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Download on Google Play- 5 players, 53 cards (with Joker).
- Deal 10 each, 3 to kitty.
- Bid, then declarer names trump and calls a partner card.
- Follow suit if possible.
- Mighty wins any trick. Joker wins unless Mighty is played.
- Winner leads next.
- Point cards: A, K, Q, J = 1 point each.
- Declarer's team must meet their bid.
Rules
Mighty is the most popular card game in South Korea, a trick-taking game for 5 players where the declarer secretly selects a partner by calling a specific card. The Mighty card (Ace of Spades) and Joker have special powers.
Objective
The declarer and their secret partner aim to capture at least the number of point cards they bid. The three defenders try to prevent this.
Setup
- Players: 5 players.
- Deck: 53 cards (standard 52 plus 1 Joker).
- Deal: Deal 10 cards to each player. The remaining 3 cards form a kitty.
Gameplay
- Step 1: Players bid 13-20 points. The highest bidder becomes the declarer, picks up the kitty, discards 3 cards, and names a trump suit.
- Step 2: The declarer calls a specific card (e.g., Ace of Hearts). The holder of that card is the secret partner.
- Step 3: The declarer leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible.
- Step 4: The Mighty (Ace of Spades, or Ace of Clubs if Spades is trump) always wins any trick. The Joker can be played anytime and wins unless the Mighty is played.
Scoring
- Point cards are Aces (1 pt each), Kings, Queens, and Jacks (all 1 pt each). Joker and 10s have no points.
- The declarer's team must capture their bid amount in point cards. If they succeed, they score; if they fail, they lose.
Variations
- No Friend: The declarer plays alone against four defenders for higher stakes.
- Mighty Reversal: The Mighty card changes to a different Ace based on house rules.
Tips and Strategies
- Call a card you need for your strategy, creating a powerful alliance.
- The Mighty cannot be beaten, so plan around it carefully.
- As the secret partner, play subtly to avoid early detection.
Tips & Strategy
The Mighty card wins any trick, so build your strategy around it. As declarer, call a card that complements your hand to create the strongest partnership.
The secret partnership creates a social deduction layer. Defenders must read plays carefully to identify and isolate the declarer's partner.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Mighty is so popular in Korea that it is often the first card game Korean students learn, and online versions have millions of players.
Which card is the Mighty in the standard game, and what special power does it have?
History & Culture
Mighty became the dominant card game in South Korea in the latter 20th century and is played widely in schools, universities, and military service.
Mighty is deeply embedded in Korean social culture, serving as a common activity during military service, university life, and social gatherings.
Variations & House Rules
No Friend mode lets the declarer play solo for bigger rewards. Some groups rotate which Ace is the Mighty card.
Adjust the minimum bid to change game difficulty. Try the No Friend variant for experienced players seeking a challenge.
