Husarln

 

 

A game for three players that is often called Block Tarock. The title card in the Piatnik Tarock packs list this game and so I assume it must still be in play. I’ve elected to use the name Husarln as Block Tarock is also the name of another game, no longer in play, that used as system with blocks to physically track the scores.

 

 

The Cards

 

A 42 card pack is used, reduced as in the Hungarian games.

 

There are 22 trumps numbered I-XXI and the Fool which counts as the highest trump.

 

Swords & Batons / Spades & Clubs
K, Q, C, V, 10

 

Cups & Coins / Hearts & Diamonds
K, Q, C, V, 1

 

Honours  5 points
Kings   5 points
Queens   4 points
Cavaliers  3 points
Valets   2 points
All Others  1 points

 

 

 

 

The card points are counted in groups of three cards, subtracting two cards from each group. Two odd cards count for 1 less than their value and one odd empty card counts for nothing. This gives a total of 66 card points in the pack, a declarer will need 34 points or more to win a hand.

 

 

The Deal

 

First dealer is chosen at random, deal then moves to the right after each hand, with a game consisting of any multiple of three hands. The top six cards are dealt to the stock, each player is then dealt two packets of six cards.

 

 

Bidding

 

Starting with Eldest, each player may make a bid to play as Declarer against the other two. There are three available bids.

 

Two Cards: Declarer examines the first two cards of the stock and if desired, takes them into his/her hand, this is playing at the first level. Otherwise, the first to cards are exposed and Dealer examines the next two cards and, if desired, takes them into his/her hand, this is playing to the second level. This may continue until all cards are exposed and the fifth level is played (where all cards have been exposed and the second two cards are taken). Declarer then discards two cards into his/her trick pile – these may not include Honours, Kings, or, unless there is no alternative, trumps. If trumps are discarded they must be exposed to the other players first. The remaining cards of the stock go unseen (unless already exposed) into the Defender’s trick pile. Scores 3 points

 

One Card: This proceeds as for Two Cards except that the declarer examines the cards one at a time and takes only one. This way the game can be played up to the eleventh level. Scores 4 points

 

Solo:  Declarer plays without any cards from the stock, which goes unseen into the Defender’s trick pile. Scores 8 points

 

 

Bonuses

 

Players may now make some declarations about their hand for bonus points:

 

10 trumps  1 point
11 trumps  2 points
12 trumps  3 points
All Honours  3 points

 

 

 

 

 

A player may also announce to win a Pagat Ultimo for 10 points, though this may also be won unannounced for 5 points.

 

If a Solo game is being played, then all bonuses are doubled.

 

 

Play

 

Declarer leads to the first trick. Play moves to the right, each player in turn must follow suit or, if they cannot, they must play a trump. If they can neither follow suit or trump, then they may play any card – though it cannot win. The highest card of the suit led wins the trick unless a trump was played, then it is the highest trump that wins.

 

 

Scores

 

The declarer wins or loses from or to each of the defenders, points over or below the 34 card points required to win. As mentioned, these points, won or lost, are doubled if Solo is played.