How to Play Brus
Brus is an old, fun trick-taking game from Denmark and Iceland. If you want a clear starter guide, you’re in the right place — and you can find more games at Playmore. This page explains the basic loop and safe beginner moves; exact scoring and special capture details vary by region.
Quick facts
| Category | Info |
|---|---|
| Game name | Brus |
| Family | Denmark / Iceland trick game (not Whist) |
| Players | 3–4 |
| Deck | 36-card setup made from one normal 52-card deck |
| Focus | Historical trick-taking with special trumps and capture rules |
What you are trying to do
Your main goal is to win tricks by playing the highest card in each trick, using trumps and capture rules to your advantage. Some cards act as special trumps that beat others in unusual ways. The basic loop is like many trick games: lead, follow, win tricks, and score based on the tricks and captures. Exact card powers, scoring, and penalties depend on the version you play.
What you need and how to set up
You need one standard 52-card deck reduced to 36 cards. That means you remove the lowest cards to leave the standard 36-card set used in many European games. Shuffle well. The dealer and deal order vary by house rule; deal an equal number of cards to each player and set any leftover pile or talon aside if your version uses one.
Decide before you play which regional rules you will follow. Brus has several old variants, so groups should check the authoritative rules on Pagat or your local rule set for exact details.
How to play
- Determine trumps. Some versions name special trumps or pick a suit; other versions use a called card. Make sure everyone knows which method your group uses.
- Lead a card. The player who leads plays any card. The lead establishes the suit for that trick.
- Follow suit if you can. Players must follow the suit led when they are able. If you cannot follow, you may play a trump or any other card depending on the rules in use.
- Resolve special trumps and captures. Brus includes special trump interactions and capture rules that can override normal rank order. Learn which cards are special in your version and how they capture others.
- Trick winner takes the cards. The player who wins the trick collects the cards and usually leads the next trick.
- Repeat until the hand is complete. Play continues trick by trick until all cards are played or the hand ends by the version’s rule.
- Score according to your chosen rules. Many versions count captured cards or award points for special captures. Use your agreed scoring system.
How a round or game ends
A round generally ends when all tricks for the hand have been played. Match or game end conditions (for example, a target score or number of rounds) vary by version. Because rules about scoring, special penalties, and exact trump powers differ historically, check the authoritative regional rules for the precise end conditions you must use.
Beginner tips
- Play slowly at first and ask other players to explain any special trumps during the first hand.
- Count trumps as they appear. Knowing how many remain helps you plan when to force captures.
- Watch what opponents discard when they cannot follow suit; discarded cards give clues about their hands.
- Protect or save any cards that are known to be special trumps until you can use them for a big capture.
- Agree on the exact rules before you start. Small differences change strategy a lot.
FAQ
What cards are in the 36-card deck?
The 36-card deck is a reduced setup made from a single standard 52-card deck. Which ranks you remove depends on local tradition, so confirm your group's choice before dealing.
Can I play Brus with 4 people?
Yes. Brus is normally played by 3–4 people. Some versions introduce table alliances or special turn orders for four players, so agree the variant first.
Where do I find the full official rules?
There is an authoritative write-up on Pagat and several historical sources. Check those regional rules for exact card rankings, scoring, and capture details before you play.