How to Play Tarabish
Tarabish is a fun trick-taking card game popular in the Black Sea and Bulgarian communities. If you want a quick, friendly intro to try with friends, this guide will help you start. For more beginner guides like this, visit Playmore.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Game name | Tarabish |
| Players | 4 (two teams of two) |
| Deck | 36 French-suited cards (a reduced setup made from one normal 52-card deck) |
| Type / family | Bulgaria / Black Sea diaspora — regional marriage / trick game |
| Beginner focus | How tricks, trump, and team scoring work at a high level |
What you are trying to do
Your team tries to win tricks and score points by taking valuable cards and declaring any special melds or marriages allowed in your version. Play with your partner to reach the agreed target score. Exact point values, card ranks, and marriage rules vary by region, so check your local rules before you play.
What you need and how to set up
Use a single standard 52-card deck reduced to 36 cards (most groups remove 2s through 5s, leaving 6 through ace in each suit). Four players sit around a table. Partners sit opposite each other.
Decide who deals first. Shuffle and deal the agreed number of cards to each player. Many groups use nine cards per player, but some play other hand sizes. Place any leftover cards on the table per your version.
Agree on any regional rules before the first hand. This includes how trump is chosen, whether there is bidding, and how marriages or melds score.
How to play
- Declare trump. After the deal, players follow the local method to select the trump suit. Some groups use a bidding step; others let the dealer or a card determine trump. Agree how your group handles this before you start.
- Lead a trick. The player who leads plays any card. Play proceeds clockwise. Each player plays one card to the trick.
- Follow suit when you can. If you have a card of the suit that was led, most versions require you to follow that suit. If you cannot follow, you may be able to play any card or a trump, depending on rules.
- Resolve the trick. The trick is won by the highest card in the suit led, unless a trump was played and trumps outrank the led suit. The trick winner collects the cards and usually leads the next trick. Exact card ranking (which rank counts highest) can be version-dependent — check your rules.
- Declare marriages or melds if your version allows. Some Tarabish rules give extra points for holding specific card combinations. Announce these at the proper time per your group’s rules.
- Repeat until all cards are played. After all tricks are complete, count the points in tricks and any melds. Add totals to the team score.
How a round or game ends
A round ends when every card has been played and points are tallied. Teams add the round score to their running total. Games are commonly played to a target score agreed beforehand. Exact round scoring, penalties, and the final target score vary by regional rules, so confirm the details with your play group.
Beginner tips
- Play with a friendly group and agree the exact rule set before you start.
- Keep track of which high cards and trumps have been played.
- Talk tactics with your partner using allowed table talk; many groups restrict communication.
- Save a trump for a crucial trick if you can. Timing matters more than strength alone.
- Practice counting cards and remembering which suits are short in players’ hands.
- Start with simpler local rules before trying advanced melds or complicated scoring variations.
FAQ
What deck do I need?
Use one normal 52-card deck reduced to 36 cards. The common reduction removes 2s through 5s, leaving 6–10, jack, queen, king, and ace in each suit.
How many players and how are teams arranged?
Tarabish is for four players. Form two teams of two; partners sit opposite each other.
Where can I find exact scoring and marriage rules?
Tarabish rules vary by region. This guide gives a safe beginner overview. Check an authoritative rule source (for example, Pagat) or your local group's written rules for exact card ranks, scoring values, and any bidding details.