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Download on Google Play- 4 players in partnerships, 48 cards.
- Deal 12 each.
- Bid trump suit or botifarra (no trump, double stakes).
- Follow suit if possible, must trump if void.
- Highest trump or led-suit card wins.
- Count card points captured.
- A=11, 3=10, K=4, Q=3, J=2.
- Botifarra doubles the round's score.
Rules
Botifarra is a Catalan partnership trick-taking game, the most popular card game in Catalonia. It uses 48 cards and features a bidding system where the winning bidder's team must capture the majority of card points.
Objective
Win tricks containing the most card points. The bidding team must capture at least 37 of the 72 available points.
Setup
- Players: 4 players in two partnerships.
- Deck: 48 cards (standard deck with 2s removed).
- Deal: Deal 12 cards to each player.
Gameplay
- Step 1: Starting left of the dealer, players may bid 'botifarra' (no trump) or name a trump suit. Saying 'botifarra' doubles the stakes.
- Step 2: The player to the dealer's right leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible.
- Step 3: If trumps are active, players who cannot follow suit must play trump if able.
- Step 4: Highest trump or highest card of led suit wins. Card points are counted after all 12 tricks.
Scoring
- Ace = 11, 3 = 10, King = 4, Queen = 3, Jack = 2, other cards = 0.
- Total = 72 points per round. Bidding team needs 37+.
- Botifarra (no trump) doubles the score for the round.
Variations
- Contrabotifarra: The opposing team can double again after a botifarra bid.
- Delegated Botifarra: The dealer can pass the bidding right to their partner.
Tips and Strategies
- Bid botifarra with a balanced hand full of Aces and 3s.
- Communication between partners through card play is essential.
- Lead your strongest suit to establish tricks early.
Tips & Strategy
A botifarra bid is powerful but risky. Only declare it with a strong balanced hand. Partnership communication through play is vital.
The 3 ranking as the second-highest card (worth 10 points) is unusual and catches newcomers off guard. Adapt your play to this ranking.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The word 'botifarra' also means a type of Catalan sausage, and declaring it is considered an audacious, bold move.
What does a 'botifarra' bid mean in this card game?
History & Culture
Botifarra has been played in Catalonia for over a century and is considered the most important Catalan card game tradition.
Botifarra is the most popular card game in Catalonia and a symbol of Catalan cultural identity.
Variations & House Rules
Contrabotifarra lets the opposing team re-double. Delegated bidding allows passing the bid to your partner.
Allow contrabotifarra for maximum stakes excitement.
