trick-taking · France / North Africa
Belote
Also known as Coinche (related) · Contrée
Belote is France’s hugely popular 4-player partnership trick-taking game, played with a 32-card deck and the distinctive Jass ranking where the Jack and Nine of trump rule. Play free in your browser vs smart bots or friends — no download, no signup.
4–4 players · free · no download · no signup
How to play Belote
- A card is turned up to propose trump.
- Take it or pass; if all pass, name another suit.
- Remember: trump Jack then Nine are the top cards.
- Follow suit and trump when void.
- Makers must beat 81 points. First team to 501 wins.
Belote rules
Teams & deck
4 players in two partnerships, a 32-card deck (7 to Ace), 8 cards each.
Choosing trump
A card is turned up: each player may take it (that suit becomes trump and their team are the makers) or pass; if all pass, a second round lets a player name another suit.
Ranking & points
In trump: Jack (20), Nine (14), Ace (11), Ten (10), King (4), Queen (3). Non-trump: Ace high. There are 152 card points plus 10 for the last trick (162).
Scoring
The makers must score more than 81 points or they go ‘dedans’ and the defenders take everything. First team to 501 points wins.
Strategy tips
- Only take trump with the Jack or several trumps.
- Lead trumps to pull the opponents’ trumps when strong.
- Count the 20-point trump Jack and 14-point Nine carefully.
- Defend hard — pushing the makers under 82 wins you all 162.
Variants
Coinche / Contrée · Belote à deux · Tunisian Belote (Chkobba-adjacent)
Belote — frequently asked questions
What is the strongest card in Belote?
The Jack of trump (worth 20), then the Nine of trump (worth 14).
What does ‘dedans’ mean?
If the team that chose trump fails to score more than 81, they go dedans and the defenders take all the points.
Can I play Belote online free?
Yes — free in your browser at Love Card Games vs bots or friends, no signup.