Belote – Game Overview
Belote is a classic trick-taking card game played in teams, combining strategy, teamwork, and careful planning. The objective is to win tricks, score points, and reach the target score before the opposing team.
- Game Setup
- Players: 4 (2 vs 2)
- Cards: 32-card deck (7 to Ace)
Players sit opposite their teammate. Each player receives 8 cards.
- Objective
The goal is to:
- Win tricks
- Score points through cards and declarations
- Reach the target score before your opponents
- Trump & Bidding
At the start of each round:
- A trump suit is selected
- Players decide whether to accept or pass
The trump suit is stronger than all others and plays a key role in winning tricks.
- Card Values
Trump Suit:
- Jack → 20 points
- 9 → 14 points
- Ace → 11 points
- 10 → 10 points
- King → 4 points
- Queen → 3 points
- 8, 7 → 0 points
Non-Trump Suits:
- Ace → 11 points
- 10 → 10 points
- King → 4 points
- Queen → 3 points
- Jack → 2 points
- Others → 0 points
- Gameplay
- The player to the dealer’s left starts
- Players must follow suit if possible
- If unable to follow suit, they must play a trump (if available)
- The highest card of the leading suit or highest trump wins the trick
Players must also try to support their teammate and block opponents.
- Belote Declaration
If a player holds:
- King and Queen of the trump suit
They can declare “Belote” and score 20 bonus points.
- Scoring
- Points are calculated from the cards won in tricks
- The team that declared trump must score more than the opponents
- If they fail, the opponents receive all points for that round
- Winning the Game
The game continues over multiple rounds until one team reaches the agreed target score (commonly 1000 points).
🃏 Coinche – Game Overview
Coinche is a more advanced variation of Belote that introduces bidding, doubling, and higher strategic depth. It is played by experienced players who enjoy competitive gameplay and teamwork.
- Game Setup
- Players: 4 (2 vs 2)
- Cards: 32-card deck
Each player receives 8 cards, and teammates sit opposite each other.
- Objective
The goal is to:
- Win tricks
- Fulfill your team’s contract
- Score more points than the opposing team
- Bidding Phase
Before gameplay begins:
- Players bid points (e.g. 80, 90, 100…)
- The highest bidder declares:
- The trump suit
- The target score
- Coinche (Double)
Opponents can “Coinche” (double) the contract if they believe it will fail.
- This increases the risk and reward
- The declaring team can respond with “Surcoinche” (redouble)
- Gameplay Rules
Gameplay is similar to Belote:
- Players must follow suit
- Must play trump if unable to follow
- Must try to win the trick when possible
The highest card or trump wins the trick.
- Card Values
Same as Belote:
- Trump suit has higher values (Jack and 9 strongest)
- Non-trump suits follow standard ranking
- Scoring
- The declaring team must reach their bid
- If successful → they score the points
- If unsuccessful → opponents score the points
If Coinche or Surcoinche is used:
- Points are multiplied accordingly
- Winning the Game
The game continues across rounds until one team reaches the target score.
🔑 Key Differences Between Belote & Coinche
- Coinche includes bidding and contracts
- Coinche allows doubling (Coinche / Surcoinche)
- Belote is simpler and more beginner-friendly
- Coinche requires more strategy and risk management
