How to Play Rok (Shelem)
Rok (Shelem) is a lively Iranian bidding point-trick game for four players. Read this quick guide for a friendly start and visit Playmore for more game ideas.
Quick facts
| Game name | Players | Deck | Type | Typical scoring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rok (Shelem) | 4 (two teams of 2) | Standard 52 (full normal deck) | Iranian bidding point-trick | 10/5 per trick (version-dependent) |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to win a bidding contract and then take enough tricks and point cards to meet that contract. Teams score points for tricks and certain cards. Play and bidding decide who names the trump suit and leads play for the hand.
What you need and how to set up
You need one full standard 52-card deck. Sit across from your partner so teammates face each other. Choose a dealer by any simple method (cutting cards or random pick). The dealer shuffles and deals the full hand according to your group’s chosen deal pattern. Because rules vary by region, check the official or regional rules for exact deal counts and any special card placement.
How to play
- Deal the cards. All cards are distributed so each player has the same number of cards (follow your group's chosen deal pattern).
- Bidding phase. Players bid in turn for the right to declare the contract. A bid typically states how many points or tricks the bidder expects to win and may name the trump suit. Higher bids outbid lower ones. The highest bidder becomes the declarer.
- Declare trump. The winning bidder (declarer) confirms the trump suit and any special contract terms required by your local version of the game.
- Play tricks. The declarer leads the first trick. Players play one card each to the trick. Follow-suit rules and trump behavior are part of the standard trick-taking pattern: you normally must follow suit if you can, and a trump can win a trick when played. The highest card in the suit led, or the highest trump, wins the trick.
- Collect and score cards. Partners keep the tricks they win together. Point values and how they add up are version-dependent; the common beginner focus lists 10/5 per trick scoring as a typical scheme, but your group should confirm the exact scoring table before you start.
- Repeat. After all cards are played, count tricks and points, adjust scores, then pass the deal and start the next hand.
How a round or game ends
A round ends when every trick has been played and both teams total their points for that hand. The declarer’s team either makes the contract or fails it; scoring reflects success or failure. A full game is usually several rounds until a target score or a preset number of hands is reached. Exact end conditions and penalties vary by local rules, so check your group's version for the final scoring and winning threshold.
Beginner tips
- Talk strategy with your partner before bidding. Quick signals about strength help without revealing detailed holdings to opponents.
- Bid honestly for what your hand can likely make. Overbidding risks big penalties in many versions.
- Watch which suits opponents avoid. Missing a suit often shows they are void and may be ready to trump.
- Practice keeping track of played high cards and trumps. Even simple card counting gives a big edge.
- Agree on exact local rules before you start. Rok (Shelem) has regional variations for deal patterns and scoring.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck for Rok (Shelem)?
No. Use a standard full 52-card deck. Rok uses a normal deck rather than a commercial specialty pack.
How many people are on a team?
Four players form two teams of two. Partners sit opposite each other and combine tricks and points for scoring.
Where can I find exact rules and scoring tables?
There are authoritative regional rule references. Because versions differ, check an official or regional rules source for complete deal patterns, card rankings, exact scoring and any penalties before you play.