How to Play Jarimeh
Jarimeh is a trick-taking game from Iran that most people play with four players. If you want a friendly introduction, this guide will get you started — and you can find more Playmore guides at Playmore.
This walkthrough covers the beginner loop and setup. Jarimeh has regional differences, so check the linked official or regional rules for the exact version your group uses.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game | Jarimeh |
| Family / Type | Iran (trick-taking, Hokm-like) |
| Typical players | 4 |
| Deck | Full, standard 52-card deck (normal cards) |
| Variant note | Rules and scoring vary by region; check your group's version |
What you are trying to do
At a high level, Jarimeh is a partnership trick-taking game. One side will be trying to win a required number of tricks in a round. If a team fails to meet its announced requirement, that team receives a penalty. The exact quotas and penalties depend on your local or house rules.
What you need and how to set up
All you need is a standard 52-card deck and four players. Arrange players in a circle; partners usually sit opposite each other. Shuffle well and deal equal hands so every player holds the same number of cards. The precise hand size, dealer rotation, and how the declarer (the player who names trump or the quota) is chosen can vary. Use your group's agreed rule set or the official regional rules to confirm those details.
How to play
- Decide a dealer and deal equal hands to everyone. The dealer usually rotates after each round.
- A player is chosen to name trump and the trick quota for their side. In many local versions this is called declaring; the method for choosing a declarer varies.
- The lead player plays a card to start the first trick. Play continues clockwise. On your turn, play one card.
- Follow suit if you can. If you cannot follow suit you may play any card, including a trump if you want to try to win the trick.
- The trick is won by the highest card of the suit led unless one or more trumps were played; then the highest trump wins. The trick winner collects the cards and leads the next trick.
- Keep track of how many tricks each team has won. The declarer's team tries to reach the announced quota. The defenders try to stop them or force penalties.
- Play continues until all cards in players' hands are played (one full set of tricks). Scoring and penalties are applied according to the version you play.
How a round or game ends
A single round ends when every card has been played and all tricks are taken. The game may continue across multiple rounds with scores carried forward. Different groups use different scoring targets or round counts to end the full game. Because Jarimeh has several local forms, check your group's regional rules for exact scoring, quotas, and penalties.
Beginner tips
- Watch suits that are played often so you can count which cards are left.
- Save a trump or two for key moments when you need to steal a trick.
- Lead from long suits in your hand to try to force opponents to use trumps.
- Be conservative when your side declares a quota until you know the house version and scoring.
- Agree on the exact rule set with your group before you start so everyone knows how penalties work.
FAQ
How many players does Jarimeh use?
Four players is the typical setup. Two teams of two players is common, but local variants may change player roles.
Do I need a special deck?
No. Jarimeh uses a normal, full 52-card deck. You do not need to buy special cards.
Where can I find the exact official rules?
There is an authoritative regional ruleset referenced for Jarimeh. Because rules vary, check the linked official or regional rules to learn precise quotas, scoring, and penalties before you play.