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French Tarot

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description French Tarot Overview

French Tarot is a classic trick-taking game demanding strategic bidding and skillful play. It utilizes a distinctive 78-card deck featuring twenty-one trump cards – specifically the Napoleons – which dramatically influence gameplay. The game’s complexity and reliance on trump suit control make it suitable for experienced card players seeking a challenging and historically significant game. It is often enjoyed by those interested in traditional games and competitive trick-taking.

help French Tarot FAQ

How many cards are in a deck used for French Tarot?

French Tarot is played with a specialized 78-card deck, which is significantly larger than a standard 52-card poker deck. The deck consists of four standard suits, a single special card known as the Excuse, and exactly 21 uniquely numbered trump cards.

How many players are required for a standard game of French Tarot?

While variations exist for three or five players, the standard and most popular form of French Tarot is designed for exactly four players. In this four-player format, the game is played as a partnership where one player (the taker) plays directly against the other three defending players.

What is the role of the 21 numbered trump cards in French Tarot?

The numbered trumps, known as atouts, act as the highest-ranking cards in the game and beat any card led from the four standard suits. The highest trump is the 21, and these cards are absolutely essential for the taker to win the required tricks and fulfill their bid.

What is the 'Excuse' card in French Tarot?

The Excuse, or "Fool," is a unique card in the tarot deck that acts as a wild card to excuse the player from having to follow suit. When playing the Excuse, the player simply adds it to the current trick, but they must surrender the Excuse to the trick winner at the end of the hand.

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