trick-taking · India
28 (Twenty-Eight)
Also known as 28 · Twenty Eight
28 (Twenty-Eight) is the classic Indian partnership trick-taking game and the close cousin of 29. With a 32-card deck where Jacks and Nines rule, you bid for the right to name trump and race to capture 28 points. Play free in your browser vs bots or friends, no signup.
4–4 players · free · no download · no signup
How to play 28 (Twenty-Eight)
- Each player bids from 14 for the right to name trump.
- The top bidder sets trump face-down.
- Follow suit; trump (once revealed) beats the led suit.
- Capture Jacks, Nines, Aces and Tens for points.
- Make your bid to score; first team to the target wins.
28 (Twenty-Eight) rules
Deck & teams
4 players in two partnerships, a 32-card deck (7-A). Card order: J (high), 9, A, 10, K, Q, 8, 7.
Points & bidding
Jack = 3, Nine = 2, Ace = 1, Ten = 1 — 28 points in all. Players bid from 14 upward; the highest bidder names the trump suit (set face-down).
Play
Follow the led suit if you can. Trump is revealed when a player can't follow. Highest trump, else highest of the led suit, wins the trick.
Scoring
The bidding team must capture at least its bid in points or it loses those points. First team to the target wins.
Strategy tips
- Bid on Jacks and Nines — they're the high cards AND the points.
- Hide your trump strength; lead side suits early.
- Save a high trump to capture the opponents' points.
Variants
29 · 56
28 (Twenty-Eight) — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 28 and 29?
They're close cousins — 28 uses a 32-card deck with 28 points and bidding from 14, while 29 adds the 8s for 29 points. Same Jacks-high ranking and trump bidding.
Can I play 28 online free?
Yes — free in your browser vs bots or friends, no signup.