The 500 card game is one of the most exciting and strategic trick-taking games you can play with a group of friends or family. With its combination of tactical bidding, clever card play, and the use of a trump suit, the 500 card game offers a fun, competitive experience for players of all levels. If you’ve heard of the game but don’t quite understand how to play, don’t worry – this comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know, from the basic rules to advanced strategies!
Whether you’re new to the 500 card game or looking to improve your skills, this step-by-step guide will cover everything you need to know. Let’s dive into the world of 500!
What is the 500 Card Game?
The 500 card game is a trick-taking game that involves four players, usually in two partnerships. The game is played with a modified deck of 43 cards, consisting of cards ranked from Ace to 3 across four suits: hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs. The game gets its name from the 500-point goal a player or team must reach in order to win.
In 500, players bid on how many tricks they believe they can take in each round. This adds an element of strategy to the game, as players need to predict the strength of their hand and choose a bid accordingly. The game’s use of the trump suit (a suit that outranks all others) makes it even more interesting, as players can win tricks even with lower-ranked cards if they play a trump card.
The game is often compared to Euchre or Spades, but 500 has its own unique rules that set it apart. It’s known for its fun and competitive nature, making it a perfect choice for both casual play and tournaments.
Basic Rules of the 500 Card Game
Setup and the Deal
To begin playing the 500 card game, you’ll need four players. The game is typically played in partnerships (two teams of two players), but solo play is also an option. The game uses a deck of 43 cards, which includes:
- Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 (for each of the four suits)
- The Joker, which is the highest-ranked card in the deck
Once the deck is shuffled, each player is dealt 10 cards. The remaining 3 cards are placed face down in the center of the table as the kitty. These cards are revealed and can be claimed by the winning bidder after the bid phase.
Objective of the Game
The goal of the game is to be the first player or team to reach 500 points. Points are accumulated based on the number of tricks won in each round and the bid that was successfully fulfilled.
How the Trump Suit Works
The trump suit is an essential feature of the 500 card game. Before each round, the top card of the kitty is flipped face up, and the suit of this card becomes the trump suit for that hand. If you have a card from the trump suit in your hand, it can win tricks even if a higher card from another suit is played. The Joker is considered the highest trump card and can beat all other cards.
Types of Bids
The bid phase is one of the most important aspects of the 500 card game. During the bid phase, players bid on how many tricks they think they can win based on their hand. The bids are as follows:
- Pass: If a player feels their hand isn’t strong enough, they can choose to pass. Passing means the player will not participate in the bidding for that round.
- No Trump: This means that no suit will be designated as trump for the round. Players must rely on the strength of their hand without the advantage of a trump suit.
- Suit Bids (Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, Clubs): If a player bids a suit, they are declaring that they will win a certain number of tricks using that suit as trump.
- Misère: This is a bid where the player attempts to lose every trick in the hand. If they succeed, they earn points, but if they win any tricks, they lose points.
- Open Misère: Similar to Misère, but the player’s cards are shown to everyone, making it more difficult to achieve.
The Cards and Their Values in 500
Understanding the values of the cards is crucial to playing the 500 card game successfully. Here’s how the cards rank in terms of their power:
- Joker: The highest card, it can win any trick.
- Ace of Trump Suit: The second-highest card, only beaten by the Joker.
- King, Queen, Jack, and 10: These are ranked in descending order, starting from the trump suit. In non-trump suits, these cards have normal values.
- The rest of the cards: All the numbered cards (9, 8, 7, etc.) in the trump suit can win a trick, but their power depends on the value of the trump suit.
In non-trump suits, the order of cards is the same as in most standard card games, with Ace being the highest, followed by King, Queen, Jack, and so on.
Bidding in 500: How to Make Your Bid
The bidding phase is the most strategic part of the 500 card game. Players need to evaluate their hands and predict how many tricks they can win. Here’s how the bidding works:
- Players bid in ascending order, meaning the first player can bid for any number of tricks, but subsequent players can only bid higher or pass.
- The kitty plays a major role here – if the kitty’s card is of the trump suit or a high-value card, it can make your hand stronger, giving you more confidence to bid higher.
- Your partner’s bid also impacts your strategy – if they bid for a certain number of tricks, you’ll need to consider whether you can support that bid or if you should make your own bid to help them.
Common strategies include:
- Overbidding: If you have a strong hand, you may want to bid aggressively, even if you aren’t certain you can win all the tricks. This can put pressure on the opposing team.
- Underbidding: If your hand isn’t strong, it’s often best to bid conservatively, especially if your partner has a strong hand.
Playing the Game: How Turns Work
Once the bids are finalized, the game proceeds to the trick-taking phase. Here’s how it works:
- The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick, and subsequent players must follow suit if they can. If they don’t have a card from the leading suit, they can play any card, including a trump card.
- Winning a trick: A trick is won by the highest card of the lead suit, unless a trump card is played. If a trump card is played, it wins over all other cards, even if it’s lower in value.
- The next player leads the next trick, and this continues until all tricks have been played.
During this phase, strategy is key. Understanding when to play your high-value cards, how to use the trump suit, and when to sacrifice a trick can determine whether you meet your bid or fail to do so.
Scoring and Winning in 500 Card Game
After all tricks have been played, points are awarded based on the successful bids. Here’s how the scoring works:
- If the bidder wins the number of tricks they bid, they receive the points they bid. For example, if a player bids 6 and wins 6 tricks, they earn 6 points.
- If the bidder fails to win the required number of tricks, they lose points. This can be a significant setback.
- Misère and Open Misère bids are scored differently. A Misère player earns 250 points if they lose all tricks, but they lose 250 points if they win any.
The first player or team to reach 500 points wins the game.
Common Strategies to Win at 500 Card Game
Winning at 500 requires a mix of strategy, teamwork, and a little bit of luck. Here are some strategies to help you gain an advantage:
- Know When to Bid High or Low: If you have a strong hand, don’t be afraid to bid aggressively. But if your cards are weak, it’s better to play it safe and pass.
- Use the Trump Suit Wisely: The trump suit is a powerful tool – but it can also be wasted if played too early or too late. Use it strategically to win key tricks.
- Pay Attention to Your Partner’s Hand: If you’re playing in teams, communication is key. Try to gauge the strength of your partner’s hand based on their bids and play.
- Don’t Forget Misère: Misère can be a high-risk, high-reward move. If you feel confident you can lose all the tricks, it’s a great way to earn a big score.
Conclusion
The 500 card game is an exhilarating mix of strategy, skill, and luck. By understanding the rules, mastering the bidding process, and using your cards wisely, you can become a formidable player. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or entering a competitive game, the key to success is learning the ins and outs of this fascinating card game. Ready to start playing? Gather your cards and get started on mastering the 500 card game today!