Classic Games · Trick-Taking

Piquet

A classic two-player game combining hand evaluation and trick play. Score for your best combinations before a single card is played.

Players

Deck

32-card deck (7s–Aces)

Playing Time

30–45 min

Difficulty

What Is Piquet?

Piquet is one of the oldest and most elegant two-player card games, dating to 16th-century France. Players score points in two completely different phases: first by declaring combinations in their hand (the ‘Exchange’), then by playing tricks. The combination of both makes Piquet deeply strategic.

What You Need

A 32-card deck — remove all 2s through 6s
2 players
Score pad

Setup

Deal 12 cards to each player. Place the remaining 8 cards face-down as the stock, split into a group of 5 (top) and 3 (bottom).
The non-dealer (Elder Hand) draws up to 5 cards from the top of the stock, discarding the same number.
The dealer (Younger Hand) may draw up to 3 cards from the remaining stock, discarding the same number.

Phase 1: Declarations

Players compare their hands in three categories and score for superiority:

1. Point

Compare the longest suit in hand. Longer suit wins. Tie: count pip values (A=11, face cards=10, others face value) — higher total wins. Score 1 point per card in the winning suit.

2. Sequence

Compare the longest run of consecutive same-suit cards (minimum 3). Longer run wins. Score: 3-card run = 3 pts, 4-card = 4 pts, 5-card = 15 pts, 6-card = 16 pts, 7-card = 17 pts, 8-card = 18 pts.

3. Set (Trio or Quatorze)

Compare sets of same-rank cards (minimum 3). Higher rank wins. Trio (3 of same rank) = 3 pts. Quatorze (4 of same rank, rank must be 10 or higher) = 14 pts.

Phase 2: Trick Play

Elder Hand leads first. Follow suit if able. No trump in Piquet — highest card of led suit always wins. Count: 1 point per trick. Last trick = 1 extra. Win all 12 tricks = Capot bonus of 40 points.

Special Bonus: Pique and Repique

Repique: If one player scores 30+ pts in declarations before opponent scores anything = +60 bonus.
Pique: If Elder Hand scores 30+ in declarations + tricks before opponent scores = +30 bonus.

Winning

Play 6 deals (a Partie). Highest total score wins. If loser has under 100, winner doubles their own score.

Strategy Tips

Guard your Quatorze — four Aces or four Kings score 14 points automatically.
Elder Hand has the advantage in the exchange — maximize it.
Don’t discard from your winning sequence to chase a set.

▶ Watch: How to Play Piquet (YouTube)