trick-taking · USA
Bid Whist
Also known as Bid Whyst
Bid Whist is a beloved American 4-player partnership trick-taking game where you bid the number of tricks your team will take and name the trump suit. 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 Bid Whist
- Bid the tricks your team will take and name trump.
- The highest bid sets the contract.
- Follow suit; trump wins, else the highest led card.
- Take your six-trick book plus your bid.
- First team to the target score wins.
Bid Whist rules
Teams
4 players in two partnerships, partners sitting opposite.
Bidding
Each player bids how many tricks above the six-trick ‘book’ their team will take, and names a trump suit (or no-trump). The highest bidder sets the contract.
Play
Follow the led suit if you can. The highest trump wins, otherwise the highest card of the led suit; the winner leads next.
Scoring
The bidding team must make their book plus their bid. Make it to score; miss it and you lose your bid. First team to the target wins.
Strategy tips
- Bid your sure tricks — Aces, Kings and long trump.
- Lead trump to draw out the opponents when strong.
- Count tricks toward your book carefully.
- Set the opponents by winning the tricks they need.
Variants
Uptown/Downtown · No-trump (high/low)
Bid Whist — frequently asked questions
What is the ‘book’ in Bid Whist?
The first six tricks. Your bid is the number of tricks you’ll take on top of the book.
Is Bid Whist a partnership game?
Yes — 4 players in two partnerships, partners sitting across from each other.
Can I play Bid Whist online free?
Yes — free in your browser at Love Card Games vs bots or friends, no signup.