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- Use a standard 52-card deck.
- Deal 5 cards each.
- Bid from 1 to 5 (Napoleon = all 5); each bid must exceed the previous or pass.
- Highest bidder leads first; the suit of that card becomes trump.
- Follow suit if possible; otherwise play any card.
- Highest trump or highest led-suit card wins the trick.
- Meet your bid and all players pay you the bid amount.
- Fail and you pay each player the bid amount.
- Napoleon (5) pays/costs double; Wellington triples, Blucher quadruples.
Rules
Napoleon (commonly called Nap) is a British trick-taking game where players bid on how many of the five tricks they will win, then play to fulfill their bid. Its quick hands and simple bidding make it a favorite at pubs and social gatherings.
Objective
Win your bid by taking the exact number of tricks you declared. The highest bidder leads and chooses trump by the suit of their first card played.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 7 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: 5 cards each.
- Bidding: Players bid from 1 to 5 (Napoleon = all 5). Each bid must be higher than the previous, or the player passes.
Gameplay
- Trump: The bid winner leads the first trick. The suit of their first card becomes trump.
- Following Suit: Players must follow suit if possible. Otherwise, they may play any card.
- Winning Tricks: Highest trump wins, or highest card of the led suit.
- Scoring: If the bidder wins their bid, all players pay them the bid amount. If they fail, they pay each player the bid amount.
- Napoleon Bonus: A bid of 5 (Napoleon) pays double if won and costs double if lost.
Special Bids
- Wellington: A bid that outranks Napoleon, paying triple.
- Blücher: Outranks Wellington, paying quadruple. Only available after a Wellington bid.
Tips and Strategies
- Bid based on your guaranteed tricks, not hopeful ones.
- Choose your lead card carefully — it sets the trump suit for the entire hand.
- With only 5 tricks, every card decision is critical.
Tips & Strategy
A bid of 3 is safe with three high trumps. A bid of 5 requires near-perfect cards. Know the difference between a likely trick and a certain one.
Since trump is set by your lead card, choose the suit where you are strongest. Having the Ace and King of a suit makes it an excellent trump choice.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The phrase 'to go nap' in British English, meaning to risk everything, originates from the Napoleon bid in this game.
In Napoleon (Nap), what determines the trump suit for the hand?
History & Culture
Nap has been a popular British pub game since the late 19th century. It is named after Napoleon Bonaparte, and the special bids Wellington and Blücher refer to his famous adversaries.
Nap is a quintessentially British card game, deeply associated with pub culture. Its quick pace and social betting make it a perfect companion to an evening at the local.
Variations & House Rules
Purchase Nap allows players to exchange cards for a fee. Misère is a bid to lose all five tricks. Peep Nap lets the bidder look at one card from each opponent.
Add the Misère bid (winning by losing all tricks) for an interesting twist. Wellington and Blücher bids add high-stakes drama.
