How to Play Le Brouc
Le Brouc is a local marriage and trick-taking game from L'Etivaz, Switzerland. If you like card games with a mix of announcing marriages and winning tricks, this guide will get you started — and you can find more guides at Playmore.
This page gives a friendly beginner walkthrough. Exact meld values, scoring totals, and some rule details vary by town. Check the authoritative or your regional rules for the exact version before you play.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Game name | Le Brouc |
| Type / family | L'Etivaz, Switzerland — local marriage/trick game |
| Players | 3–5 |
| Deck | 32 French-suited cards (a reduced setup from a standard 52-card deck) |
| Focus | Melds (marriages) plus trick-taking |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to score points by declaring valid marriages (a king and queen of the same suit) and by winning tricks. Each round mixes announcements and careful play. The player or team with the most points after the agreed number of rounds wins.
What you need and how to set up
You need one 32-card French-suited deck. This is made by removing the 2–6 (or sometimes 2–7) from a normal 52-card deck so only higher cards remain. Use a table with room for a small talon or stock, and give everyone space for their trick pile.
Shuffle and deal according to the local version. Typical deals give each player a hand of cards and leave a small stock or kitty in the middle. One dealer button or marker helps keep track of who deals next.
How to play
- Deal and set the trump: The dealer deals hands and often reveals a card that helps set the trump suit. The exact dealing pattern and whether a stock is used varies by version.
- Announce marriages: Before or during early play, players may declare marriages (a king and queen of the same suit). Announcing a marriage usually scores points or changes the trump. The timing and value of announcements are version-dependent.
- Play tricks: The leader plays a card. Other players follow suit when they can. If they cannot follow, they may be allowed to play any card or must play trump; that rule differs by local play.
- Winning a trick: Highest card of the suit led wins, unless a trump is played and beats it. The trick winner collects cards into a personal pile and typically leads the next trick.
- Use the stock if present: Some versions let players draw from a middle stock between tricks; others do not. Follow your group's agreed rule for when to draw and when that ends.
- Repeat until no cards remain or the round ends: Play through all tricks or until the round's stop condition in your version.
How a round or game ends
At round end, count trick points and any announced melds. Exact scoring for marriages, bonus points, and penalties varies by local rules. Players compare totals and record scores. The game may be a fixed number of rounds or played to a target score. Check your local or authoritative rules to know the exact scoring and winning condition you should use.
Beginner tips
- Keep track of which high cards and trumps have been played. That helps you decide when to announce a marriage or when to spend your trumps.
- Announce marriages thoughtfully. They give points but may reveal information to opponents.
- If a stock is used, pay attention to when it runs out. Play often shifts after the stock is gone.
- Agree with your group before you start on the exact rules for following suit, trumping, drawing, and marriage scoring.
FAQ
Is the 32-card deck special?
No. It is a reduced setup made from a normal 52-card deck by removing the lowest ranks. You do not need to buy a special deck.
Can two players team up?
Le Brouc is usually an every-player-for-themselves game for 3–5 players, but local variations may allow partnerships. Check your regional rules before trying team play.
Where can I learn the exact scoring?
Scoring and some play sequences change by region. Consult the authoritative or your regional rule set for precise meld values and final scoring before you play.