a partner’s bid, your bid must also be at least 20. A bid of 28 declares Thani and ends bidding immediately.
The winner picks a trump suit from the opening cards offered by the interface. The second four cards are then dealt. The seat after the bid winner leads the first trick.
Follow suit and apply trump
Follow the lead suit if you can. When void, an off-suit card is allowed. Trump starts hidden. When revealed, a trump on the table beats all non-trumps. If the current player requests the reveal while void, they must play trump if they hold it. The highest eligible card wins, its side receives the points on the table, and the winner leads next if the round continues.
Practice with a four-card opening
- J of hearts
- 9 of hearts
- A of clubs
- 7 of diamonds
Read the point calculation
Jack 3 + nine 2 + ace 1 + seven 0 = 6 card points. A bid is a team target across all tricks, not the sum of your opening hand.
Read the explanation
Twenty is the smallest legal raise. Passing remains an option once there is a bid.
Read the explanation
Hearts gives you two strong trumps from the known cards. The unseen deal and your partner’s cards still matter.
- Lead · J of clubs
- Follow · 9 of clubs
- Void · 7 of hearts
- Follow · A of clubs
Read the explanation
The seven of hearts wins. The trick is worth 6 card points from the jack, nine and ace of clubs.
From card points to match points
The bidding side earns the round if its card-point total meets the bid. Otherwise the defending side scores. A standard bid is worth one game point, a bid of at least 20 is worth two, and a bidding-side sweep of all 28 card points earns three. A failed declared Thani gives the defenders three. The match ends when a side reaches its configured target.
FAQ
Do I need the strongest card to contribute points?
No. Your partner can win the trick and collect the points from all cards in it. Consider what your card adds and which side is currently winning.
Are card points the same as the bid?
The bid is a target. The points captured across tricks determine whether the team reaches it. Game points are then awarded for the round.