Mariáš

Mariáš is a Central European trick-taking card game, most popular in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and parts of Austria and Germany. It is considered a national card game in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

General Gameplay: Mariáš is a point-trick game typically played with a 32-card deck (A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7 in each of the four suits: Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades). While various versions exist, the most common is played by three players, although two-player and four-player variations are also popular.

Card Ranking and Values: The card ranking from highest to lowest is typically Ace, Ten, King, Queen, Jack, 9, 8, 7. Card values for scoring purposes are: Ace = 11 points, Ten = 10 points, King = 4 points, Queen = 3 points, Jack = 2 points. The remaining cards (9, 8, 7) have no point value. The total number of points in the deck is 120.

Bidding and Contracts: A significant part of Mariáš involves bidding. Players bid to declare various contracts, such as a "Solo," "Durchmars," or "Seven" (calling for a particular card and partnering with whoever holds it), each with specific rules and point values. The player who wins the bidding gets to declare the contract and chooses which game to play. Other players must then play according to the rules of that contract.

Objective: The objective is to win tricks and accumulate card points according to the contract declared. Depending on the contract, the bidder may need to win a specific number of points, win all the tricks, or fulfill other specific conditions. If the bidder succeeds, they score points; if they fail, they lose points.

Variations: Numerous variations of Mariáš exist, each with slightly different rules for bidding, scoring, and gameplay. These variations may be specific to different regions or playing groups. Some popular variations include "Licitovaný Mariáš" (Auction Mariáš) and "Volený Mariáš" (Chosen Mariáš).

Strategy: Mariáš requires a combination of card-playing skill, strategic bidding, and understanding of probabilities. Players must carefully assess their hands, anticipate their opponents' moves, and choose the appropriate contract to maximize their chances of winning. The game is also heavily reliant on memory, especially in remembering which cards have already been played.

Cultural Significance: Mariáš is more than just a card game; it is a significant part of the cultural heritage of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is often played in pubs and social gatherings, and tournaments are held regularly.