Haggis (card game)

Haggis is a shedding-type card game primarily played with two to three players, although it can accommodate up to five. It is inspired by and shares similarities with the traditional Chinese card game Zheng Fen, as well as with Tien Len (Thirteen) and Big Two. The name "Haggis" derives from the Scottish dish of the same name, chosen to reflect a similar mix of ingredients and strategies involved in gameplay.

The core objective of Haggis is to be the first player to empty their hand of all cards. Players achieve this by playing combinations of cards that are higher in rank than the previous play, following a specific set of valid card combinations. These combinations include singles, pairs, three-of-a-kind (or sets), straights, flushes, full houses, bombs (four-of-a-kind), and "Haggis" combinations (five cards including the Joker).

A standard 54-card deck is used, incorporating two Jokers (Red and Black). The rank of cards, from highest to lowest, is typically: 2, A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3. The Joker cards have unique roles and vary slightly depending on the specific rules used. Often, they are wild cards, able to represent any other card to complete a combination or have specific point values.

A crucial element of Haggis is the bidding phase. Before each hand, players bid on how many points they believe they can score during that round. The player with the highest bid then leads the first play. Successful bidders earn points based on their bid. Failing to reach their bid results in a penalty.

Strategic play in Haggis involves card management, anticipating opponents' hands, and shrewd bidding. Successfully navigating the bidding process and knowing when to play valuable cards are key to winning.