How to Play Back Alley
Back Alley is a fun exact-bid partnership trick game that changes trump each hand. This guide explains the basics in a clear, friendly way so you can start playing with friends right away. Visit Playmore for more beginner guides and tips.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game | Back Alley |
| Players | 4 (two fixed partnerships) |
| Deck | One normal 52-card deck (some groups use two jokers for a 54-card option) |
| Family | North American partnership trick-taking; exact-bid |
What you are trying to do
Each player and their partner try to win tricks according to a bid they make before play. You must estimate how many tricks you (or your partnership, depending on version) will take. If you hit your exact bid, you score well. Trump suits change so each hand feels different. Exact deal, bidding order, and scoring can vary by house or region, so check the authoritative rules for the exact version your group prefers.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck. Some groups add two jokers to make a 54-card deck; that is a local choice. Sit with your partner opposite you so teams are across the table. Choose a dealer by any fair method. Shuffle and deal cards evenly as your group agrees. The way trump is chosen and how many cards are dealt per hand depends on the version you play. Agree on the variant and scoring before you start.
How to play
- Deal each player the agreed number of cards for this hand. Place any leftover card(s) as the kitty if your version uses one.
- Bidding: In turn, each player makes a bid stating how many tricks they expect to win. Some groups bid individually and combine partner totals; others bid for the partnership. Say your group’s bidding rule out loud before starting.
- Set trump: The method to set trump changes by version. It might be the turned card, the highest bidder choosing, or rotating each hand. Agree this before play.
- Play tricks: The player to dealer’s left leads a card. Others must follow suit if they can. If they cannot follow, they may play any card and possibly play a trump to try to win the trick.
- The trick is won by the highest card of the led suit unless a trump is played; the highest trump wins. The trick winner leads the next trick.
- After all tricks are played, count how many each player or partnership won. Score according to your agreed scoring system. Typical Back Alley scoring rewards exact bids and penalizes missing them; the exact points vary by version.
How a round or game ends
Rounds may continue with changing deal sizes or rotate until a target score or until a set number of hands is reached. Some groups play up to a fixed total score. Because versions differ, decide whether you stop at a score, after a set number of hands, or when the deck-run ends.
Beginner tips
- Speak with your partner before the first hand about bidding style—conservative or bold.
- When in doubt, bid conservatively on your first games to learn how many tricks typical hands produce.
- Watch how trump changes affect trick play. A strong trump hand is more likely to take tricks even with low cards in other suits.
- Keep track of cards played. Noting which high cards are gone helps you plan later tricks.
- Agree on scoring and deal rules before you start a session to avoid arguments later.
FAQ
Q: How is trump chosen?
A: Methods vary. Some versions use a turned card, others let the winner of bidding set trump, and some rotate trump each hand. Pick the method your group prefers.
Q: Do partners combine bids or bid separately?
A: Both approaches exist. Some groups add individual bids for a partnership total. Others bid as individuals and score separately. Check your house rules before you begin.
Q: What if a player can’t follow suit?
If you can’t follow suit you may play any card. Playing a trump is a common way to try to win that trick. Exact requirements for following suit are the same as many trick-taking games: follow if you can.