Baloot rules — how to play

Overview

Baloot is played by four players in two opposing teams with a 32-card deck (7 up to Ace in each suit). Five cards are dealt then three, for eight tricks per round.

After the deal, players choose the contract: Hokum (with a trump suit) or Sun (no trump). The contract sets the card ranking and point values.

Card ranking

In Hokum, the trump suit ranks: Jack > 9 > Ace > 10 > King > Queen > 8 > 7. In non-trump suits and in Sun: Ace > 10 > King > Queen > Jack > 9 > 8 > 7.

How to play

1. Deal — Deal 5 cards to each player, then 3 more — eight cards each, eight tricks.
2. Bid & pick the contract — Players decide to play Hokum (choosing the trump suit) or Sun. The buying team commits to making its points.
3. Play the tricks — Follow the led suit if you can. The trick is won by the highest card of the suit led, or the highest trump in Hokum.
4. Declare projects — Declare projects (Sira, Fifty, Hundred, four-of-a-kind) before play to add points for your team.
5. Score the round — Count captured card points plus projects and the last-trick bonus. The first team to 152 wins.

Scoring & winning

• In Hokum: trump Jack 20, trump 9 is 14, Ace 11, Ten 10, King 4, Queen 3, the rest 0.
• In Sun: Ace 11, Ten 10, King 4, Queen 3, Jack 2, the rest 0 — Sun points are doubled.
• Projects: Sira (3 in sequence) 20, Fifty (4 in sequence) 50, Hundred (5+ in sequence) 100, four-of-a-kind 100, four Aces in Sun 400, and Baloot (King + Queen of trump) 20.
• The last trick adds 10 points. The match is won at 152 points.

Strategy

FAQ