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Download on Google Play- Use a standard 52-card deck.
- Deal 9 cards each to 4 players in two partnerships.
- Bid from 7 to 14; highest bidder names the trump suit.
- Discard non-trump cards and draw back to 6 after trump is named.
- Follow suit if possible; highest trump wins the trick.
- Capture point cards (Ace, 2, Jack, 10, and both 5s) in tricks.
- Each Pedro (5 of trump and 5 of same color) = 5 points each.
- Ace, 2, Jack, and 10 of trump = 1 point each; total = 14.
- Failing your bid deducts the bid amount from your score.
Rules
Pedro is an American trick-taking game where players bid on how many of the 14 available points their team can win. Points come from capturing specific cards rather than from winning the most tricks, creating a focused, strategic contest.
Objective
Working with your partner, capture enough point cards in tricks to meet your bid. The first team to reach a target score (usually 62) wins the game.
Setup
- Players: 4 players in two partnerships.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: 9 cards each.
- Bidding: Players bid from 7 to 14 on how many points their team will capture. The highest bidder names the trump suit.
Point Cards (in Trump)
- High: Ace of trump = 1 point.
- Low: 2 of trump = 1 point.
- Jack: Jack of trump = 1 point.
- Game: 10 of trump = 1 point.
- Five of Trump (Pedro): 5 points.
- Five of Same Color (Off Pedro): 5 points — this card counts as trump for the hand.
- Total Available: 14 points.
Gameplay
- Discarding: After trump is named, all players discard non-trump cards and draw back to 6 cards.
- Trick Play: The bid winner leads first. Follow suit if possible. Highest trump wins the trick.
- Capturing Points: Point cards are scored by the team that captures them in tricks.
Tips and Strategies
- The two Pedros (5 of trump and 5 of same color) are worth 10 of the 14 points — controlling them is critical.
- Bid conservatively unless you hold a Pedro or multiple high trumps.
- Lead with high trumps early to draw out opponents' trump before they can capture your Pedros.
Tips & Strategy
Protect your Pedros at all costs. If you hold a Pedro, use your other trumps to clear the way before playing it. If opponents hold a Pedro, flush it out with high trumps.
Bidding is where games are won and lost. Overbidding forces your team to capture difficult point cards, while underbidding gives opponents free points.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The Off Pedro (5 of the same color as trump) temporarily becomes a trump card, creating a 'borrowed' trump that adds a unique wrinkle to the game.
In Pedro, how many points is each Pedro card (5 of trump and 5 of same color) worth?
History & Culture
Pedro evolved from the game of Pitch in the American West during the 19th century. The addition of the Pedro cards (the 5s) gave the game its distinctive character.
Pedro remains popular in the southern and western United States, particularly in Texas and Louisiana, where it is a fixture at social gatherings.
Variations & House Rules
Double Pedro uses the standard 14-point system. Single Pedro removes the Off Pedro for 9 total points. Some variants add the 3 and 9 as additional point cards.
Adjust the target score for longer or shorter games. Some groups add the Joker as an additional 5-point card for 19 total points.
