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- Form two partnerships of two players each.
- Use a 32-card deck with 10 as the highest card.
- Deal 8 cards to each player in batches of 4.
- Follow suit if able, trump if you cannot follow.
- Highest card of the led suit or highest trump wins.
- Trick winner leads the next trick.
- Manille (10)=5, Ace=4, King=3, Queen=2, Jack=1.
- Last trick earns a bonus point, totaling 60 per round.
Rules
Manillen is Belgium's most popular trick-taking card game, played by four players in partnerships using a 32-card deck. The game features a unique card ranking where the 10 (the Manille) is the highest card in each suit.
Objective
Score points by capturing tricks containing high-value cards. The first partnership to reach the agreed-upon target score wins the game.
Setup
- Players: 4 players in two fixed partnerships, sitting across from each other.
- Deck: 32 cards (7 through Ace in each suit), with the 10 ranked highest in every suit.
- Deal: Each player receives 8 cards, dealt in batches of 4.
Gameplay
- Step 1: The dealer's team or the opposing team chooses the trump suit, or the game may be played without trumps.
- Step 2: The player to the dealer's left leads the first trick by playing any card.
- Step 3: Players must follow suit if able. If unable to follow suit and trumps are active, players must trump if possible.
- Step 4: The highest card of the led suit wins the trick, unless a trump is played, in which case the highest trump wins.
Scoring
- The Manille (10) is worth 5 points, Ace is worth 4, King is 3, Queen is 2, and Jack is 1 per trick.
- The last trick is worth an extra point, making the total points in a round equal to 60.
Variations
- Manillen Troef: A version where trump is always determined by a turned-up card from the deck.
- Manillen Zonder Troef: A no-trump variant where all suits are equal, emphasizing pure card power.
Tips and Strategies
- Lead with your Manille early to secure tricks and pull out opponents' strong cards.
- Remember that the 10 outranks the Ace, which is the most distinctive feature of this game.
- Cooperate with your partner by signaling suit strength through your plays.
Tips & Strategy
Adapt quickly to the reversed hierarchy where 10 beats Ace. Counting points per trick helps you know when to push for extra tricks.
Since the 10 is the most powerful card, holding it gives you control over a suit. Timing when to play your Manille can swing an entire round.
Trivia & Fun Facts
In Belgium, Manillen tournaments are a staple of village social life, often held in local cafes with prizes for the winning team.
Which card is the highest-ranking card in each suit in Manillen?
History & Culture
Manillen has roots in the Spanish card game Manille and became the dominant card game in Belgium, particularly in Flanders, during the 19th century.
Manillen is a beloved tradition in Flemish culture, serving as a social cornerstone in Belgian communities and local gatherings.
Variations & House Rules
Troef mode lets a flipped card determine trumps, adding randomness. Zonder Troef removes trumps entirely for a purer test of card management.
Lower the target score for quicker sessions. New players can play with open hands for practice rounds to learn the unique card ranking.
