Whist

Whist is a classic card game that spawned many other trick-taking games. Originating in the 17th century, it was wildly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries — so much so that it’s often referenced in literature from that era. The game is straightforward: it uses a standard deck, features fixed partnerships, and has no bidding. The last card dealt determines the trump suit, and the goal is to win more tricks than the opposing team. Each trick beyond the sixth scores a point, and games typically go to 5 points (though 7 or 9-point variants exist). Whist’s charm lies in its many variations: some rotate trumps in a fixed order (Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, Clubs), others award bonuses for holding high cards in the trump suit. There’s even a bidding variant resembling Spades and two-player adaptations. If you love classic, strategic card games, Whist is a must-try.