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Download on Google Play- 4 players, deal 13 each.
- King chooses a contract.
- Play all 5 contracts during your reign.
- Follow suit in trick contracts.
- Shed cards in sequence for Trex.
- Avoid penalty cards based on contract.
- No Tricks: -15/trick. No Diamonds: -10/diamond.
- No King of Hearts: -75. Trex: +20 first out.
Rules
Trex is a popular Middle Eastern compendium card game, especially beloved in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Each player takes a turn as 'king' and must play through five different contracts.
Objective
Score the fewest penalty points across five contracts: No Tricks, No Diamonds, No Queens, No King of Hearts, and Trex (a shedding game).
Setup
- Players: 4 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 13 cards to each player. The 'king' (active player) chooses which contract to play.
Gameplay
- Step 1: The king selects one of their remaining unplayed contracts for the round.
- Step 2: For trick-avoidance contracts, standard trick play follows (follow suit, highest card wins, no trump).
- Step 3: For the Trex contract, players shed cards in sequence by suit. The first to empty their hand wins.
- Step 4: Each player serves as king once, playing all five contracts during their reign.
Scoring
- No Tricks: -15 per trick taken. No Diamonds: -10 per diamond captured.
- No Queens: -25 per queen taken. No King of Hearts: -75 for taking it.
- Trex: +20 for first out, -10 for last out.
Variations
- Double Trex: The king can double the stakes on any contract.
- Complex Trex: Adds a sixth contract like No Boys (no Jacks or Kings).
Tips and Strategies
- Choose contracts that match your hand. Few diamonds? Play No Diamonds.
- In No King of Hearts, avoid leading hearts to keep the King buried.
- In Trex, shed your shortest suits first to maintain control.
Tips & Strategy
Match your contract choice to your hand strength. A hand with few diamonds is perfect for No Diamonds; many low cards work for No Tricks.
Contract selection is the biggest decision. Saving your worst contract for when your hand is strongest minimizes damage.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The name 'Trex' comes from the French word 'tricks,' reflecting French cultural influence in Lebanon.
How many different contracts must each player complete as king in Trex?
History & Culture
Trex is the most popular card game in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, played in homes, cafes, and social clubs throughout the Levant.
Trex is deeply embedded in Levantine social culture, serving as a cornerstone of gatherings from Beirut to Amman.
Variations & House Rules
Double Trex lets the king double stakes on any contract. Complex Trex adds a sixth contract for more variety.
Allow the king to choose contract order strategically, or randomize for a different challenge.
