Coinche rules, the simple version
Updated
Here's coinche without the jargon: just enough to understand it and start your first deal right now.
The kit and the teams
A 32-card deck (7 to Ace) and 4 players in 2 teams facing each other. Everyone gets 8 cards, so 8 tricks to play per deal. The first team to reach the target score (often 1000 or 1500 points) wins the game.
Trump and bidding
The trump is the deal's ruling suit: its cards beat all others. During the bidding, each team can announce a numbered contract (from 80 up to capot) and pick the trump. Bids climb in tens. The highest contract wins and becomes the target. Careful in trump: the Jack and the 9 are strongest, not the Ace. If you don't feel confident, you can always "pass" and let the others speak.
How you play a card
On your turn, you play one card. The basic rule: you must follow the suit of the first card of the trick if you can. If you're out of that suit, you ruff with a trump (unless your partner is already winning the trick). The strongest card wins the trick, a trump always beating the other suits, and the trick winner leads next. Details in the full rules.
Counting and winning
A deal is worth 162 points (152 in the cards + 10 for the last trick). If the team that took the contract reaches it, they score; otherwise they "fail" and everything goes to the opponents. The coinche (double) doubles the contract's value (x2) when you think the opponents won't make their contract; they can then "surcoincher" (redouble) to quadruple the stake. This little bidding duel is what gives the game its name and its bite. Don't forget the belote either (trump King and Queen in the same hand): it scores 20 bonus points, not to be overlooked in a tight contract.
Simplest of all: try it
Nothing beats a real deal. You can play against the AI on Coincheur to see the rules in action, with no risk of miscounting. And relax: many choices are fine, what matters is grasping the logic.
Want to practise? Play coinche online for free: tunable AIs and a coach are waiting for you on Coincheur.See also
FAQ
What is the lowest bid?
80. Bidding then climbs in tens up to 160, followed by capot and some special calls depending on the table.
What does "coincher" mean?
To coinche is to double the opponents: you bet they won't make their contract. If you're right, your team scores 162 plus twice the contract.
How many players for coinche?
Coinche is played by 4 people, in 2 teams of 2, with partners sitting opposite each other.