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Download on Google Play- Use a standard 52-card deck for 3-5 players.
- Deal 10 cards each; remaining cards form the market pile.
- Take tricks following standard rules; no trump suit.
- Won trick cards go into your trading pile.
- After tricks, exchange cards with the market pile to complete sets.
- Complete sets of four same-rank cards for bonus points.
- 1 point per trick won.
- Complete set of four: 10 bonus points.
- Each Ace: 3 points. Each face card: 1 point.
Rules
Amstercam is a Dutch card game combining elements of trick-taking and set collection. Named after Amsterdam, it features a unique mechanic where captured cards can be traded at the end of rounds for bonus points, simulating the mercantile spirit of the famous Dutch city.
Objective
Accumulate the most points through a combination of winning tricks and collecting valuable card sets. The player with the highest total after all rounds wins.
Setup
- Players: 3 to 5 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 10 cards to each player. Place the remaining cards face-down as a market pile.
Gameplay
- Trick phase: Players take tricks using standard rules. Follow suit if possible; highest card of the led suit wins. No trump suit exists.
- Collection: After each trick, the winner adds the captured cards to their trading pile.
- Market phase: At the end of the trick phase, players may exchange cards from their trading pile with cards from the market pile, seeking to complete valuable sets.
- Set scoring: Complete sets of four cards of the same rank earn bonus points during the scoring phase.
Scoring
- Tricks won: 1 point per trick.
- Complete sets of four: 10 bonus points per set.
- Aces collected: 3 points each.
- Face cards collected: 1 point each.
Tips and Strategies
- Win tricks that contain cards you need for set completion, not just any tricks.
- Use the market phase to fill gaps in your sets rather than collecting randomly.
- Balance trick-winning with set-building — focusing too heavily on one strategy reduces your total score.
Tips & Strategy
Plan your trick-winning around the cards you need for sets. The market phase can complete your collection, but having a strong base from trick captures is more reliable.
The key to Amstercam is recognizing which sets are achievable early and targeting those specific cards throughout the trick phase. Chasing too many sets at once dilutes your efforts.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The market phase in Amstercam was inspired by the historical Amsterdam Stock Exchange, the world's oldest securities exchange.
What Dutch city inspired the name and mechanics of Amstercam?
History & Culture
Amstercam was created as a distinctly Dutch card game that reflects Amsterdam's trading heritage. It blends traditional trick-taking with a commercial exchange mechanic unique to the game.
Amstercam represents a uniquely Dutch approach to card game design, incorporating the country's mercantile history into engaging gameplay mechanics.
Variations & House Rules
Some groups play with a blind market where the market pile is face-down, adding luck to the trading phase. Others allow direct trading between players.
Allow face-up market piles for a more strategic experience, or add a bidding phase where players auction off valuable cards to the highest bidder.
