How to Play Asszorti
Asszorti is a lively 3-player Hungarian trick-taking game that mixes preference-style bidding with some tarokk-like choices. If you like deciding contracts and winning tricks, this guide will get you started — and you can find more beginner help at Playmore.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Game name | Asszorti |
| Players | 3 |
| Deck | 36 French-suited cards (reduced from one 52-card deck) |
| Family | Preference / Tarokk hybrid |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to win tricks and make the contract you bid. Each hand a player becomes the declarer by winning a bidding round. The declarer names the contract and often a trump suit or special play. Then players play tricks; the declarer aims to score enough trick points to meet their contract and earn a reward from the other players.
What you need and how to set up
You need a standard 52-card deck reduced to 36 cards — most groups use the cards from 6 up to Ace, but check your local variant. Sit three players around a table. Shuffle well. Decide whether your group uses a small talon (a face-down stock) or not, and agree on a scoring target or number of hands before you start. Because regional rules vary, check the authoritative rule set for the exact deal, the talon size, and how many cards each player gets.
How to play
- Deal the cards according to your chosen version. Some versions leave a small talon in the middle for the declarer to use; others deal all cards out.
- Hold a bidding round. Players bid in turn to become declarer. Bids name the type of contract or how many points the bidder promises to win. If everyone passes, there is a redeal in many groups.
- The winning bidder becomes declarer and declares the contract and (if required) the trump suit or a special play. If a talon exists, the declarer may pick it up and usually must discard some cards back — exact rules vary by version.
- Play tricks. The declarer leads first or as specified. Players must follow suit if they can. If they cannot follow suit they may play any card, including trumps if present. The trick is won by the highest card of the led suit or by the highest trump when trumps are played.
- Collect won tricks face down. After all tricks are played, count the points in each player’s tricks according to your group's scoring scheme. Some games count card points; others use trick counts or special bonuses. These scoring details are version-dependent.
- Adjust scores. If the declarer made the contract they gain points or payments from opponents. If they failed the contract they lose points or pay. How much is paid or scored depends on the rules you agreed before play.
How a round or game ends
A single round ends after all tricks are played and scores are adjusted. A full game usually runs to an agreed total score or a set number of hands. Because scoring systems and targets differ in Asszorti variants, check the detailed rules your group follows for the exact ending condition.
Beginner tips
- Watch the first few deals without bidding aggressively. Learn which cards tend to win tricks in your group’s version.
- Pay attention to what opponents discard. It gives clues about voids and possible trumps.
- When you win the bid, be honest about what you can make. Overbidding is a common mistake.
- Practice managing a small talon if your variant uses one — picking it up can change your plan.
- Agree on scoring and rule clarifications before you start. That avoids arguments later.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Use one normal 52-card deck reduced to 36 cards for Asszorti. Many players remove the low cards (check your group’s common choice) and play with the remaining 36.
Is Asszorti more like Preference or tarokk?
It borrows elements from both. Expect a preference-style bidding phase plus tarokk-like choices in contracts and talon handling. The exact mix depends on the version you play.
Where can I find the exact rules and scoring?
There are authoritative rule references and regional variations. Before you play for points, check the detailed official or local rules so everyone uses the same scoring and dealing method.