How to Play Lórum
Welcome — this guide will get you started with Lórum, a Hungarian fixed-contract trick-taking compendium. If you like learning card games, you'll find the structure fun and varied; for more card guides visit Playmore.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Game name | Lórum |
| Family | Hungary (fixed-contract compendium) |
| Typical players | 3–6 |
| Deck | 32-card Hungarian-style deck (can be made by reducing a standard 52-card deck) |
| Beginner focus | Fixed-contract compendium — different contracts each hand |
What you are trying to do
Lórum is a compendium: the players take turns playing different contracts (types of hands). Each contract has its own goal — for example, win many tricks, avoid tricks, or collect certain cards. You aim to meet the current contract's objective better than the other players and collect a good score across all contracts. Exact contract lists, rankings and scoring vary by regional rules, so check the authoritative rules for the version you want to play.
What you need and how to set up
Players: 3–6 people. Deck: a 32-card Hungarian-style pack. If you only have a standard 52-card French deck, make a 32-card deck by removing the low pip cards (commonly 2–6) so ranks run from 7 up through Ace — this is a usual conversion.
Seating: sit so everyone can see played tricks. Decide a dealer. Shuffle and cut. How many cards you deal each hand depends on the chosen contract and the number of players; groups should agree on the deal and on which contracts to use before starting. The compendium usually cycles contracts in a set order so every player experiences the same challenges.
How to play
- Choose the contract for the hand. The contract tells you the objective and any special rules (for example, which suit is trump or if there are no trumps).
- Deal the appropriate number of cards for that contract. Keep remaining cards aside if the version uses a kitty or stock — check your local rules.
- The player to dealer's left typically leads the first trick. Play proceeds clockwise.
- On each trick, players play one card in turn. Many versions require you to follow suit if you can; if you cannot follow, you may play any card or a trump depending on the contract rules.
- The trick is won according to the contract's hierarchy (usually highest card of the led suit or highest trump wins). The winner collects the trick and leads the next one.
- Repeat until all cards for that hand are played and all tricks are taken.
- At the end of the hand, score according to the contract's scoring rules. Some contracts reward tricks, some penalize taking certain cards, and others have special targets.
- Rotate the dealer and move to the next contract in the compendium. Continue until you have played the agreed set of contracts or rounds.
How a round or game ends
A single round usually means one contract hand. A full game runs through a predetermined list of contracts or a fixed number of rounds. When all chosen contracts are complete, add up scores from each hand. The player with the best total (depends on how your group records points) wins. Because exact scoring and which contracts appear are version-dependent, check the official or regional rules before you start.
Beginner tips
- Learn one contract at a time. Practice the simplest contract until you understand how tricks and scoring work.
- Watch which suits other players follow. Card counting helps a lot in 32-card games.
- Agree on all scoring and any house rules up front. Compendia vary a lot by region.
- When a contract penalizes taking tricks, play low and avoid leading suits you can’t follow.
- Keep notes or a scoresheet. It makes tracking many contracts much easier.
FAQ
Do I need a special Hungarian deck?
No. You can use a standard 52-card deck and remove low cards to make a 32-card pack. That is the usual way to play if you don't own a Hungarian-pattern deck.
How many contracts are in a game?
That depends on the version. Compendia like Lórum list several fixed contracts; some traditions play a short set, others play a full cycle. Decide with your group and check the authoritative rules for the standard list.
Is scoring complicated?
Scoring can be detailed because each contract scores differently. Beginners should focus on the contract goals first, and agree on a simple scoresheet to record results. For exact scoring rules, consult the official regional rules.