Rules of Brisca

Brisca is a card game that belongs to the Tute family, whose main objective is to win as many tricks as possible in order to accumulate points, but in which the cards are dealt little by little.

It is a popular game in several Spanish-speaking countries and can be played by two or more players. In Brisca, a trump suit is used and cards are drawn from the deck as tricks are played. It is a game of strategy and skill, where tactical decisions must be made to achieve victory.

Aim of the game

The aim of the game Brisca is to collect as many points as possible in tricks won by a player or a pair of players, beating their opponents.

Deck of cards

A Spanish 40-card deck is used.

Number of players

Brisca online is for two or more players, although the most common is to play with two or four people. In the case of four people, it’s played in pairs.

Order and points in Brisca

To know how to play Brisca, it’s important to know the order of the cards. From highest to lowest it is the following: Ace, Three, King, Knight, Jack, Seven, Six, Five, Four and Two. The value of the cards in any suit is as follows:

• Ace: 11 points
• Three: 10 points
• King: 4 points
• Knight: 3 points
• Jack: 2 points

The remaining cards have no value, but are used to form tricks.

Distribution of cards

• Each player takes a card and shows it. The two players with the two highest cards will play against those with the lowest cards.
• The player with the highest card deals the cards and chooses their position. Their partner will sit opposite them, and the opposing player with the highest card will sit to their right.
• The player dealing will shuffle the cards and offer them to the player to their left to cut. When cutting, no fewer than four cards may be taken or left. Next, three cards are dealt to each player, one at a time, in a anti-clockwise direction. The next card to be revealed indicates the trump suit and is placed next to the deck in the centre of the table. In the subsequent games, the turn to deal continues in strict order in a clockwise direction.

How the game is played

• The game begins with the player to the right of the dealer, called the "hand", who plays a card and places it face up on the table. The other players, when it’s their turn, can play any card without the obligation to follow suit or play a trump.
• The trick is won with the highest card of the trump suit or, failing that, with the highest card of the opening suit.
• After each trick, each player draws a card from the deck, starting with whoever won the previous trick.
• The next player to take a trick is the player who won the previous trick. This player plays one card and the others follow the strict order in a clockwise direction, as explained above. Play continues until there are no cards left to draw from the deck and all cards in the hand have been played.
• Any player, after winning a trick and before drawing a card from the deck, has the option to pick up the trump card and replace it with the seven of the same suit. You can also replace the seven of trump and any card of lesser value with the two of trump. This exchange can only be made before the penultimate trick is played.

Points

• Before the game begins, the players agree on the number of rounds that will make up the game and place the agreed amount in a saucer, which the winning player or pair will take.
• At the end of a game, each player or pair adds up the value of the cards they have won in their tricks. Enjoy playing Brisca and may the best win!

Who wins?

• The game is won by the player who wins the most tricks. In the case of playing in pairs, the score is added up between the two players. If there is a tie, when each player or pair reaches 60 points, that game is annulled. The game is won by the player or pair who first reaches the previously agreed number of games.

Strategies for winning Brisca

Here you have some strategies that you can use to increase your chances of winning Brisca:

• Know the important cards:Be sure to familiarise yourself with the most valuable cards in the game, such as the ace, three, king, knight and jack. These cards are of high value and are key to winning important tricks.
• Keep an eye on the cards being played:Pay attention to the cards that are played in each trick. This will give you clues about what cards are still in the game and will help you to make strategic decisions.
• Control the trump suit: If you have high cards in the trump suit, such as the ace, three or king, try to keep control of that suit. Playing these cards in strategic moments will give you the advantage to win valuable tricks.
• Calculate the remaining cards: As tricks are played, try to estimate how many cards of each suit are left in play. This will give you an idea of which cards are most likely still in the hands of other players.
• Be cautious with the trump change:Before changing the trump card, carefully assess if it’s beneficial for you. Consider different factors such as the cards you have in your hand, those which have been played and those which your opponents may have.
• Watch your opponents' discards: When your opponents discard their cards, try to guess which suits are their weakness and which could be their most valuable cards. This will give you an idea of how to play and what strategy to use.
• Communicate with your team mate: If you’re playing in pairs, communication is key. Use signals or keywords to tell your partner what cards you have, what suit you’re interested in or what strategy you’re using.

Remember that Brisca is a game of skill and strategy so practice, observe and improve your ability to make tactical decisions on every hand. Have fun and good luck in your games of Brisca!