Coinche with three players
Updated
With three players you can't form two pairs of two. You switch to cutthroat play or a "dummy hand" system, two conventions with no official scoring.
The team problem
Coinche is built for four players in two pairs. With three, either everyone plays for themselves, or the taker faces the other two allied against them for one deal. These are table arrangements, not recognised rules.
Cutthroat format
Deal the 32 cards into three hands of ten, plus two cards set aside (a mini-stock) or an unplayed "dummy" hand. Whoever takes plays alone against the other two. The standard scoring can serve as a base, but since the deal isn't symmetric, many tables adjust the taker's points.
Dummy-hand format
A fourth dummy hand is laid down face up or down and belongs to the taker, who combines it with their own hand. This brings the game closer to a real 2-against-2, but the dummy's advantage should be offset by a higher points target, to be agreed together.
The simplest fix: an AI fourth player
If there are three of you and you want to keep the real rules (two teams, 162 points per deal, bidding from 80 to capot), the simplest option is to let an AI take the fourth seat. On Coincheur with friends, you create a private room, send the link to your two friends, and the AI takes the free seat. Everyone plays from their own phone or computer, and you choose who partners the AI.
You keep the normal scale, with no dummy and no points adjustment to negotiate. To brush up on the basics first, see the coinche rules and how to deal.
Want to practise? Play coinche online for free: tunable AIs and a coach are waiting for you on Coincheur.See also
FAQ
How do you make teams with 3 players?
You can't form two balanced pairs with three. So you play cutthroat, or the taker plays alone against the other two, sometimes helped by a dummy hand. These are conventions to set before the game.
Does scoring change with 3 players?
Standard scoring serves as a base, but since the deal isn't symmetric, many tables adjust the taker's target. Agree on it before playing.