Printable coinche rules
Here is a complete, compact summary of the rules of coinche, made to be printed. To keep it handy, use Ctrl/Cmd+P to print or save it as a PDF.
Setup
Coinche is played by 4 players in 2 teams (partners sit opposite), with a 32-card deck. Each player gets 8 cards, usually dealt in packets of 3, then 2, then 3. The deal rotates clockwise every hand.
The bidding
In turn, each player either announces a contract (a points target and a trump suit) or passes. Bids run from 80 up to capot, in steps of 10. If an opponent thinks the contract will fail, they coinche (double, ×2); the declaring side may surcoinche (redouble, ×4). See the full coinche rules.
Playing the hand
The player to the dealer's left leads. Everyone must follow suit if able. At trumps, you must overruff when ruffing after a partner already beaten by an opponent. The trick goes to the highest card (a trump if any was played). The trick winner leads next.
Scoring
A deal is worth 162 points (152 in the cards + the 10 de der for the last trick). A belote (King + Queen of trumps in one hand) adds 20 points. The contract is made if the declaring side reaches its bid; otherwise it fails and the points go to the defence. See counting points.
| Item | Points |
|---|---|
| Total of one deal | 162 |
| Belote (K+Q of trumps) | +20 |
| Capot | 250 |
| Coinche / surcoinche | ×2 / ×4 |
Keep this cheat sheet
To save this sheet, open the print dialog with Ctrl+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+P (Mac), then pick your printer or choose "Save as PDF." You can also play a hand to put the rules into practice right away.
Want to practise? Play coinche for free against tunable AIs on Coincheur.See also
FAQ
How do I print or save these rules as a PDF?
Open the print dialog with Ctrl+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+P (Mac), then choose your printer or the "Save as PDF" option.
How many points is a deal worth?
A deal is worth 162 points: 152 in the cards plus 10 de der for the last trick. A belote adds 20 points.
What does coinche mean?
To coinche is to declare that you think the opponents' contract will fail. The points are then doubled (×2), and the declaring side can redouble (surcoinche, ×4).