How to Play Rikken
Rikken is a lively Boston-family contract card game from North Brabant that four friends can learn quickly. If you want a friendly walkthrough to get playing, start here and check more resources on Playmore.
| Quick fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | Rikken |
| Players | 4 players (typical) |
| Deck | Full normal 52-card (French-suited) |
| Family / region | Boston-family contract game; North Brabant, Netherlands |
| Beginner focus | Contract bidding and trick play basics |
What you are trying to do
Rikken is about winning a bidding contest to name a contract, then taking tricks to meet that contract. You try to choose a contract you can make and then play tricks smartly to reach it. Exact bids, rankings, and scoring vary by local rules, so check your group’s version.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck. Sit around a table with four players. Many groups use fixed partnerships with partners opposite each other, but some versions mix partnerships or allow solo contracts — confirm with your group. Shuffle and deal so everyone has the same number of cards. In many four-player trick games each player gets 13 cards, but deal and any extra cards depend on the version you choose.
How to play
- Begin with a bidding or auction phase. Each player declares a bid that describes a contract (how many tricks they expect to take and sometimes the trump suit). The highest valid bid becomes the contract to beat. Exact bid types and order are version-dependent.
- The winning bidder becomes the declarer (or captain). They lead the first trick unless rules say otherwise. If your version has partners, the declarer’s team tries to make the contract.
- Play tricks one at a time. The leader plays a card. Other players must follow suit if they can. If they cannot follow, they may play a card of another suit or a trump if allowed by your rules.
- The trick is won by the highest card of the led suit, unless trumps are played and a trump beats it. The winner of a trick leads the next trick. Exact card ranking and trump rules can vary, so confirm them for your table.
- After all cards are played, count how many tricks each side or player took and compare that to the contract. Scoring methods differ between local versions, so record results according to the rules you agreed on.
How a round or game ends
A round ends when all cards are played and tricks are counted. A full game usually ends after a fixed number of rounds or when a target score is reached. Because Rikken rules and scoring differ by region, check the official or house rules your group uses for the exact end condition.
Beginner tips
- Pay attention to the bidding. It tells you who thinks they have strength and which suits are strong.
- Count trumps as they are played. Knowing how many remain helps you plan leads.
- Lead strong suits early to establish winners you can cash later.
- If you play with a partner, support their bids by keeping suit information in mind and avoiding unnecessary trumping.
- Avoid overbidding. It’s better to make a safe contract than to fail a high one you can’t reach.
- Keep track of which high cards have already appeared. That helps you judge when your card will win a trick.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck?
No. Rikken uses a normal 52-card French-suited deck. You don’t need any special cards.
How many players and teams are there?
Four players is the typical setup. Many groups play in fixed partnerships (partners opposite each other), but local versions can allow solos or changing partnerships. Ask your table which version you’re playing.
Where can I find exact rules for bidding and scoring?
Rikken is part of the Boston contract family and has regional variations. For precise bid types, card rankings, and scoring, check the authoritative or house rules your group prefers. Make sure everyone agrees on the version before you start.