How to Play Stortok
Stortok is a lively Danish trick-taking game with changing contracts and penalty scoring. If you like card games that change each hand, this guide will get you playing fast — and you can find more friendly guides at Playmore.
Quick facts
| Game | Players | Deck | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stortok | 3–5 | Standard 52-card deck (normal deck) | Danish trick-taking game with changing contracts |
What you are trying to do
Each hand of Stortok uses a contract that changes what counts as good or bad. Your goal is to win tricks in the way the current contract asks. Sometimes you want tricks, sometimes you want to avoid certain cards or tricks. Points are then added or subtracted based on how well players meet the contract.
What you need and how to set up
You need one normal 52-card deck. No special deck is required. Play works best with three to five players who agree on which local or official variant to use before starting.
Decide a dealer. Shuffle and deal the cards as your group agrees. Some groups deal all cards out evenly; others deal a fixed hand size. The order of contracts, who names trumps, and exact scoring figures are version-dependent. Groups should check the official or regional rules before you begin to confirm those details.
How to play
- Determine the dealer and deal the hands. The dealer usually rotates clockwise each hand.
- Reveal the contract for this hand. A contract tells whether there is a trump suit, if players must win or avoid tricks, or if particular cards carry penalties or bonuses. Contracts change from hand to hand.
- Leader plays the first card. Play proceeds clockwise with each player following suit if they can. If they cannot follow suit, they may play any card (including trumps where allowed).
- Compare cards to see who wins the trick. The trick winner collects the cards and typically leads the next trick. Exact card ranking (ace high or another order) can be variant-specific, so agree that with your group first.
- Repeat until all cards in the hand are played and all tricks are taken.
- Score the hand according to the contract. Points are awarded or penalized based on the contract’s goals (for example, number of tricks taken, holding or avoiding a card, or special penalty cards). Exact point values and penalties are version-dependent.
- Pass the deal and play the next hand with a new contract. Continue until you hit the agreed finish condition (see next section).
How a round or game ends
Groups typically end the game after a fixed number of hands or when a player reaches a target score. Some variants rotate through every contract once and then stop. Because contract order and scoring vary, decide in advance how many hands make a full game or what final score ends play.
Beginner tips
- Agree on the exact contract list, card ranking, and scoring before you start.
- Watch which suits have been played to spot when someone is void in a suit. That helps decide when to play trumps.
- Count how many tricks your side has won as the hand goes. It’s easy to lose track without noting them.
- If a contract punishes a particular card, try to force that card onto an opponent by leading suits they must follow.
- Play practice hands with simplified scoring first. That helps you learn how different contracts change strategy.
FAQ
Do I need a special deck for Stortok?
No. Use a standard 52-card deck. Stortok uses a normal deck setup; you don’t need to buy anything special.
How are contracts chosen?
Contracts rotate or are chosen by the dealer or a winning bidder, depending on the variant. Each contract changes the hand’s goal, so agree on the contract order or bidding method before you play.
Where can I find the exact scoring and contract list?
Stortok has several local and authoritative versions. For the exact scoring, card ranks, and contract text your group wants, check the official or regional rules you prefer before playing.