Coinche rules, the simple version

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.

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.

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 points (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.

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, the points are doubled in your favour.