Number of Players. While the game can be played by two or three people, it is best played by more. Each player plays for himself.

The Pack. The standard 52-card pack is used.

Rank of Cards. A (high), K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 in each suit.

The Ante. For each deal, players ante to a pot. The current dealer decides the amount that he and each other player pays, but usually a maximum is placed on the ante in advance.

The Deal. Players draw or cut for first deal. Thereafter, the turn passes to the player on the left. Only the dealer shuffles, and the player on his right cuts. Five cards are dealt to each player, one at a time, face down, beginning with the player on the left. The dealer then turns up the next card, which is designated the trump suit, and then he announces this suit.

Object of the Game. The goal is to win at least one trick and the primary object is to win each pot by taking the most tricks.

The Draw. After looking at his cards, any player may drop out of the hand and forfeit his ante by placing all five cards face down. Otherwise, a player may stay in and have a chance to win the pot, or he may sustain additional losses. Each active player, beginning on the dealer's left, now discards one to four cards and receives replacements from the deck, or stands pat. (In some games, a player is not allowed to draw more than three cards; in other games, the limit is five cards – a new hand.)

The Play. When the draw is completed, the player on the dealer's left leads and the cards are played out in tricks (one card from each player in turn). The leader must lead his highest trump if he has the ace, king, or queen. To each trick, a player in turn must:

1) Follow suit, if possible.
2) Play a higher card than any previously played, if possible.
3) Play a trump, if unable to follow suit.
4) Play any card, if unable to follow suit or trump.