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Download on Google Play- 4-6 players, deal 6 cards each.
- Bid 2-5 for trumps.
- Highest bidder names trump and leads.
- Follow suit if possible.
- Highest trump or led-suit card wins.
- Capture point cards in tricks.
- High, Low, Jack, Jick, Game = 1 point each.
- Bidding team must meet bid or lose points.
Rules
Smear is an American trick-taking game similar to Pitch. Players bid for the right to name trumps and try to capture point cards including High, Low, Jack, Jick, and Game.
Objective
Score points by capturing specific trump cards in tricks. First team to reach the target score wins.
Setup
- Players: 4-6 players (often in partnerships).
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 6 cards to each player.
Gameplay
- Step 1: Players bid 2-5 for the right to name trumps. The highest bidder names the trump suit and leads.
- Step 2: Players must follow suit if possible. The highest trump or highest card of the led suit wins.
- Step 3: The Jick (Jack of the same color as trump) counts as a trump card, creating a 6th point card.
- Step 4: Play continues for all tricks. Point cards captured are tallied.
Scoring
- High (Ace of trump) = 1 point. Low (lowest trump played) = 1 point.
- Jack of trump = 1 point. Jick (same-color Jack) = 1 point. Joker (if used) = 1 point.
- Game (highest total card points) = 1 point. Bidding team must make their bid or lose that amount.
Variations
- 10-Point Smear: Adds more point cards for higher scoring.
- No-Jick Smear: Removes the Jick for simpler play.
Tips and Strategies
- Bid based on your trump count and which point cards you hold.
- Lead trumps early to flush out the Jack and Jick.
- Protect the Low trump card if you hold it.
Tips & Strategy
The Jick adds a surprise element. Always count how many trump cards remain and protect your point cards.
Controlling the trump suit is essential. The team that flushes out and captures the most point cards will dominate.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The Jick (same-color Jack that counts as trump) is unique to Smear and catches many new players off guard.
What is the Jick in Smear?
History & Culture
Smear evolved from the Pitch family of games and became especially popular in the upper Midwest of the United States.
Smear is a beloved card game in the American Midwest, especially in Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Wisconsin.
Variations & House Rules
10-Point Smear adds more scoring cards for a higher-stakes game. No-Jick simplifies to standard Pitch rules.
Adjust the target score or add/remove the Jick to control complexity.
