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Download on Google Play- 4 players in partnerships, 54 cards.
- Deal 12 each, 6 to the kitty.
- Bid 3-7 tricks with uptown, downtown, or no trump.
- Follow suit if possible.
- Highest trump or highest led-suit card wins.
- Winner leads the next trick.
- Make bid: +1 per trick won.
- Fail bid: lose bid amount.
Rules
Bid Whist is a popular partnership trick-taking game in the African-American community. Players bid for the right to name trumps and must win the number of tricks they bid, with the option to go 'uptown' (high-to-low) or 'downtown' (low-to-high).
Objective
Win at least the number of tricks your partnership bid. The first team to reach a target score wins.
Setup
- Players: 4 players in two partnerships.
- Deck: 54 cards (standard 52 plus 2 jokers).
- Deal: Deal 12 cards to each player. The remaining 6 cards form the kitty.
Gameplay
- Step 1: Players bid 3-7 tricks, specifying uptown (Ace high), downtown (Ace low), or no trump. Highest bidder wins.
- Step 2: The winning bidder picks up the kitty, adds it to their hand, and discards 6 cards face down.
- Step 3: The bidder names the trump suit (or confirms no trump) and leads the first trick.
- Step 4: Players must follow suit. Highest trump or highest card of the led suit wins each trick.
Scoring
- If the bidding team makes their bid, they score 1 point per trick won.
- If they fail, they lose the number of points they bid.
Variations
- Rise and Fly: A variant where the bidding team must win all 13 tricks for a massive bonus.
- No Kitty: Some groups deal all cards evenly without a kitty.
Tips and Strategies
- Bid based on your trump length and high cards.
- Use the kitty to strengthen your hand and void a suit.
- Communicate with your partner through your leads.
Tips & Strategy
Bid aggressively when you hold long trump suits. Use the kitty to create voids for trumping and strengthen your best suit.
The kitty is your biggest advantage as the bidder. Use it to shore up weaknesses and create a hand that can dominate the trick play.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Bid Whist tournaments are a staple at African-American social events, family reunions, and college homecomings across the United States.
In Bid Whist, what is the difference between an 'uptown' and a 'downtown' bid?
History & Culture
Bid Whist became hugely popular in African-American communities in the mid-20th century, evolving from traditional Whist with added bidding mechanics.
Bid Whist is a cornerstone of African-American card game culture, deeply tied to community gatherings and social traditions.
Variations & House Rules
Rise and Fly requires winning all 13 tricks for a huge bonus. Some groups play without the kitty for a simpler experience.
Adjust the target score to control game length. Some groups allow 'special' bids like no-trump downtown for extra challenge.
