How to Play Botifarra
Botifarra is a fast, partnership trick-taking game from Catalonia for four players. This guide walks you through the basics so you can try a friendly table with friends — for more beginner guides visit Playmore.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Botifarra |
| Family | Catalonia partnership trick-taking |
| Typical players | 4 (two fixed teams) |
| Deck | 48 cards — a reduced setup made from one normal 52-card deck |
| Focus | Fixed trump suit and declarations (teams score for certain combinations) |
| Note | This is the Catalan game Botifarra, not Belote; regional rules vary |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to win tricks with your partner and score points from tricks plus any allowed declarations. Play moves around the table as teams try to collect higher-value tricks and claim declared combinations. Exact scoring and declaration values depend on the version your group uses, so agree that before you start.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck reduced to 48 cards (use the common local removal for Botifarra). Sit opposite your partner so teams are across the table. Decide who deals first by any simple method. Shuffle, cut if you like, and deal cards evenly so each player has the same number.
How to play
- Deal and declare. After the deal, players check for any declaration combinations they hold. Declarations are shown and recorded according to the variant you agreed on before play.
- Lead the first trick. The player to the dealer’s left usually leads. A trick is played with one card from each player in turn.
- Follow suit when you can. If you have a card of the suit led, you must play it. If you can’t follow, you may play any card — often you may play a trump to try to win the trick.
- Trumps win the trick. The trick is taken by the highest card of the suit led unless a trump was played; then the highest trump wins. The trick winner collects the cards and leads the next trick.
- Continue until all cards are played. Players keep tricks face down in front of their team so scoring is simple at hand end.
- Score the hand. Tally points from tricks and from declarations. Record each team’s score and prepare for the next deal or finish if you play to a target.
Groups should check the official or regional rules for the exact declaration types and scoring totals before playing.
How a round or game ends
A single round (hand) ends when every card has been played and tricks are counted. Games are usually multiple hands until a target score is reached or a set number of hands are complete. Exact game-end conditions and scoring thresholds depend on the local version you choose.
Beginner tips
- Talk strategy with your partner before the game (only allowed table talk as your rules permit).
- Watch what opponents play. It helps you guess which suits are safe to play later.
- Keep note of declarations and which team claimed them — they change how aggressively you should play.
- Use trumps carefully. A trump can turn a trick, but wasted trumps can let opponents take many later tricks.
- Agree on scoring and any house rules before the first deal to avoid disputes.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Botifarra uses a reduced 48-card setup made from one normal 52-card deck. Use the standard local removal to make a 48-card pack.
What if I can’t follow suit?
If you cannot follow suit you may play any card. Many versions allow or require you to play a trump when you can’t follow; check your agreed rules about forcing trumps.
Is Botifarra the same as Belote?
No. They are different partnership trick-taking games. Botifarra has Catalan roots, fixed-trump play, and its own declaration rules. Because variations exist, check the authoritative or local rules for exact scoring and declaration details before you play.