How to play white in 4 people (the best guide in the Balkans)

The game requires a combination of strategy, tactics and good communication between partners. Each game consists of dealing cards, determining trumps, playing tricks and scoring. White is popular for its dynamism and ability to outsmart couples.

How to play white in 4: complete rules, step by step

1. Dealing of cards

Dealing cards is an important part of the game and is done in a counter-clockwise direction. The dealer deals each player three cards, then three more, so that each player has a total of six cards. Two tickets are left in the coupon. Players first look at their six cards, followed by the determination of trumps.

Proper sharing is key, as it allows for a fair start to each game. After the trump is determined, all players are dealt two more cards from the deck, so each player has a total of eight cards to play. The deal rotates after each game.

2. Determining the trump card

Determining the trump card is a crucial moment in the game. The first player to the right of the dealer has the right to propose trump first, and then the turn proceeds in a counter-clockwise direction. A player can declare one suit as trump or say "go ahead" if he doesn't want to take responsibility.

If no one calls trump, the deal is canceled and the cards are dealt by the next player. When someone calls a trump, all players are dealt the remaining cards and the game can begin. The choice of trump often depends on the strength of the cards a player has in a particular suit.

3. Playing and scoring

The game is played through tricks: the player whose turn it is throws a card, and the others must follow the suit if they can. If they don't have that suit, they can throw the trump or any other card. The trick is won by the highest card of the suit thrown, unless a trump is thrown - then the highest trump wins the trick.

Points are calculated based on card values ​​and ranks (special hand combinations). At the end of the game, the points of both pairs are added up, and the pair with more points wins the game. The game is played up to a predetermined number of points, usually 1001 points.

4. Titles (declarations)

Ranks are special combinations of cards that bring extra points to the team. The most common suits are: three (three cards in a row of the same suit), quarter (four cards in a row), fifth (five cards in a row), and white (king and queen in trump, worth 20 points).

Calls are made before the first trick is played and only the strongest call of a pair is recognized, except for "white" which is always recognized. Properly registering and using the title can be crucial to winning the game, as it brings a significant advantage in points.

5. Scoring tickets

Card values ​​vary depending on whether they are trumps or not. In the trump card, the most valuable cards are the jack (20 points) and the nine (14 points), while the ace and ten are worth 11 and 10 points each. In other suits, the jack is worth 2 points and the nine has no value.

The king, queen and other cards have a lower value. At the end of each game, the points from the tricks and titles are added up, and the total score is entered. The first pair to reach the agreed number of points wins the game.

How did white come about?

Bela, also known as belot, has an interesting and complex history that goes back to the 19th century. It is most commonly believed that this card game originated in France, where it was known as belote, and that it came from there to the Balkans, especially to Ireland, Croatia, Bulgaria and Bosnia, where it became extremely popular. The first documented records of the game appear in French card guides from the second half of the 19th century, and the game spread over time to other European countries.

There are theories that white originated from the game Clobyosh (cloberjass), which was popular in Switzerland and Germany, and which French soldiers may have brought to France. In Hungary, white is also believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, and the name "white" comes from the Hungarian word "Bél", meaning "inner" or "core", alluding to the central part of the game - combining the cards in the hand.

In the Balkans, white became part of the Vojvodina tradition at the beginning of the 20th century. The first rules in this area were recorded in the book "Rules of commercial card games" by Franja Valić from 1920. The game expanded rapidly, and each country and region developed its own variations of rules, scoring, and bidding methods. In some versions the trump card is chosen publicly, while in others it can be chosen secretly and revealed only during the game.

White is especially valued for its tactical depth, need for team play, and ability to outwit opponents. It has become a favorite in bars, at family gatherings and among friends, and is often played at tournaments. Today, white represents an indispensable part of the card tradition in many parts of the Balkans, as well as beyond.

Interesting facts about the game white

Bela is extremely popular in the Balkans and is considered a game that brings friends and family together. The game originated from European card games such as klaberjass and mariaš, and it got its present form at the beginning of the 20th century. Bela was often played in pubs, on vacation, and even during wartime, when it was a favorite pastime of soldiers.

Players are known to have developed secret signals and tactics to communicate with their partner, which makes the game even more interesting. Also, there are many local variations of the rules, which adds to its variety and popularity.

One of the interesting things is that "white" is used both as a name for a combination of cards (king and queen in trump), but also as a name for the game as a whole. In some regions, players have developed special customs related to sharing, scoring and reporting titles.

White is often the subject of humorous stories and anecdotes among players, and white tournaments are a regular occurrence in many cities. The game develops logical thinking, memory and teamwork, which is why it is a favorite among all generations.

The best card games for four people

Besides white, there are several other extremely popular card games that are ideal for four players. One of them is preference, a game known for its deep strategy and complex rules. Tablić is a simpler but very fun game that is quick to play and easy to learn.

Rummy is another favorite game, where players match card combinations and try to be the first to "get rid" of all the cards in their hand. Bridge is perhaps the most famous card game in the world, requiring a high level of skill and teamwork and often played at a competitive level.

Each of these games has its own specific charms - preference is for those who like deep analysis and tactics, backgammon is great for relaxed socializing, rummy is perfect for those who like stacking and combining, and bridge is a real challenge for fans of serious competition. All these games, including the white one, provide hours of fun and are a great way to socialize and develop logical thinking in society.