Card games are a popular pastime for people of all ages and backgrounds. There are many different types of card games, each with their own unique rules and strategies.
One element that is often found in card games is the use of trump cards. In this article, we will explore what card games use trumps and how they work.
What is a Trump Card?
A trump card is a special type of playing card that is designated as the highest-ranking card in a particular game. The term “trump” comes from the game of bridge, where the suit of spades was designated as the highest-ranking suit and was referred to as the “trump” suit.
Card Games That Use Trumps
There are many different card games that use trump cards. Here are some examples:
- Bridge: As previously mentioned, bridge is one of the most well-known card games that uses trumps. In bridge, one suit is designated as the “trump” suit for each hand.
- Euchre: Euchre is another popular game that uses trumps.
In euchre, players bid on how many tricks they think they can take based on the trump suit.
- Spades: Spades is a trick-taking game where spades are always considered trump cards.
- Pinochle: Pinochle is another trick-taking game that uses trumps. In pinochle, players bid on how many points they can score based on the trump suit.
How Trump Cards Work
In most cases, a trump card can beat any other card in the deck, regardless of its rank or value. For example, if the trump suit is hearts, a two of hearts would beat an ace of any other suit.
However, there are some games where trump cards only have a limited power. For example, in the game of spades, a trump card can only beat cards from other suits if that player is unable to follow suit.
Conclusion
Card games that use trumps add an extra level of strategy and excitement to gameplay. Whether you are playing bridge, euchre, spades, or pinochle, understanding how trumps work is essential to your success. So gather your friends and family and start playing some card games with trumps today!