Get the full experience in CardRules+
300+ games with text-to-speech, game night planner, quick reference cards, and offline access.
Download on Google Play- 2-10 players, deal 5 cards each.
- Turn up a card to set the trump suit.
- Unique ranking: 5 of trumps > Jack of trumps > Ace of Hearts.
- Must follow suit only if trumps are led.
- Highest card wins the trick.
- Winner leads next.
- Each trick = 5 points.
- First to 45 wins.
Rules
Forty-Five is the national card game of Ireland, a trick-taking game with a unique card ranking that changes based on the trump suit and card color. The first player or team to reach 45 points wins.
Objective
Win tricks containing high-value cards to be the first player or team to score 45 points.
Setup
- Players: 2-10 players (often played in partnerships of 2 or teams).
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 5 cards to each player in batches. Turn up one card to determine the trump suit.
Gameplay
- Step 1: The player to the dealer's left leads the first trick with any card.
- Step 2: Players must follow suit if a trump is led. If a non-trump is led, players may play any card.
- Step 3: Card ranking is unique: the 5 of trumps is always the highest trump, followed by the Jack of trumps, then the Ace of Hearts (always third-highest trump).
- Step 4: The highest card wins the trick. The trick winner leads next.
Scoring
- Each trick won is worth 5 points. The highest trump in play earns an additional 5 points.
- The first player or team to reach 45 points wins the game.
Variations
- Auction Forty-Fives: Teams bid for the right to name trumps, adding a strategic bidding phase.
- Spoil Five: A related game where if no one wins 3 tricks, the round is 'spoiled' and redealt.
Tips and Strategies
- The 5 of trumps is the most powerful card, so protect it or use it to capture high-value tricks.
- Remember that the Ace of Hearts is always the third-best trump regardless of the actual trump suit.
- In non-trump leads, you have freedom to play anything, giving you strategic flexibility.
Tips & Strategy
Master the unusual card ranking, especially remembering that the Ace of Hearts is always the third-highest trump. The 5 of trumps dominates every hand.
The freedom to play off-suit when a non-trump is led gives you enormous flexibility. Use this to dump losers or play trumps strategically.
Trivia & Fun Facts
In rural Ireland, Forty-Five tournaments (called '45 drives') are major community events held in pubs and parish halls.
In Forty-Five, which three cards are always the highest trumps regardless of suit?
History & Culture
Forty-Five has been Ireland's most popular card game for centuries and remains deeply embedded in Irish rural social life.
Forty-Five is a cornerstone of Irish social culture, played at community events, family gatherings, and pub nights across Ireland and the Irish diaspora.
Variations & House Rules
Auction Forty-Fives adds bidding for trumps. Spoil Five is a related game where failing to win 3 tricks resets the round.
Play to a different target score for shorter or longer games. Team play adds partnership strategy to the mix.
