Description
Briškula is a traditional Mediterranean card game that generations have played along the Adriatic. Briškula or Triestine Playing Cards are a set of 40 cards with Triestine designs, so you can play it at home or on the go.
How to play Briškula
Each player gets three cards, and one card is turned face up to set the trump suit, the briškula. On your turn, you play one card. You don't have to follow suit, which sets Briškula apart from most trick-taking games. Whoever wins the trick draws a new card from the pile first, followed by the other player.
At the end you don't count tricks but the points on the cards you have won. An ace is worth 11 points, a three 10, a king 4, a knight 3 and a jack 2; the other cards are worth nothing. There are 120 points in total, and whoever collects more wins.
Why you'll like it
- You learn the rules in a few minutes, but playing well is another story.
- Since you don't have to follow suit, you can hold on to your trumps and play them when there are points on the table.
- With four players you play in pairs, and partners may talk to each other but not give signals.
- The small box fits in any pocket.
Who Briškula is for
Briškula is for 2 to 6 players aged 8 and up, and a game takes about 30 minutes. The rules are simple, and players like it best with four. It suits families, couples on holiday and anyone who loves classic card games. With four and six players you play in teams. With three players you remove one card from the deck, usually a two, and with five one of the players shuffles and sits out that game.
There is no text on the cards.
There are also well-known variants: double Briškula for two, where each player has four cards and plays twice in every trick, open Briškula, where all cards are face up, and calling Briškula for five players, where you bid and use a called card to get a hidden partner.
Our shop also has Tarok Playing Cards.
What you might not like
Which cards you get is a matter of luck, so Briškula is not a game for those who want to have everything under control. Anyone looking for a modern board game with more decisions and a theme will see it as a simple classic.
What's in the box
- 40 cards with Triestine designs
