Twenty-five (card game)

Twenty-five is a traditional trick-taking card game of Irish origin, typically played by two to six players using a standard 52-card deck. The game revolves around winning tricks with the highest card of the suit led, with certain cards holding fixed values used for scoring.

The objective of Twenty-five is to be the first player to reach a predetermined score, usually 25 points. Points are earned by winning tricks containing specific cards, known as counters. These counters include the Ace, King, Queen, and Jack of each suit. The scoring value assigned to each counter varies slightly depending on the region and house rules, but a common scoring system assigns 5 points to each Ace, King, Queen, and Jack.

Play typically begins with a dealer distributing a predetermined number of cards to each player, often five cards each. The remaining cards form the stock. The top card of the stock is then turned face-up to establish the trump suit for that hand. Players then proceed to play tricks, with the player to the dealer's left leading the first trick. Subsequent tricks are led by the winner of the previous trick.

Players must follow suit if possible. If a player cannot follow suit, they may play any other card, including a trump card. The highest card of the suit led wins the trick, unless a trump card is played, in which case the highest trump card wins the trick.

After all tricks have been played, the players tally the points contained within the tricks they have won. The player or players who have accumulated points are awarded those points. The deal then passes to the next player in a clockwise direction, and a new hand is played. This process continues until one player reaches the agreed-upon target score of 25 points, thereby winning the game.

Variations exist regarding specific rules, such as the number of cards dealt, the scoring values of counters, and rules regarding the calling of trump. These variations often depend on the geographical region or specific house rules.