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Download on Google Play- Use a standard 52-card deck.
- Deal 6 cards to each of 2-4 players.
- Turn the top remaining card face-up to propose the trump suit.
- Non-dealer may accept trump or beg for a new one.
- Lead a card; follow suit if able, otherwise trump or discard.
- Highest trump wins the trick, or highest led-suit card.
- High: 1 point for holding the highest trump dealt.
- Low: 1 point for holding the lowest trump dealt.
- Jack: 1 point for capturing the jack of trumps.
- Game: 1 point for the most card-point value in tricks (Ten=10, A=4, K=3, Q=2, J=1).
Rules
All Fours is a historic English trick-taking game that dates back to the 17th century. It is notable for its four scoring categories—High, Low, Jack, and Game—which give the game its name. It served as the ancestor of many popular American card games.
Objective
Score points across four categories: High (having the highest trump), Low (having the lowest trump), Jack (capturing the jack of trumps), and Game (winning the most card-point value in tricks). The first player or team to reach the target score wins.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 4 players, individually or in partnerships.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Each player receives 6 cards.
- Trump: The top card of the remaining deck is turned face-up to propose the trump suit.
Gameplay
- Accept or beg: The non-dealer may accept the proposed trump or 'beg' for a new one. If the dealer refuses, the trump stands; if the dealer agrees, three more cards are dealt and a new trump is turned.
- Play tricks: The elder hand leads. Players must follow suit if able; otherwise, they may trump or discard.
- Win tricks: The highest trump wins the trick, or the highest card of the led suit if no trump is played.
- Complete the hand: All six tricks are played, then scoring is tallied.
Scoring
- High: One point to the player dealt the highest trump card.
- Low: One point to the player dealt the lowest trump card.
- Jack: One point to the player who captures the jack of trumps in a trick.
- Game: One point to the player whose captured cards have the highest total face value (Ace=4, King=3, Queen=2, Jack=1, Ten=10).
Variations
- California Jack: A two-player variant where the stock pile is face-up, giving players information about upcoming cards.
- Seven Up: An American descendant that uses the same four scoring points but modifies some gameplay rules.
Tips and Strategies
- Begging for a new trump can be advantageous if your hand lacks support in the proposed suit.
- Keep track of the jack of trumps, as it is a contested scoring point that both sides will try to capture.
- Count the card values of tricks you win to compete for the Game point.
Tips & Strategy
The begging mechanic is a strategic tool. If your hand is weak in the proposed trump, beg for a redeal to improve your chances across all four scoring categories.
The Game point requires tracking card values won in tricks, which adds a layer of arithmetic on top of standard trick-taking tactics.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Charles Cotton described All Fours in his 1674 book 'The Compleat Gamester,' making it one of the earliest card games recorded in English literature.
What are the four scoring categories in All Fours that give the game its name?
History & Culture
All Fours was first documented in 17th-century England and traveled to America, where it became enormously popular and gave rise to Pitch, Setback, and numerous other games.
All Fours is one of the most historically significant English card games, having influenced an entire branch of American trick-taking games that remain popular to this day.
Variations & House Rules
California Jack adds a visible stock pile for two players, while Seven Up became the most widespread American adaptation.
Adjust the target score between 7 and 11 points for different session lengths. Some groups add a fifth scoring point for capturing specific trumps.
