Solo Whist

Solo Whist has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, originating in the Low Countries. It was introduced to London in 1852 by a family of Dutch Jews, quickly gaining popularity within the city's Jewish community. Originally known as Solo Whist, it became a favorite pastime in London's sporting clubs, serving as a low-stakes gambling game. Despite the rise of Contract Bridge in the early 20th century, Solo Whist continued to be enjoyed in social settings, including homes and pubs, albeit its popularity waned over time.

• The cards are thoroughly shuffled by the designated dealer and then cut by the player to the dealer's right.
• Cards are typically dealt in sets, following specific patterns such as 3, 3, 3, 3, 1 or variants like 4333, 3433, 3343, 3334. The final card dealt is placed face up to indicate the trump suit.
• Some players may opt for dealing the cards singly, similar to the method used in Bridge.

Bidding begins with the player to the dealer's left and proceeds clockwise. Each player has the option to bid or pass. Bidding continues around the table until the contract is settled or all players pass. If everyone passes or there is a Prop without a Cop, the hands are reshuffled and redealt.

• Prop and Cop: Two players attempt to win eight tricks together, with the first player calling Prop and others invited to call Cop. +/- 2 units each. Both proposer and accepter score.
• Solo: One player attempts to win five tricks alone. +/- 2 units.
• Misere: A player aims to win no tricks. +/- 3 units. There is no trump.
• Abundance: A player endeavors to win nine tricks. +/- 4 units. Proposer names the trump suit.
• Royal Abundance: Similar to Abundance but with the added condition of winning nine tricks in the current trump suit (the turned-up suit). +/- 4 units.
• Misere Ouverte: A player aims to win no tricks, with their hand placed face up after the first trick. +/- 6 units. There is no trump.
• Abundance Declared: A player aims to win all 13 tricks. The bidder names the trump suit and leads first. +/- 8 units.

• The player to the dealer's left leads the first trick, unless it's an Abundance Declared bid, in which case the bidder leads.
• Players must follow suit if possible. Those unable to follow suit may play any card, including a trump card if available.
• The trick is won by the highest trump card played, or if no trumps are played, by the highest card in the led suit.
• Once a player has succeeded or failed in their bid, scores are adjusted accordingly.
• After the completion of a hand, the deal passes to the left, and a new hand begins.

The game of Solo Whist can conclude under various circumstances:

1. Target Score Reached: Players may set a target score (e.g., 500 points) at the beginning of the game. The first player or team to reach or exceed this target score wins.
2. Predefined Number of Rounds: Alternatively, players may agree to play a fixed number of rounds or hands. Once all rounds are completed, the game ends, and the player or team with the highest score wins.
3. Mutual Agreement: In informal settings, players may opt to end the game by mutual consent. This could occur when players reach a predetermined time limit or simply when all participants decide to conclude the game.
4. Discontinuation: The game may also end if players choose to stop playing due to external factors like time constraints or unforeseen events.