How to Play Boston
Boston is a classic European contract trick-taking game for four players. This short guide will get you playing the basic way and help you enjoy your first few rounds. Find other easy game guides at Playmore.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game name | Boston |
| Family | European contract trick-taking |
| Typical players | 4 |
| Deck | 52-card French-suited deck (full normal 52-card deck) |
| Beginner focus | Bid for contracts and win tricks to meet your declared mission |
What you are trying to do
Players bid in an auction to win the right to play a contract. The winning bidder declares a target: how many tricks, or a special mission. During play you try to win tricks that help the contract succeed. If the contract succeeds you score positively; if it fails you usually lose points. Exact contracts and scores vary by version, so check your group's rules.
What you need and how to set up
- A standard 52-card French-suited deck. No special cards needed.
- Four players seated so each has enough space for a hand of cards and tricks.
- Decide a dealer and a direction of play (clockwise or counterclockwise).
- Shuffle and deal the full deck. With 52 cards a common deal is 13 cards each, but house variants exist.
- Decide beforehand how many deals or how many points will end the game.
- Important: Boston has regional versions. Check the authoritative rules used by your group for exact bidding options, whether the declarer plays alone or with a partner, and scoring details.
How to play
- Auction: After the deal, players take turns to bid or pass. Bids name contracts of varying difficulty. The highest bid at the end of the auction wins and that player becomes the declarer.
- Declare trumps (if required): Some contracts name a trump suit, others may be no-trump or special missions. Use the version rules you agreed on.
- Lead to the first trick: The declarer or the player left of the dealer leads a card to start the first trick, depending on your variant.
- Follow suit and win tricks: Each player must follow suit if they can. If they cannot, they may play a trump (if allowed) to try to win the trick. The trick is won by the highest card of the led suit unless a trump is played; then the highest trump wins.
- Collect tricks and continue: The trick winner gathers the cards, places them face down, and leads the next trick. Continue until all cards are played.
- Score the hand: At hand end, compare tricks won to the contract. Score according to your agreed rule set. Some contracts give bonus points for special achievements. Exact scoring is version-dependent.
How a round or game ends
A single round ends when all tricks have been played and the hand is scored. The full game ends after a prearranged number of deals or when a player reaches an agreed point total. Because Boston has many historical variants, the number of deals, scoring thresholds, and penalties can differ. Check your chosen rule set for those details.
Beginner tips
- Watch the bidding. A strong bid usually means that player has good cards in their declared suits.
- Count suits and trumps. Keep track of which high cards and trumps have been played.
- Lead from strength. If you have several strong cards in a suit, lead it to try to take tricks early.
- Play safely on risky contracts. If you are the declarer and unsure, try to secure the minimum required tricks.
- Agree house rules before you start. Decide how to score and whether partners exist in your version.
FAQ
Do players form partnerships?
That depends on the version. Some Boston variants are played solo and others use partnerships. Make sure your table agrees on which version you are playing.
How many cards does each player get?
With a full 52-card deck the usual deal is 13 cards per player. Some historical variants change the deal, so confirm before you play.
Where can I find the official rules?
There are authoritative references and regional rule sets. Check the official or regional rules your group prefers for exact bidding options, scoring, and special contracts before you play.