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Download on Google Play- Use a 32-card deck (7 through Ace).
- Deal 8 cards each to 4 players in two partnerships.
- The last card dealt to the dealer determines the trump suit.
- Follow suit if possible; if not, you must trump.
- If the trick has a trump, you must overtrump if possible.
- Highest trump or highest led-suit card wins the trick.
- 10 (Manille) = 5 pts, Ace = 4, King = 3, Queen = 2, Jack = 1.
- 9, 8, 7 have no point value.
- Team needs 31+ of 60 total points to win the round.
Rules
Manille is a trick-taking game popular in France and Spain where the 10 is the highest-ranking card in each suit, followed by the Ace. This unusual hierarchy gives the game its distinctive character and demands careful card management.
Objective
Working with your partner, win tricks containing the most valuable cards. The team that scores more than half the total card points wins the round.
Setup
- Players: 4 players in two partnerships.
- Deck: 32-card deck (7 through Ace in each suit).
- Deal: 8 cards each, using the entire deck.
- Trump: The last card dealt to the dealer is shown to all and determines the trump suit.
Card Rankings and Values
- 10 (Manille): Highest card, worth 5 points.
- Ace (Manillon): Second highest, worth 4 points.
- King: Worth 3 points.
- Queen: Worth 2 points.
- Jack: Worth 1 point.
- 9, 8, 7: No point value.
- Total: 60 points available (plus bonuses). Need 31+ to win.
Gameplay
- Leading: Player right of dealer leads first.
- Following Suit: You must follow suit if possible. If unable, you must trump if you can.
- Overtrumping: If the trick already contains a trump, you must play a higher trump if possible.
- Winning Tricks: Highest trump wins, or highest card of the led suit.
Tips and Strategies
- The 10 is the most powerful card — use it wisely to capture high-value tricks.
- Coordinate with your partner through your leads and signals.
- Remember that the 10 beats the Ace, which surprises newcomers but is the defining feature of Manille.
Tips & Strategy
The 10 (Manille) and Ace (Manillon) together are worth 9 of the 15 points in each suit. Controlling these two cards in the trump suit is usually decisive.
Since the 10 outranks the Ace, standard trick-taking intuitions must be adjusted. Leading a 10 is like leading an Ace in other games — it demands respect.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The name 'Manille' derives from the Spanish word for the 10 card, reflecting the game's Iberian origins before it spread to France.
In Manille, what is the term for the highest card (the 10) in each suit?
History & Culture
Manille has been popular in southwestern France and Spain since the 17th century. It remains a fixture in village cafés and social clubs throughout the Pyrenees region.
Manille is deeply rooted in the culture of southern France and northeastern Spain, serving as a social cornerstone in rural communities for centuries.
Variations & House Rules
Manille Parlée allows partners to communicate openly about their hands. Manille Muette forbids all communication. Coinchée Manille adds bidding.
For beginners, try Manille Parlée where partners can discuss strategy openly. This teaches the card hierarchy before adding the challenge of silent partnership.
