How to play Belote

The goal

With your partner, score more card points than the other team over the deals. The team that took the trump must score more than half the points, or the defenders take them all. First team to 1,000 wins.

Setting up

• Partners sit across. Deal 5 cards each (3 then 2) and turn the next card face up.
• First round: each player in turn can take the turned card's suit as trump, or pass. Second round: a player can name another suit, or pass.
• The taker gets the turned card and 2 more; everyone else gets 3 more: 8 cards each.

A turn, step by step

1. 1

   Trump order. In trumps: Jack (20), 9 (14), Ace (11), 10 (10), King (4), Queen (3), 8, 7. In other suits: Ace (11), 10 (10), King, Queen, Jack (2), 9, 8, 7.

2. 2

   Follow suit. Play the suit led if you can. In trumps, you must play higher than the best trump on the table if you can.

3. 3

   Trump when void. If you can't follow, you must trump, unless your partner is already winning the trick: then you may discard.

4. 4

   Belote and Rebelote. Holding the King and Queen of trumps is worth 20 points: say "Belote" and "Rebelote" as you play them.

5. 5

   Count. 152 card points plus 10 for the last trick: 162 per deal. The takers need at least 82, or the defenders score all 162.

Beginner mistakes

✗ Taking without the Jack or 9

The Jack and 9 of trumps are the two best cards. Taking without either is risky.

✗ Forgetting the 10 is high

Outside trumps, the 10 beats the King. Don't throw it away.

✗ Trumping your partner

If your partner already wins the trick, you don't have to trump: give them points instead.

✗ Not counting trumps

Eight trumps per deal. Count them to know when your Ace is safe.

Three real situations. Pick a move, then read why it works.

Frequently asked questions